Ordering Prescription Drugs Online

Know the risks before looking for that bargain

Ever been tempted to see if you could buy that prescription drug cheaper on the Internet? You can definitely save money by shopping online. “It also can be helpful for people who are too ill or disabled to get to their pharmacy,” says registered pharmacist Brian Lenich of Lehigh Valley Hospital’s Health Spectrum Pharmacy.

But online drug-shopping can be risky. “There are hundreds of thousands of sites, many of them legitimate,” Lenich says. “Unfortunately, one bad buying experience can damage more than your wallet.” Here’s what to remember if you choose to order online:

Look for the logo. To combat fraud, the NABP licenses Web sites to sell medications online. The NABP logo (shown here) is a sign that it's a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS).

Don’t fall for hype. If an offer looks too good to be true, it probably is. Paying an ultra-low price may mean you’re getting an expired medication, placebo (dummy pill) or even something toxic.

Buy American. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), medications from foreign countries can’t be trusted. Stick with sites whose contact information is within the United States.

Rely on the professionals. Don’t order from a Web site that doesn’t require a confirmation from your physician. And make sure the site has a pharmacist available to answer medication- related questions.

Protect yourself financially. As always on the Internet, send credit card and other sensitive information only over a secured connection; look for language confirming this.

Yell if necessary. If you get burned—for example, your medication never arrives or has an expired date—report it to the FDA. You’ll help the authorities and potential victims.

Ignore “spam.” Unless they’re from a legitimate source you trust, delete e-mail solicitations.

Want to Know More? For a list of legitimate pharmacy Web sites or for details on how to report fraudulent sites, call 610-402-CARE.

Published from Healthy You Magazine, November-December 2007

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