Though there is no cut-and-dry method for determining the perfect online pharmacy, there are plenty of measures you can take to ensure that you pick one that's ideal for you and your needs. Here, we'll explore some great tactics to take.

1. Look for a sophisticated website.

If an online pharmacy has a website that's easy to navigate and seems to be up-to-date, that's a website that has a lot going for it. Fly-by-night sites are usually not so heavily managed and will have a less sophisticated ambiance.

2. Look for a site with information.

An online pharmacy should offer at least some information about the drugs that it offers, including pricing, what's in stock and contraindications. The best online pharmacies will also showcase articles and other info to keep their patrons well-informed.

3. Look at the prices.

Though some prices on prescription medications are set-in-stone, for the most part, others are negotiated by the online pharmacy. Therefore, the cost of a prescription such as Viagra can vary from one online pharmacy to another. Though the lowest price isn't always the way to go (especially if the supplier seems weak in other areas), it's definitely something to consider.

4. Check out the encryption info.

Any time you are asked for your credit card or bank account information, the merchant should offer you data on the type of encryption used. (At the minimum, the site should assure you that it IS used.) That way, you'll know that security runs high at that online pharmacy.

5. Do a search on the company.

Never heard of the online pharmacy before? That doesn't necessarily mean that it's not legitimate, but it does mean you should do a little sleuthing. See what people are saying about it on message boards and in the media… but take everything with a healthy grain of salt.

6. Ask your physician for a recommendation.

Though not all doctors will be familiar with the online pharmacy market, some are definitely very savvy in this arena. Thus, they'll be able to tell you exactly where to try for your prescription medications.

7. Ask family and friends for suggestions.

You may not realize that your sister has been using an online pharmacy or that your best friend swears by this method of obtaining her antidepressants. That's why you have to ask around if you're not convinced that one online pharmacy is better than another.

8. Find out how they package your products.

You don't want to order Viagra only to have it come in a huge blue box with the words “VIAGRA” printed on the side! Therefore, do make certain that your online pharmacy of choice uses discretion when packing your prescription medications.

9. Uncover how you can order prescription medicines.

Will you need a prescription from your doctor? Can it be sent via fax or scanned and sent through email? Do you need to call and follow-up? These are all valid questions to ask before picking the perfect online pharmacy for you.

10. Does the online pharmacy carry the brands you use?

Perhaps you aren't going to use the online pharmacy simply for prescription medications, but for other items – shampoo, creams, lotions, baby products, et cetera – as well. If this is the case, browse their site and make certain they carry the brands you prefer at a price you can afford.

11. Is customer service fairly accessible 24 hours a day?

Though you may never need to use the customer service at your chosen online pharmacy, it's good to know that it's around, just in case. Again, most online pharmacy companies will offer this to patrons, but you'll still want to ask.

12. How does the company handle returns?

Though prescription medications are rarely returned, it does sometimes happen, for a wide variety of reasons. Find out how the online pharmacy you're investigating will handle a situation where a prescription needs to be sent back.

Again, there isn't one perfect way to measure an online pharmacy, but if you are diligent in your investigation, you'll absolutely find one that will meet all your requirements.