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The Best Online Pharmacies in Canada

Our Top Picks

If something can be done in a convenient, efficient way, why not use that possibility? Compared to a standard brick-and-mortar pharmacy, an online drugstore allows you to buy all necessary medications while sitting on a couch in the comfort of your home. Moreover, since the pandemic began two years ago, many people started choosing contact-less services, telehealth doctor’s appointments as well as online shopping, medications included.   

What makes online pharmacies especially convenient is digitally transmitted doctor’s prescriptions. The majority of medical professionals prefer to e-prescribe drugs. In fact, it even helps to limit dosage errors. Even if you get a hand-written note after visiting your physician, the prescription would be transmitted to pharmacies digitally. But before you access any online pharmacy remember that non-over-the-counter medications require a doctor’s prescription. You might have to visit an office or a telehealth service. Read about the best telehealth services here

Also, we must mention that if you need medication right away, an online drugstore might not be the best choice to purchase antibiotics or anything else you need. It might take a few days to receive a package. However, if you are looking to set a fixed schedule for receiving medication on time, want to buy pills in bulk or simply do not feel like going to a store, online pharmacies are for you.   

Another attractive fact about online drugstores is cost saving. Besides buying medications in bulk, many online pharmacies offer over-the-counter non-prescription drugs at a decent discount.   

Check out our list of the best online pharmacies in Canada. 

What you need to know

Buying medications either over-the-counter or at an online pharmacy is a slightly more complex process than picking up a gallon of milk at a grocery store. After all, when it comes to drugs, life and health can be at the stake. While there are so many virtual pharmacies to choose from, some online drugstores are not trustworthy at all. Thus, there are a few important factors you have to consider before contacting a virtual pharmacist.   

  • Credibility:   “In Canada, the licensing of pharmacies and/or pharmacists is under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities who are members of the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA),” as per the Government of Canada.  

“In Canada, pharmacies and/or pharmacy owners are regulated by the pharmacy regulatory authority in the jurisdiction (province or territory) where the business is established. A legitimate pharmacy and/or pharmacy owner – including online pharmacies and owners of online pharmacies – will thus be licensed by the pharmacy regulatory authority in that province or territory,” adds NAPRA.   

If this sounds disturbing, do not be discouraged. Further we will break down a few steps on how you can identify a legitimate online pharmacy.   

An online pharmacy is legitimate if:   

  • It requires a valid prescription from a physician (or another health practitioner) who is licensed to practice in Canada.  
  • It is licensed by a provincial/territorial pharmacy regulatory authority in Canada.  
  • Has a licensed pharmacist available at any  
  • Provides a street address (must be located in Canada). 

If, however, no Canadian address is provided, you can check whether that online pharmacy is part of the Pharmacy Verified Websites Program. It is an American program that helps identify legitimate online pharmacies.   

At the same time keep in mind that an online pharmacy that DOES NOT require a valid prescription or provides a physical address might be fraudulent. Besides, watch for such advertising as worldwide shipping, or unbelievably cheap prices.   

“A pharmacy that offers you prescription-only medication without a prescription is a red flag. This is against the law. Pharmacists cannot diagnose your medical conditions and do not have the legal authority to write prescriptions. Do not assume that filling out a medical questionnaire or answering questions in an online consultation gives them the right to do so,” according to the VeryWell Health Magazine.    

  • Shipping:   Yes, discounted medication prices might seem attractive enough. However, if the cost of shipping is high, you might as well pay full price at your local pharmacy. Speaking of legitimacy, the delivery cost is also something that should be clearly stated on a website of an online pharmacy.   

Besides, while some medications need proper handling, temperature-regulated package (insulin, for instance), make sure to double-check it would be shipped accordingly.    

  •  Cost:    As we mentioned at the beginning, virtual pharmacies often do not only save time but also money. Many online drugstores offer such benefits as price-match guarantees and referral bonuses. Although, keep in mind that prices that seem suspiciously low can be a red flag. Give a check to PharmacyChecker.com. It is a helpful website where you can compare prices across accredited pharmacies worldwide.

