Buying Prescription Drugs Online: What You Need To Know
The advent of the internet has streamlined many of life’s every day processes. From mail, to shopping, to downloading music, it seems everything is easier—and sometimes cheaper—online.
The web has also made us easier to meet our health needs. We can research information and treatment options on different illnesses, read official case studies and join forums to discuss our ailments with others who have the same afflictions. But when it comes to ordering prescription drugs online, it’s important to separate fact from fiction to ensure you get the drugs you need to be your healthiest you.
Risks of Buying Medications Online
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are more than 200 domestically-owned web sites that dispense, but don’t prescribe, prescription drugs. These sites tend to be offshoots of larger pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. However, experts estimate that there are anywhere from 400 to 1,000-plus web sites that both dispense and prescribe prescription drugs. Many of these types of sites are not operated in the United States. Drugs coming from outside of the U.S. are not protected by the FDA, which poses an additional risk to American consumers.
Furthermore, sites that dispense and prescribe medications often do so without a physician-authorized prescription. The dangers of buying drugs from these sites means that your medication could be:
• Too weak or too strong
• A fake counterfeit
• Made with unknown ingredients
• Past its expiration date
• Tampered with
• Not properly stored, shipped or labeled correctly
Not surprisingly, the FDA recommends staying away from these kinds of sites. Instead, the FDA recommends buying only from legitimate, state-licensed online pharmacies. This way, you can guarantee that your prescription has come through a physician and comes to you uncontaminated.
Finding an Legit Online Pharmacy
If you’re interested in buying prescriptions online, the FDA recommends that you:
• Check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacies (NABP) (at www.nabp.info) to get a list of safe online pharmacies
• Buy drugs only from sites with the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) logo
• Make sure the site requires a prescription—legitimate sites require a valid prescription
• Make sure the site has a pharmacist available to answer any questions about your medications
• Withhold personal information like SSN and credit card numbers unless you’re sure you’re dealing with a technologically secure web site
If you’re not sure whether a site is legit or not, it’s best to go with your gut and keep looking. Of course, if you have questions or wish to file a complaint, you can call the NABP at (847) 391-4406.
Ordering drugs online can be a fast, easy, private, and sometimes more affordable means to get the prescriptions you need. By doing a little homework, you can ensure that your medications arrive safe and secure!