Check the pharmacy’s registration with the provincial regulatory body. Each Canadian province maintains a list of licensed pharmacies. Verify the pharmacy’s license number and contact the regulatory body directly to confirm its validity. This confirms the pharmacy operates legally within Canada.
Examine the website’s security features. Look for a secure connection (HTTPS) indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar. Also, ensure the website displays a physical address and contact information, including a phone number. Avoid pharmacies lacking these basic security protocols.
Scrutinize the pharmacy’s medication information. Legitimate Canadian pharmacies provide detailed information about medications, including potential side effects and interactions. Vague or incomplete information should raise immediate concern.
Review online reviews and testimonials. While not foolproof, an abundance of negative reviews or complaints may indicate issues with service quality or legitimacy. Pay attention to reviews mentioning delivery times, customer service, and medication authenticity.
| Provincial License | Clearly displayed and verifiable | Absent or unverifiable |
| Website Security | HTTPS, clear contact information | HTTP, missing or vague contact details |
| Medication Information | Detailed and accurate | Vague or incomplete |
| Online Reviews | Mostly positive and credible | Predominantly negative or suspicious |
Report suspicious pharmacies to Health Canada. If you encounter a pharmacy you suspect is operating illegally, report it to the appropriate authorities. This helps protect other consumers from potential harm.
