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Check Out Canada’s Top Online Pharmacies (Because 96% of Online Pharmacies Are Fake!)

We can happily blame 2020 for people ordering prescriptions online in 2021.

What started as a compulsion during the pandemic has now turned into a routine for people.

As per our internal survey, 53% of Canadians who had not used online pharmacy platforms before the year 2020 are now using them for the sake of convenience.

However, according to ASOP (Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies), there are 35000 online pharmacies around the world but only 1400 of them are safe and legal.

That means, almost 96% of online pharmacies are fake pharmacies.

Thus, to help you with selecting the best virtual pharmacies to order prescriptions online, we are here listing out the top online pharmacies in Canada.

Top online pharmacies in Canada

Please note: We are not a pharmacy. We are a health-tech company. We are here putting this list to inspire healthcare entrepreneurs and pharmacists to build something similar.

1. PocketPills

Pocketpills

This is Canada’s most popular online pharmacy platform with no physical stores. Users have to use the PocketPills mobile app or website to order and manage the prescription online.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Discreet packaging
  • Meds are sorted by dose and time
  • Automatic refills and renewal
  • Manage loved ones’ medications

The PocketPills pharmacy has recently rolled out the telemedicine program from its app itself.

So, now users can talk to physicians and get prescriptions without switching the app.

It serves all provinces of Canada.

Delivery Fees: $0

Pocketpills Review

2. Costco Pharmacy

Costco Pharmacy

Costco: One of Canada’s Most Popular Retail Pharmacy Chains

This is one of Canada’s most popular retail pharmacy chains, offering both in-store and online pharmacy services. Users can fill new or refill existing prescriptions online via Costco’s website, 24 hours a day.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • 24/7 Online Prescription Services
  • Easy Prescription Transfer: Users can transfer prescriptions from other pharmacies by providing Costco with the pharmacy name and contact information.

Delivery Fees: $0

Note: Unlike PocketPills, Costco Pharmacy does not claim to deliver prescriptions within 24 hours.

3. Well Pharmacy

Well Pharmacy

Well isn’t just an online pharmacy; it’s a fully integrated healthcare eCommerce platform where users can purchase over 40,000 wellness products alongside managing prescriptions online.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Buy over 40,000 wellness products online
  • Consult virtual dietitians and naturopaths
  • Same-day or next-day prescription delivery

Delivery Fees: $0

Note: If the order includes non-prescription items and the total is under $35, a delivery fee is applied.

This makes Well a versatile option, but users should be mindful of delivery fees for non-prescription purchases.

4. Pharmasave

Pharmasave

Pharmasave owns 750 stores across Canada and with this large market footprint, it is Canada’s largest retail pharmacy chain.

It offers major 3 virtual pharmacy services:

  • New prescription
  • Prescription refills
  • Prescription transfer

These features include:

  • See the current prescription profile of medications
  • Review prescription information
  • Request refills
  • See profiles for dependents, pets, and family members
  • Create reminders to take or refill your medication

Delivery Fees: $0

However, the UI of the app is not so user-friendly.

Pharmasave review

5. Rexall Pharmacy

Rexall Pharmacy

This is Canada’s most innovative online pharmacy platform, offering a range of online prescription management services including refills and transfers.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Medical drugs, beauty products, and personal healthcare items
  • Order through Uber Eats with location-based delivery fees
  • Virtual consultations with partnered physicians
  • Be Well App for health management and rewards

Rexall stands out for its user-friendly and innovative approach to pharmacy services.

Delivery Fees: Yes (but not fixed)

6. CanadaDrugMart

CanadaDrugMart

CanadaDrugMart is an underrated digital pharmacy offering services similar to other popular virtual pharmacies in Canada. However, it has some limitations in user experience and delivery times.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Supports international shipping.
  • Users get free shipping on their next order when they refer friends.

Challenges:

  • The website interface is not user-friendly.
  • Prescription delivery takes almost 5-21 days.
  • Users must email the team to transfer prescriptions, which can be cumbersome.

