Check the pharmacy’s website for a physical address and phone number. Legitimate pharmacies openly provide contact information.
Checking Credentials
- Verify if the pharmacy is licensed by your state’s board of pharmacy. Search your state’s regulatory website for licensing information. Look for accreditation seals from organizations like the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. This indicates compliance with U. S. pharmacy standards. Check for a secure website (HTTPS) and a privacy policy detailing how your information is protected.
Scrutinize the website’s design and content. Avoid sites with grammatical errors, suspicious pricing, or promises of quick, easy prescriptions without a doctor’s consultation.
Prescription Review
Ensure the pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a licensed physician before dispensing medication. Legitimate pharmacies prioritize patient safety and adhere to legal prescription requirements. Confirm the pharmacy uses secure methods for prescription processing and delivery. Look for information on tracking your order and confirming its authenticity. Review online customer reviews and testimonials, but be aware that some reviews may be fake. Look for patterns and consistent feedback from multiple sources.
Secure Payment
Use only secure payment methods such as PayPal or credit cards with fraud protection. Avoid using wire transfers or prepaid debit cards, as these are harder to dispute if something goes wrong.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
Report any suspicious online pharmacies to your state’s board of pharmacy or the U. S. Food and Drug Administration. Your report will help protect other people.
Beware of Counterfeits
Be cautious of unbelievably low prices – these might indicate counterfeit drugs. Always compare prices across multiple reliable sources.
