It is extremely common for people to shop on the internet. More and more often, consumers are turning to the internet to purchase anything they might need. Many websites offer free shipping, which makes their services extremely convenient to use. You can often find items not available in your area on the internet, or perhaps pay a lower price. It is no surprise that consumers are also using the internet to buy their prescription drugs. Online pharmacies sometimes offer lower prices. It is very convenient to use their services, much easier then running to your local pharmacy. It is also easy to get medications online; sometimes you do not even need a valid prescription! This is just another way that individuals addicted to prescription drugs are obtaining the drugs they are addicted to.
Whatever the reason people are using the internet for their prescription drug needs, legitimate or not, it has become increasingly hard to determine whether the website that you are ordering from is a legitimate pharmacy. These rogue websites are often selling counterfeit medications, medicines that are unsafe, and also contaminated medications, laced with rat poison or other toxic substances.
In June of 2013, the FDA working with Interpol closed down 1,677 illegal pharmacy websites. These pharmacies were selling counterfeit Diabetes drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs and something called “Viagra Super Force” which contains unsafe, unapproved ingredients. They were even selling counterfeit Avastin which is a cancer drug. These pharmacies are putting consumer’s health at risk. Patients who need the medications and are taking counterfeit medications instead of the real medications are at risk for their conditions to worsen. People who are trying to illegally obtain prescription drugs for non medical use may be receiving medications that are contaminated, which puts their health at even greater risk.
The good news is that the FDA and the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy are working hard to close down these illegal pharmacies. There are several recommendations on how you can tell if the pharmacy that you are using is legitimate. The NABP recommends that you use sites accredited through the VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites). These sites have completed the thorough NABP accreditation process which includes a review of policies and on site inspections as well. It is also recommended that you not use any “Canadian Pharmacy” sites as these sites are often obtaining their medications from other parts of the world, and prescription drugs imported from other countries are not FDA approved. The FDA also recommends visiting its’ website BeSafeRx for more information on how to tell if your internet pharmacy is a fake.