Verify the pharmacy’s license with the California State Board of Pharmacy. Their website provides a search tool to confirm registration.
Check for a valid U. S. physical address. Legitimate pharmacies operate from a real location within the United States, and this address should be easily verifiable.
Look for a pharmacist’s contact information. A readily available phone number and email address indicate transparency and willingness to address concerns.
Security Measures
Confirm the use of HTTPS security protocol (look for “https://” in the URL). This encrypts your personal data, protecting it from unauthorized access.
Review customer testimonials. Positive reviews from verified customers can provide insights into a pharmacy’s reliability and service quality. Be cautious of overwhelmingly positive reviews, as they may be fabricated.
Understanding Prescription Requirements
Ensure the pharmacy requires a valid prescription from a licensed California physician. Legitimate pharmacies will never offer medications without a prescription.
Understand their return policy. A clear return policy shows commitment to customer satisfaction and handling potential issues.
Comparison Table
| Licensing | Clearly displayed license number verifiable on the California State Board of Pharmacy website | Missing or unverifiable license information |
| Address | Verifiable U. S. physical address | Missing or suspicious address |
| Contact Info | readily available phone number and email address | Limited or nonexistent contact information |
| Security | Uses HTTPS protocol | Uses HTTP protocol or no security information available |
Additional Tips
Avoid pharmacies with unusually low prices. These prices often indicate the sale of counterfeit or substandard medications.
Report suspicious online pharmacies to the California State Board of Pharmacy. Helping authorities combat illegal operations protects public health.
