Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A. is a leading Ecuadorian pharmaceutical distributor and retail pharmacy operator, part of Grupo Difare. It supplies medicines and consumer health products nationwide and operates chains such as Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul and Farmacias Comunitarias.
About Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A.
Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A. (DIFARE) is a major pharmaceutical wholesaler and retailer in Ecuador, based in Guayaquil. The company focuses on distribution and commercialization of prescription medicines, over‑the‑counter drugs, generics, personal care, hygiene and household products, supplying pharmacies and healthcare outlets across the country. It also develops and operates retail pharmacy formats under brands such as Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul and Farmacias Comunitarias, forming one of the largest pharmacy networks in Ecuador and improving access to health and wellness products in both urban and rural areas. ([difare.evaluar.com](https://difare.evaluar.com/quienes-somos/?utm_source=openai))
A card charge labeled “DIFARE S A” or similar most commonly arises when a purchase is made at one of DIFARE’s affiliated pharmacies (for example Pharmacy’s or Cruz Azul) or when a business customer pays DIFARE directly for wholesale pharmaceutical or consumer products. In some cases, DIFARE may also appear as the merchant of record for online pharmacy purchases or for deliveries fulfilled from its distribution centers. For corporate or institutional buyers, invoices and card payments to restock pharmacy or clinic inventory can post under the legal name “Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A.” ([mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec](https://mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec/mercadovalores/descargadorServlet.jsf?idDocumento=40886&idSeccion=GMV&idTipoDocumento=10&utm_source=openai))
If you have questions about a DIFARE charge, first match the date and amount against receipts from recent visits to Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul, Farmacias Comunitarias, or any Ecuador‑based pharmacy or clinic that might be supplied by DIFARE, as the descriptor may show the group or distributor name rather than the storefront brand. For further clarification, you can contact the pharmacy where you shopped or reach out via Grupo Difare’s official website, which lists corporate contact details for Guayaquil headquarters. If you still do not recognize the transaction, ask your bank to investigate, request a copy of the receipt if possible, and consider cancelling the card to prevent additional unauthorized charges.
Bank Statement Variations
1 known variations
These are the raw merchant codes that appear on bank and credit card statements that we've identified as belonging to Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A..
Why does my bank statement show a charge from “DIFARE S A” instead of the pharmacy name I visited?
DIFARE is the legal corporate entity behind several Ecuadorian pharmacy brands, including Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul and Farmacias Comunitarias. Some point‑of‑sale systems and card processors use the distributor’s legal name rather than the storefront name, so a purchase at one of these pharmacies can appear on your statement as “DIFARE S A” or “Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A.” instead of the specific branch name. ([difare.evaluar.com](https://difare.evaluar.com/quienes-somos/?utm_source=openai))
What types of purchases typically generate a DIFARE S.A. card charge?
Typical DIFARE charges come from buying prescription medications, over‑the‑counter drugs, personal care items, baby products, and household or hygiene goods at Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul or Farmacias Comunitarias locations in Ecuador. For business or institutional cards, charges may relate to wholesale orders of medicines and medical supplies placed directly with Difare’s distribution division. ([difare.evaluar.com](https://difare.evaluar.com/quienes-somos/?utm_source=openai))
Could a DIFARE S.A. charge be a recurring payment or subscription?
Most DIFARE‑related card transactions are one‑time purchases at pharmacies or wholesale orders, not traditional subscriptions. However, some clinics, companies or insurance‑linked programs may arrange periodic bulk purchases or standing orders that are billed regularly through DIFARE, which can look like recurring charges on a corporate or institutional card statement. If you’re seeing repeated DIFARE charges, check for any scheduled medication or supply orders tied to your account or organization. ([mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec](https://mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec/mercadovalores/descargadorServlet.jsf?idDocumento=40886&idSeccion=GMV&idTipoDocumento=10&utm_source=openai))
How can I verify that a DIFARE charge on my card is legitimate?
Start by comparing the transaction date and amount with receipts from any recent visits to Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul or Farmacias Comunitarias in Ecuador; these outlets may not show their brand name on your statement. If you shopped at one of these chains, call that specific branch with the date and amount and ask them to look up the sale. For corporate accounts, cross‑check the charge against DIFARE invoices. If you cannot match it to any purchase, contact your bank to initiate a dispute and monitor your account for further activity. ([difare.evaluar.com](https://difare.evaluar.com/quienes-somos/?utm_source=openai))
How do I request a refund or correction for an incorrect DIFARE pharmacy charge?
If you believe you were overcharged or billed incorrectly at a Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul or Farmacias Comunitarias store, visit or call that pharmacy with your receipt and card statement and request a refund or adjustment according to their store policy. The branch will typically process the refund back to your card under the same merchant name (often still appearing as DIFARE S.A.). For wholesale or institutional transactions, contact your DIFARE sales representative or the accounts receivable department via the contact information on your invoice or through the Grupo Difare website. ([difare.evaluar.com](https://difare.evaluar.com/quienes-somos/?utm_source=openai))
How can I contact Difare or Grupo Difare about a billing question?
For consumer‑level questions, the quickest route is usually through the specific pharmacy branch where you made the purchase. For corporate or unresolved billing issues, you can use the contact details listed on Grupo Difare’s official website, which provides the Guayaquil corporate office address, phone numbers, and general email (for example, info@grupodifare.com) as points of contact. Include your full name, card’s last four digits, transaction date, and amount when you reach out. ([mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec](https://mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec/mercadovalores/descargadorServlet.jsf?idDocumento=44240&idSeccion=GMV&idTipoDocumento=10&utm_source=openai))
Why do I see a small pending DIFARE charge or preauthorization on my card?
Some pharmacy locations may place a small temporary authorization hold when a card is inserted or when a higher‑value prescription is being validated, particularly if benefits or insurance need confirmation. This can appear as a pending DIFARE S.A. charge that later disappears or is adjusted to the final ticket amount once the transaction is completed and posted. If a small pending amount does not clear or update within several days, contact your bank and the pharmacy to investigate. ([mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec](https://mercadodevalores.supercias.gob.ec/mercadovalores/descargadorServlet.jsf?idDocumento=40886&idSeccion=GMV&idTipoDocumento=10&utm_source=openai))
Can online or delivery pharmacy orders in Ecuador appear as DIFARE S.A. on my statement?
Yes. DIFARE operates large distribution centers and supplies many pharmacy outlets and online pharmacy services in Ecuador. If you place an order through an affiliated site or delivery service tied to Pharmacy’s, Cruz Azul, or other Grupo Difare channels, the merchant of record for the card payment may be listed as Distribuidora Farmacéutica Ecuatoriana Difare S.A., even if you interacted primarily with a branded website or delivery platform. ([difare.evaluar.com](https://difare.evaluar.com/quienes-somos/?utm_source=openai))