Is it Safe to Buy Medicines Online?

Hundreds of web sites sell prescription drugs. Many are legitimate pharmacies which offer the consumer convenience and privacy. But others are using the internet to sell products in a manner that is illegal offline.

These “rogue sites” may sell unapproved products, or if they deal in approved ones, often circumvent procedures intended to protect customers. For example, some sites only require the consumer to complete a questionnaire before ordering prescription drugs; the patient therefore loses the protection provided through appropriate evaluation by a licensed health care professional.

Bypassing established safeguards puts the consumer at risk of an incorrect diagnosis; hazardous drug interactions; or injury from contaminated, fake, outdated or sub-standard products.

So, how can you buy medicines online safely?

• DO: Buy and take only those medicines prescribed by your doctor or other qualified health care provider (HCP).

• DO: Buy only from US-based sites that require a prescription from a physician or other authorized HCP and that have pharmacists available to verify these prescriptions and answer your questions.

• DO: Make sure the internet vendor is a licensed pharmacy in good standing in your state. Check with your state board of pharmacy or with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) at www.nabp.net. Some sites display the NABP VIPPSTM (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) seal, which indicates compliance with all applicable state and federal requirements.

• DO: Look for easily understood security and privacy policies

• DO: Report problems. If you suspect the site is not a licensed pharmacy, do not buy from it. Report the site and any complaints to the FDA at http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/buyonlineform.htm .

And to Avoid Problems:

• DON’T: Buy from sites that sell prescription medicines without a prescription.

• DON’T: Buy from sites selling medicines not approved by the FDA.

• DON’T: Buy from sites making claims of amazing results from undocumented case histories.

• DON’T: Provide any personal information (social security number, credit card information, health history) unless you are confident that the site will maintain your privacy.  

What’s the Bottom Line?

Buying prescription medicines online may offer greater convenience, variety of products, ease of comparative shopping for best prices, and easier access to written product information compared to traditional walk-in pharmacies. But be sure you are dealing with a legitimate site before buying.

For additional information, go to www.fda.gov and click on “Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online” or call 1-888-INFOFDA (1-888-463-6332).

Author: Mary E. May, RN, BA, MPH
Certified Specialist in Poison Information