Verify the pharmacy’s license and accreditation with your state board of pharmacy and organizations like the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). Check for a physical address and contact information readily available on their website.
Checking for Legitimate Operations
Look for secure payment gateways (HTTPS) and customer testimonials. Avoid sites with glaring grammatical errors or suspiciously low prices. A reputable pharmacy offers detailed product information, including ingredients and potential side effects.
Understanding Pharmacy Credentials
| NABP Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) Accreditation | Check the NABP website for a list of accredited pharmacies. |
| State License Verification | Contact your state board of pharmacy directly. |
| Customer Reviews and Ratings | Consult independent review sites like Trustpilot or Google Reviews. |
Protecting Your Privacy
Confirm the pharmacy’s privacy policy protects your personal and medical information. Legitimate pharmacies use encryption to safeguard sensitive data during transactions. Secure websites utilize SSL certificates, indicated by a padlock icon in your browser’s address bar.
Contacting the Pharmacy
Test their customer service. A reputable pharmacy responds promptly to inquiries via phone, email, or live chat. Easy communication is a strong indicator of a reliable service.
