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Guide to Buying Medications Online

The Internet is an increasingly popular place to buy prescription medications. While it is useful in helping you compare prices and buy products without leaving the comfort of your own home, it is important to take extra precautions before buying medicine online . Some websites may sell you harmful or fake drugs that could seriously threaten your health.

Unfortunately, many online pharmacies aren't state-licensed and may give you an incorrect diagnosis and sell you the wrong medication for your condition. In addition, the medicines they sell you may be too potent or too weak, contain dangerous ingredients, expired, improperly labeled, stored, or shipped, or unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Also, many online pharmacies fail to protect your personal information.

While it is tempting to buy drugs from online pharmacies, it is vital to speak with your doctor and get a physical exam before starting a new medication. However, if you choose to purchase drugs from the Internet, Medline Plus recommends the following guidelines to protect your safety:

Only order medication from a U.S. state-licensed pharmacy website that posts the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy's VIIPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal. These websites have been checked to ensure they meet the state and federal safety standards and rules. Find a list of state boards of pharmacy that are in good standing at www.nabp.info .

Look for online pharmacy websites that have a licensed pharmacist available who can answer your questions about certain medications.

Order from websites that require you to get a written prescription from a U.S. licensed doctor or health care professional before selling you the medication.

Buy medications from websites that provide you with a way to speak to a person over the phone in the event that you have problems.

Be on the lookout for privacy and security policies that will protect your personal information. The policies should be understandable and easy to locate.

Don't give out any information including your credit card number, social security number, or medical history without ensuring the website will keep your information private.

Ensure the website will not sell your information to other companies, unless you give permission.

Before buying any prescription online, it is best to speak with your doctor and ask him/her what websites, if any, they recommend. Purchasing medications from a walk-in pharmacy is still the safest way to fill your doctor-prescribed medication.

For more on Consumer Drug Safety click here.

More Consumer-drug-safety Resources

    May 1, 2007 - FDA Alerts Public To Websites Selling Counterfeit Drugs