Health Canada: How to Check Canadian Medicines and Online Pharmacies

Want to buy medicine or a supplement from a Canadian site but not sure who to trust? Health Canada is the agency that approves drugs, tracks recalls, and issues Natural Product Numbers (NPNs) for supplements. Knowing a few quick checks can save you time, money, and risk.

How Health Canada protects you

Health Canada reviews prescription drugs and many over-the-counter products before they reach the market. Approved drugs appear in the Drug Product Database, and natural health products get an NPN so you can verify ingredients and approved uses. The agency also posts safety alerts and recalls—so a fast search on Health Canada can show if a product has issues.

But Health Canada doesn’t police every online shop. Some virtual pharmacies operate legally from Canada, others don’t. That’s why you should use Health Canada info as a first filter, then check the seller directly.

Simple checks before you buy

Here’s a quick, practical list you can use right now:

- Look for a license number and a Canadian address on the pharmacy site. If you can’t find them, walk away. Legit pharmacies show clear contact details.

- Make sure they require a prescription for prescription drugs. If they send you medicine without one, that’s a red flag.

- Search the Drug Product Database or the Natural Health Product Database for the product’s name or NPN. If you find a match, the product has been reviewed by Health Canada.

- Check reviews and third-party seals. Groups like CIPA (Canadian International Pharmacy Association) list verified pharmacies. A seal alone isn’t proof, but its absence is a warning sign.

- Read the label and packaging info. Canadian labeling follows specific rules: active ingredients, dosage, lot numbers and expiry dates should be visible.

- Compare prices but watch out for deals that look too good. Very low prices can mean counterfeit or expired products.

- If you’re in the U.S. or another country, check local rules about importing meds. Personal import rules vary and you don’t want your order stopped at the border.

On this site, we cover related topics like the rise of virtual pharmacies in Canada, cross-border prescription services, and how to spot safe online pharmacies. Read articles such as “Canada’s Online Pharmacies” or “Virtual Pharmacies in Canada” for deeper tips and real examples.

If you still feel unsure, call your doctor or local pharmacist and ask. They can confirm whether a drug is appropriate and point you to safe sellers. A little verification upfront beats health problems later.