Mednow

Mednow is the perfect way to get prescriptions filled. The specialists are fast and knowledgeable. The delivery is efficient and organized. It was a very pleasant experience. I will surely use it for any of my prescription needs in the future.

Mednow is a Canadian online pharmacy/telehealth provider where prescriptions can be provided in an efficient way. Moreover, it offers free shipping across Canada: you get real-time delivery notifications on the status of your prescription. Keep in mind that Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver area users can expect their prescription to be delivered the same day, and Ontario and British Columbia can expect it the next day or even sooner. While all other provinces and areas will still have free shipping, it can take longer to get your package by mail.   

The Mednow online pharmacy service is also really easy to navigate around. It only takes a few minutes to transfer your prescription refills from your old pharmacy. You can also snap a photo of your current prescription and upload it to your account.    

Another advantage many customers noted about Mednow is 24/7 pharmacists’ support. It does not matter if you prefer phone, video calls, or texting, use any convenient way to contact a doctor or a pharmacist.

Pros
  • 24/7 support.  
  • Quick, easy set-up.  
  • Free shipping within Canada. 
Cons
  • Virtual doctor appointments may not be covered. 

TELUS virtual pharmacy

Trusted by 47,000 Canadians TELUS virtual pharmacy makes healthcare more accessible and efficient, meeting the needs of every patient. You might be buying medications for yourself or caring for a loved one, TELUS online pharmacy can help to organize all required medications by date and time. Besides easily staying on track of pills intake, you can select automated refill and renewal reminders to help you plan in advance.   

“Combining the latest innovation and technology with Alliance Pharmacy Group’s strong foundation and delivery model, the TELUS Health Virtual Pharmacy provides everything you’d expect from a pharmacy and more,” promises the company

The team of licensed pharmacists, registered technicians, pharmacy assistants and 24/7 customer support work together to bring a personal touch and quality service. You can connect with pharmacists via video chats.   

Besides convenient ways to connect to specialists, you can use the Virtual Pharmacy app. It is the easiest way to connect with a pharmacist and order medications, as well as track and manage your prescription history, and refill availability.   

Pros
  • Fast and free shipping.
  • Virtual Pharmacy app for easy prescription management.
Cons
  • According to some reviews the customer service has an issue with responding immediately.

PC Health pharmacy

PC Health Online Prescription Management is a digital pharmacy for Loblaw® and DRUGStore™ where you can request refills, set up prescription auto-refill, and track pickup notifications.   

Just keep in mind that the Online Prescription Management service is currently only available for Loblaw® and DRUGStore™ pharmacies across Manitoba and Ontario. You can access it at mypharmacy.pchealth.ca.   

One of our favourite PC Health Pharmacy features is the ability to refill prescriptions automatically with Auto-Refill. It is a convenient function that can automatically refill your medications before you run out. You will get notified when your prescription is ready via text or email.   

More than that, you can always control each prescription, and cancel Auto-Refill service at any time. You can also add your family members to the main account. Manage their prescriptions by easily switching between your own profile and someone else’s who is under your care. 

Pros
  • Auto Refill function.
  • Convenient and easy to navigate.
  • Can track prescription history for every family member .
Cons
  • Online Prescription Management service is currently only available across Manitoba and Ontario.

Well.ca

“At Well.ca, we deliver wellness on your terms because we believe that you should never have to compromise on the health, wellness, baby and beauty products you choose for yourself and your loved ones. That is why we offer a broad selection of carefully curated, peer-reviewed products, all available online and delivered right to your door. It is because we know that choice matters,” say the founders of Well.ca.  

The company, including pharmaceutical drugs, offers over 40,000 products and Canada’s largest assortment of green & natural brands.  

Well.ca is another Canadian company that expresses a passion for health and wellness through the service they offer. Besides friendly and helpful customer service you get fast and free (over $35 order) shipping across Canada.  

Although at Well.ca you can find more than medications, let us focus more on the virtual pharmacy side of it. The Well.ca pharmacy can deliver prescriptions submitted through your Well.ca account. (With exception of narcotics and other controlled substances or prescriptions that require refrigeration.) If you are looking to get a new prescription you can always contact a doctor before heading to a pharmacy.  

