| Buying Drugs Online--It's Convenient and Private, but Beware of 'Rogue Sites' | |
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How Online Sales Work
In general, legitimate online pharmacies operate this way:
- Users open an account with the pharmacy, submitting credit and insurance information. The pharmacy is licensed to sell prescription drugs by the state in which it operates and in those states to which it sells, if an out-of-state license is required.
- After establishing an account, users must submit a valid prescription. Doctors can call it in or in some states email it, or users can deliver it to the pharmacy by fax or mail.
- Some online pharmacies send products from a central spot, while others allow users to pick the prescription up at a local drugstore. Prescriptions usually are delivered within three days, often for no shipping charge. For an extra fee, many sites will deliver overnight.
- Sites typically have a mechanism for users to ask questions of the pharmacist, either through e-mail or a toll-free number.
--J.H.
What Consumers Can Do
With hundreds of drug-dispensing Websites in business, how can consumers tell which sites are legitimate ones, especially when it is very easy to set up a site that is very professional-looking and promises deep discounts or a minimum of hassles?
"Consumers need to be cautious," says Jeffrey Shuren, M.D., medical officer in FDA's Office of Policy, Planning and Legislation. "You should use the same kind of common sense you use when buying from any business. You look for a reputable dealer. You get recommendations from friends. You check the place out."
FDA offers these tips to consumers who buy health products online:
- Check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to determine if the site is a licensed pharmacy in good standing (visit the Website at www.nabp.net, or call 847-698-6227).
- Don't buy from sites that offer to prescribe a prescription drug for the first time without a physical exam, sell a prescription drug without a prescription, or sell drugs not approved by FDA.
- Don't do business with sites that do not provide access to a registered pharmacist to answer questions.
- Avoid sites that do not identify with whom you are dealing and do not provide a U.S. address and phone number to contact if there's a problem.
- Beware of sites that advertise a "new cure" for a serious disorder or a quick cure-all for a wide range of ailments.
- Be careful of sites that use impressive-sounding terminology to disguise a lack of good science or those that claim the government, the medical profession, or research scientists have conspired to suppress a product.
- Steer clear of sites that include undocumented case histories claiming "amazing" results.
- Talk to your health-care professional before using any medication for the first time.
If you suspect a site is illegal, you can report it to FDA by visiting the agency's website at www.fda.gov and using the online reporting form.
--J.H.
Publication No. (FDA) 00-3235
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