In searching online for Canadian pharmacies you can trust, you’ve no doubt come across various seals and accreditations. You’ve probably wondered which of these seals carry real weight and what organizations are behind them.

For Canadian pharmacies that sell to American consumers, three verification authorities are most important. Here is the seal of each, along with a brief description.

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.

PharmacyChecker. PharmacyChecker 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.

All pharmacies in the Canadian Online Pharmacies network have been verified by PharmacyChecker.com as well as CIPA and/or MIPA. Join today to comparison shop for the best prices on prescription drugs.

You might be surprised to learn that TV commercials for Canadian pharmacies have run on U.S. television stations. These, by CanadaDrugs.com, were recently broadcast in Wisconsin.

CanadaDrugs.com is one of the many pharmacies in the Canadian Online Pharmacies network of licensed Canadian pharmacies. Join today to comparison shop for the best prices on prescription drugs.

Dr. Michael Bihari, a Massachusetts physician who writes about prescription drugs for About.com, has long advocated licensed Canadian pharmacies as a good option for U.S. consumers seeking low-cost medications.

Recently, “Dr. Mike” took his own advice to save money on his high blood pressure medication (Diovan 80 mg). Here’s an excerpt from his article on the decision:

“Last month I hit the coverage gap in my Medicare Part D drug plan. The dreaded coverage gap, also known as the ‘donut hole,’ is the period during which Medicare drug plan beneficiaries have to pay 100% of their drug costs… While in the donut hole, my monthly cost for Diovan 80mg is $144.00 if I purchase the medication through my Medicare Part D plan.

“To save money, I decided to try pill splitting and buying my medication online from a reputable Canadian pharmacy … I ordered 60 tablets of Diovan 160 mg online, along with a pill splitting device. The cost for the medication was $66.00 plus $10.00 shipping.”

In comments on his post, someone asks if Canadian pharmacies are safe. The doctor’s reply:

“Canada has a good control system and many of the drugs are manufactured by American drug companies in Canada or imported from the U.S. It’s important that you learn how to recognize a legitimate online pharmacy.”

Amen. That makes all the difference.