Elder Law FAX -- June 5, 2006

Should You Buy Prescription Drugs Online? Tips from the U. S. Food and Drug Administration
The high price of prescription medication has tempted many Americans to look elsewhere than their local drugstore for getting a better deal. One place that has become increasingly popular is the Internet.

Should you buy your drugs online? Are drugs purchased from an Internet pharmacy safe? Is the better online price really a better deal for you?

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers these tips to help you make the right choice.

The Dangers
Some online pharmacies, says the FDA, are not licensed U. S. pharmacies or even pharmacies at all. Some may not guarantee the privacy of your personal health information.

Some medicines sold online are fake; are too strong or too weak; contain dangerous ingredients; have expired (have lost their potency); aren't FDA approved for safety or effectiveness; aren't manufactured to high safety standards; aren't safe to use with other drugs you may use; or aren't labeled, stored, or shipped correctly.

Talk to Your Doctor
The FDA encourages persons who are considering online purchase to talk to their doctor. Use only medicine that has been prescribed by your doctor who is licensed to write prescriptions. Ask your doctor if you must take any special steps to fill your prescription.

Making the Safe Online Purchase
Most important, says the FDA, is to know your source. Make sure a website is a U.S. state-licensed pharmacy. You can get a list of licensed pharmacies from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.

A safe website should:
* be licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the website is operating (check http://www.nabp.info for a list of state boards of pharmacy);
* have a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions;
* require a prescription from your doctor or other health care professional who is licensed in the United States to write prescriptions for medicine; and
* have a way for you to talk to a person if you have problems.

Your Private Information
Be wary of any online pharmacy that seems to require information that is or should be unnecessary to fill your prescription. Don't give any personal information, recommends the FDA, such as Social Security numbers, credit card, or medical or health history, unless you are sure the website will keep your information safe and private.

For more information on buying medicines and medical products over the Internet, go to "Buying Medicines Online," at http://www.fda.gov/buyonline.

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