Operating in Manitoba under a license from the Manitoba Pharmaceutical Association, CanadaDrugMart offers some unique features despite its challenges.

Delivery Fees: $13.00/order in North America, $25 for international orders

7. NorthWestPharmacy

NorthWestPharmacy

NorthWest Pharmacy is an underrated pharmacy in Canada, certified by CIPA and IPABC. It offers a range of top drugs across various categories such as heart health, men’s health, women’s health, digestive health, and mental health.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Sells drugs for heart health, men’s health, women’s health, digestive health, and mental health
  • Allows prescription orders via phone, email, or fax for easy access

Challenges:

  • Website lacks user-friendliness and detailed information, affecting the overall experience

Despite these benefits, the website’s usability leads to a rating of 3.5 out of 5.

Delivery Fees: Not disclosed

8. Pharmex Direct

Pharmex Direct

Pharmex Direct is fully accredited by the Ontario College of Pharmacists and has been operating since 1992. It serves the entire province of Ontario.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Medical and non-prescription products (allergies, supplements, vitamins, women’s health)
  • Phone consultations with pharmacists
  • Prescription delivery in 24-48 hours across Ontario

Pharmex Direct provides quick delivery and accessible pharmacist consultations, making it a reliable choice for Ontario residents.

Delivery Fees: Free for prescriptions and $50 for non-prescription products

9. Mednow

Mednow

Founded in 2018, Mednow has quickly raised $37 million and begun trading publicly.

The top benefits it offers are:

  • Same-day delivery in the GTA and GVA, 1-3 days for the rest of Ontario and British Columbia
  • Chat with pharmacists by phone or text
  • Online consultations with Canadian physicians

With its 360-degree care solution, Mednow covers everything from doctor consultations to prescription delivery, providing comprehensive patient care.

Delivery Fees: $0

Mednow review

How to Identify a Safe and Legal Online Pharmacy Platform?

ASOP suggests looking for the following signs to identify a safe and legal online pharmacy platform:

  • Requires a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider
  • Has a licensed pharmacist available to answer questions
  • Provide a physical address and phone number
  • Protects personal and financial information
  • Does not sell prescription drugs that are not approved by Health Canada or the FDA
  • Has a seal of approval from an independent third-party organization

E-commerce Trends in Pharmacy: A Big Thing in 2024

The pharmacy industry is rapidly embracing e-commerce, with digital platforms transforming how people access medications and healthcare products. Key trends shaping the industry include:

1. Online Prescription Services

Digital pharmacies like PocketPills and Mednow allow users to order, refill, and manage prescriptions online, offering convenient, contact-free services.

2. Telemedicine Integration

Many online pharmacies now offer telemedicine consultations, enabling patients to consult doctors and get prescriptions without leaving the platform.

3. Subscription Services

Automatic prescription refills and medication subscriptions are becoming popular, ensuring patients never miss a dose.

4. Personalized Healthcare

E-commerce pharmacies are expanding into wellness products and offering personalized care solutions, from vitamins to chronic care management.

Here we’re sharing the images of our pharmacy e-commerce app that we recently developed for our client.

Benefits-of-Using-Our-eCommerce-Solution

Planning to Launch an Online Pharmacy Platform in Canada and the USA? Here’s How We Can Help

We’re an Burlington-based team of healthcare app developers, designers, business experts, and compliance specialists.

We offer comprehensive support for your online pharmacy platform, including mobile apps, websites, business strategies, and compliance.

Why Choose Us?

  • 8+ Years of Expertise: Trusted in the Canadian healthcare industry.
  • Kroll Integration: Seamless integration with your pharmacy solution.
  • Comprehensive Solutions: Manage your team, tasks, inventory, contracts, and partners with ease.

We invest our time daily to enhance healthcare delivery, making it more affordable and efficient. We handle technical, business, and compliance challenges, so you don’t have to.

We’re not extraordinary—just highly skilled and experienced in applying our knowledge to drive your success.