The Health Blog

Consumers are now turning to online buying of medicines due to its convenience. But not most of them are aware of the health risks it brings.

According to FDA, some websites that sell medicine:

• aren’t U.S. state-licensed pharmacies or aren’t pharmacies at all
• may give a diagnosis that is not correct and sell medicine that is not right for you or your condition
• won’t protect your personal information

Some medicines sold online:

• are fake (counterfeit or “copycat” medicines)
• are too strong or too weak
• have dangerous ingredients
• have expired (are out-of-date)
• aren’t FDA-approved (haven’t been checked for safety and effectiveness)
• aren’t made using safe standards
• aren’t safe to use with other medicine or products you use
• aren’t labeled, stored, or shipped correctly

To avoid getting fake medicines, FDA recommends that it is best that

• you talk with your doctor and have a physical exam before you get any new medicine for the first time. Some medicines maybe contraindicated to your condition.
• Use ONLY medicine that has been prescribed by your doctor or another trusted professional who is licensed in the U.S. to write prescriptions for medicine.
• Ask your doctor if there are any special steps you need to take to fill your prescription.

Know your source. Make sure that it is licensed in National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP). For a list of licensed pharmacy visit their website.
A safe source should be:

• be located in the United States and licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the website is operating (check www.nabp.info for a list of state boards of pharmacy)
• have a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions
• require a prescription from your doctor or other health care professional who is licensed in the United States to write prescriptions for medicine
• have a way for you to talk to a person if you have problems