Start with the eight-digit NPN, then confirm the exact product name, licence holder, medicinal ingredients and amounts, recommended use, directions, duration, cautions, contraindications and known adverse reactions. The merchant page and delivered bottle should match.
1. Find the NPN
A Canadian natural health product label normally displays an eight-digit Natural Product Number. Search it in Health Canada's Licensed Natural Health Products Database and compare every relevant field.
2. Read ingredients and amounts
Distinguish medicinal ingredients from non-medicinal ingredients. Check whether the amount is per pill, capsule, serving or daily dose, and note the source or extract standardization where provided.
3. Match the recommended use
The licensed recommended use or purpose is more important than a dramatic front-label phrase. Marketing should not imply a different or stronger therapeutic claim than the authorized wording.
4. Follow directions and duration
Read the dose, frequency, timing, age group and duration. Some products require professional advice for use beyond a defined period.
5. Read risk information
Do not skip cautions, contraindications, interactions, allergen information and known adverse reactions. These details may be more important than the front-of-pack design.
6. Compare the delivered product
When the bottle arrives, confirm that the NPN, ingredients, amounts, lot information and expiry details match what you reviewed online. Contact the merchant if anything differs.