Counterfeiters are selling fakes of many kinds of drugs, including pills claimed to treat heart disease, arthritis, asthma, AIDS and cancer.
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Get Informed on How to Protect Yourself from Illicit Online Pharmacies
Many people are turning to the Internet to buy things because it can be more convenient, time efficient, and can save money. The ability to compare prices at various stores is now possible without leaving your home.
Be AWARxE! Purchasing medications online is drastically different than purchasing other products. When purchasing medications online, not all sites provide the same quality and safety practices. It is important to know how to find a safe Internet pharmacy and to know the dangers of buying drugs from Web sites that are operating illegally.
Finding a Safe Internet Pharmacy
To help consumers verify that a Web site selling prescription drugs is safe, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has created two categories for online pharmacies.
Recommended Internet Pharmacies have an accreditation through the VIPPS® (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM) program, and recommended Internet Pharmacies selling medications for pets have an accreditation through the NABP Vet-VIPPS® (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice SitesCM) program. Internet pharmacies with VIPPS or Vet-VIPPS accreditation have undergone and successfully completed a thorough NABP accreditation process. The process includes a review of the Internet pharmacy’s policies and procedures, as well as an on-site inspection of all facilities used by the site to receive, review, and dispense medicine.
When you are buying medicine online, the safest way to purchase drugs is through a pharmacy accredited by the NABP VIPPS or Vet-VIPPS programs.
Not Recommended Sites. These Internet drug outlets appear to be out of compliance with state and federal laws or NABP patient safety and pharmacy practice standards.
Be AWARxE! Many Web sites have become creative at breaking the law. They frequently change names and Web site addresses. Even if a Web site is not on the list of NABP Not Recommended Sites, that does not mean it is safe.
Some Web sites are selling prescription drugs illegally.
These sites often:
- Are not licensed as pharmacies in the United States and/or do not have a licensed pharmacist on site
- Will sell you medication that is medically unnecessary for you and could harm you
- Will not verify that the medication they are sending you will not interact with any other current medications you are taking
- Will not secure your personal information
Some of the medications you may receive from these sites:
- Are counterfeit
- Are not the correct dose for your condition (too strong or weak)
- Are not approved by Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Are not stored properly in the shipping process
- Contain unsafe ingredients
- Have expired
A safe Internet pharmacy will:
- Be located and licensed in the US
- Have a licensed pharmacist on staff
- Require a valid prescription from your health care provider, and
- Provide contact information in case you have any questions about your medication.
For more information about safely buying medications online, visit “Buying Medicine Online” on the NABP Web site. See the About Us page for more information on NABP. The state boards of pharmacy are the organizations that oversee all aspects of pharmacy practice in each individual state. Visit NABP’s State Boards of Pharmacy page to find the Web site for your state’s board of pharmacy.
