It is well known that prices of prescription medications are among the highest in the United States. Approximately five million Americans every year fill their essential prescriptions from licensed Canada pharmacies and International pharmacies or fulfillment centers. When one searches the internet for purchasing medications online, they will find thousands of websites offering these services. How does one sort out which company is safe and reliable? What certifications and credentials should one look for? These are the key questions that every prudent consumer should ask when dealing with an online Canadian pharmacy. Medications in the U.S can often times cost twice as much compared to drug cost in other parts of the world. In searching for cost-effective medications online people should not end up selecting fraudulent rogues internet pharmacies that will not only waste their money but may also harm their health. A few factors that one should consider are price, reliability, range of products, service, and certifications in selecting an online pharmacy. A credible online pharmacy should advertise the name of at least one of their pharmacies on the website along with its license information and include a toll-free number for any questions that one may have. All credible online pharmacies will ask for a valid prescription from the patient’s own doctor prior to dispensing any prescription medications. Third party verifications are also important to determine if the pharmacy is credible. Customers can trust a Canadian pharmacy that are accredited and verified by RxRights Coalition members such as Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA), Pharmacy Accreditation Services and PharmacyChecker.com, IPABC (International Pharmacy Association of British Columbia) or MIPA (Manitoba International Pharmacy Association). These third party accreditations/verifications and associations ensures that the pharmacy and its website being verified complies with the third party standards and policies. It is also common for these third party verification companies to do site visits to their verified members. These companies can help in distinguishing between licensed, legitimate and fraud, rogues online pharmacies that sell counterfeit medicines. Canadian pharmacies that are approved by Pharmacy Checker and CIPA have to fulfill the following conditions:
- These pharmacies will dispense medications only if the customers provide a valid prescription.
- The stores need medical and demographic information from the patients along with his/her medical history to avoid any adverse health impacts.
- Licensed pharmacist must be available with the store to provide consultation upon patient’s request.
- The online store has to show their name, address and contact information on their website.
- The store has to maintain patient’s privacy and confidentiality in terms of personal information and contact details.
- The store must not be involved in the selling of controlled substances or narcotics.
Ordering drug from such stores will ensure safety, peace of mind and quality drugs at cost-effective prices for the customers. As per the study of National Bureau of Economic Research, drug importation through legitimate a Canadian pharmacy is a safe and money saving options for the Americans.