A customer noted she finally got her dad’s prescription sorted after he had had such a struggle trying to collect it himself. Having it delivered from Well.ca makes his life so much easier.   

If you need to refill your Well.ca prescription simply click on the Prescriptions tab of your pharmacy account and select the prescription you need to refill. Then confirm your delivery address and submit your refill request. There are a few options you can select for your convenience: select refill on a 30, 60, or 90-day cycle.

Pros
  • Offers not only medications but also wellness and beauty products.
  • Free shipping over $35.
  •  Easy management of your account.
Cons
  • Only able to offer provincial/ public health coverage in Ontario.

Pocketpills

Pocketpills is a Canadian company founded by a group of pharmacists and engineers. They say what stood behind establishing Pocketpills was the realization that pharmacies had not changed at all in the last hundred years. They saw a real need for a more personal pharmacy experience, where customers would be served in an efficient, straightforward way: the service that would put people first without sacrificing quality.   

“We are not just about being fast and affordable (not by a long shot). Sure, those things are important but more important is connecting with our members to provide better care. That is where our technology comes in,” the founders of the company keep saying.   

The main factor Pocketpills focuses on is constantly upgrading and automating their system where customers have access to pharmacists for as long and as often as they need.  

Managing medications might be a complicated task, especially if you or someone under your care takes more than five a day. That is why Pocketpills pre-sorts and packages every pill so you would not have to worry about remembering to take the right dose at the right time.   

Besides that, Pocketpills aims to bring affordable prices, as they say to “ease the burden on our health system.”   

Pros
  • Pre-sort and packaged medications.
  • Easy to navigate around the website/app.
  • Effortless prescription transfer from your old pharmacy.
Cons
  • None.

Pharmex Direct

Pharmex Direct is another Canadian pharmacy that specializes in long-term maintenance of medications. The team of qualified specialists is based in Oakville, Ontario, and they are fully accredited by the Ontario College of Pharmacists.   

The company was established in 1992 and since then started providing the highest level of quality care. The very first factor that defines Pharmex Direct is a complete focus on the customer. Licensed specialists counsel via phone, and can help with any questions or prescription dispensing.   

For those living in Ontario, they offer free delivery to your home or workplace. But even if you live anywhere else, you still can benefit from their low dispensing fees of $7.99. Some customers say they prefer to receive ninety days of medication at once because then they pay only one dispensing fee.   

Of course, to speak of insurance coverage, Pharmex Direct works with you to provide the best available coverage for specialty and expensive medications including “Patient Support Programs”.

Pros
  • Specialty care.
  • Low dispensing fee. 
  • Convenient to use.
Cons
  • Pharmex prescription services are available in BC, SK, or MB only.

Why trust us

We understand how important health and well-being are. Whether you are taking care of a loved one or buying medications for yourself, in this article we combined all necessary resources, plus a few virtual pharmacies’ suggestions.   

While online drugstores become more and more popular because of their convenience, it is crucial to remember to choose only legitimate medical providers.   

That is why, when we spend around 11 hours researching for this guide, we collected all the necessary information you need to choose the right place to buy drugs. We based our research on such trusted resources as the Government of Canada (Health Section), NAPRA, as well as, many customers reviews who trust previously mentioned online pharmacies.   

Frequently asked questions

What is an online pharmacy?   

An online pharmacy is an internet-based business that sells medications and sends orders to customers over mail or shipping companies.   

What are the pros and cons of online drugstores?   

There are two sides to online pharmacies. While it is a convenient way of buying medications that provides immediate information, fast delivery and often cheaper price, it is also known for less accuracy in diagnosis. The main disadvantage is the lack of physical evaluation, which can lead to inaccuracy of prescription.   

Is online pharmacy safe to use?   

The main factor you want to pay attention to is the legitimacy of an online pharmacy. Overall, if the online pharmacy you chose is licensed under the jurisdiction of provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory authorities (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities), is it safe to order your medication from such a place.  

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Updated date

June 10th, 2022

About the author

Maria Kossman

Maria Kossman is an essayist, and content specialist at Rant-it.ca. Her writing appeared in a variety of fashion magazines. When she is not focused on reviewing and writing, she spends time exploring coffee shops, English literature and antique malls.
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