Check the pharmacy’s license and accreditation. Look for verification from organizations like the NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy) or similar bodies in your country. Legitimate pharmacies will proudly display this information.
Verify their physical address. A reputable online pharmacy will have a clearly stated physical address. Avoid those using PO boxes or virtual addresses. You should be able to find independent confirmation of the address online.
Scrutinize their security measures. Look for HTTPS encryption (the padlock symbol in your browser’s address bar) and a privacy policy that details how they protect your personal information. Avoid sites that seem careless about security.
Contact Information and Customer Service
Contact them directly! A genuine pharmacy will have multiple ways to contact them, including a phone number and a functional email address. Test their responsiveness; quick, helpful replies are a good sign.
Reviewing Customer Testimonials
Read independent reviews. Sites like Trustpilot offer insights from past customers. Look for consistent positive feedback. A few negative reviews are normal, but overwhelmingly negative reviews are a red flag.
Medication Authenticity
Inquire about medication sourcing. Reputable pharmacies will openly discuss their suppliers. Ask about any certifications or guarantees regarding medication authenticity.
| Licensing | Clearly displayed, verifiable | Missing or unclear |
| Address | Physical address confirmed | PO Box or virtual address |
| Security | HTTPS encryption, clear privacy policy | Lack of security measures |
| Customer Service | Responsive, helpful | Unresponsive or unhelpful |
| Reviews | Mostly positive, independent | Overwhelmingly negative |
Pricing and Payment Methods
Be wary of unusually low prices. Prices that are significantly lower than average may indicate counterfeit medications. Check for secure payment gateways; avoid pharmacies that only accept unconventional payment methods.
