Millions of people turn to the Internet for health information, and increasingly to purchase medications. Buying medications online from a legitimate U.S. pharmacy may be a convenience for people who have difficulty traveling or can’t drive. And sometimes medications offered online are more affordable.
But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that there are potential dangers when buying medications online, and encourage people to learn how to recognize legitimate online pharmacies and take every safety precaution possible.
Medications can help cure or manage a medical condition. But when they’re taken the wrong way, such as in the wrong dose or the wrong strength or by the wrong person, prescription drugs can cause serious side effects– including death.
It’s important that you protect yourself and learn what to be aware of. Here are some tips to consider before you buy your prescriptions online:
- See a Doctor. Only a doctor who knows you and who has examined you in person can really understand your medical conditions and make appropriate recommendations for your care. That includes recommending over-the-counter and prescription medications that you should and should not take. Read the FDA’s recommendations especially if you’re thinking about buying medications online.
- Always use a pharmacy that requires a prescription from your doctor and has a licensed U.S. pharmacist with whom you can speak. Unfortunately there are sites on the Internet for uncertified pharmacies that sell drugs without requiring a prescription. Besides not knowing what you’re actually getting if you buy from these sites, you could expose yourself to serious health dangers if you take a medication without being examined by a physician first.
- Buy only from licensed pharmacies in the United States. The FDA states that medications purchased outside the U.S. may not be held to the high standards of the FDA for safety, quality, and effectiveness. Legitimate online U.S. pharmacies are licensed by the state board where the website is operating. Check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) to see if the online pharmacy you are using is legitimate. The Internet Pharmacies and Buying Medicine Online section lists both recommended and non-recommended Internet pharmacies.
- Beware of Illegal Activities. The NABP describes “rogue Internet drug outlets” in a report on their website. These rogue outlets illegally sell prescription drugs without a license or without requiring a prescription. Some of the drugs obtained from these sites were found to be counterfeit according to the report. These sites are readily available to the public and are advertised on the Internet.
Keep your doctor in the loop regarding all the medications you’re taking – including over-the-counter drugs and dietary supplements. Some supplements – such as the herb Ginkgo biloba – can cause serious side effects when they’re taken in combination with prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of buying medications online. And visit the FDA and National Association of Boards of Pharmacy sites for more detailed information on ways to protect yourself. |
