Understanding online pharmacy verification services
In searching for an online pharmacy you can trust, you’ve no doubt come across various seals and certifications on Web sites. Why are such seals important? And how do you know whether they are legitimate?
When it comes to Canadian pharmacies, a seal isn’t technically necessary for a pharmacy to be above board. All the pharmacy needs is the approval of its provincial government, which inspects pharmacies and awards the legitimate ones with licenses. You can generally verify that a pharmacy has a license by visiting the appropriate Canadian government Web site.
However, to make things easier for you, a number of verification authorities have emerged that do this work for you. Here is an overview of these verification authorities:
PharmacyChecker.com. PharmacyChecker.com is the verification authority that Google uses in determining what pharmacies are allowed to advertise on its network. PharmacyChecker ensures that a pharmacy Web site dispenses through a licensed pharmacy; that it has a valid address and phone number on its site; that it protects the privacy of your personal medical information; and that it also protects your financial information.
CIPA. The Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) was formed in 2002 to represent licensed Canadian pharmacies that sell prescription drugs to Americans by mail order. CIPA is the only national association of international pharmacies in Canada. CIPA members are licensed brick and mortar pharmacies that fill prescriptions for both Canadian and American patients. CIPA has testified before the U.S. Congress and state legislatures to promote legalizing the cross-border trade and to address safety issues.
MIPA. The Manitoba International Pharmacists Association (MIPA) is a professional association of licensed pharmacists, pharmacy students, and others dedicated to the provision of safe and affordable distance care for the improvement of health and well being of individuals of all ages from around the world. MIPA offers accreditation to licensed mail-order and Internet pharmacies based in the Canadian province of Manitoba.
All of these organizations do a wonderful job, and a Canadian pharmacy Web site that legitimately carries one of their seals is worthy of your patronage.
Unfortunately, many scam pharmacies, such as no prescription pharmacies, carry seals fraudulently, or create fake seals from non-existent verification organizations.
Here’s an example of a legitimate CIPA seal (top) and a fake seal (bottom):
You can be assured that all Canadian pharmacies in our network have been verified by PharmacyChecker as well as CIPA and/or MIPA. We’ll show you how to confirm the legitimacy and license of every pharmacy in our network.
Once you join us, you’ll never have to worry about your safety when ordering online again.
Don’t take chances — join today!
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