Since 1998, the number of websites offering to dispense or sell medication has exploded. However, this surge in internet prescriptions has raised significant concerns among doctors, pharmacists, and health authorities nationwide due to practices that often bypass standard safety protocols and can be illegal.
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) estimates there are at least 400 such drug-dispensing websites in the United States alone, with an unknown number operating globally. While the convenience of obtaining prescriptions online is a major advantage, allowing for medications to be delivered by mail or picked up locally, this ease of access comes with considerable risks that highlight an urgent need for more robust oversight and regulation to protect consumers.
Dangers of Bypassing the Traditional Patient-Doctor Relationship
A primary danger identified by experts like NABP executive director Carmen Catizone is that many websites offer powerful prescription drugs like Viagra, Claritin, and Propecia without a legitimate doctor’s consultation. For instance, one California-based website was found to be distributing hundreds of Viagra prescriptions weekly based solely on a brief medical questionnaire, with the approving “physician” later identified as a retired veterinarian from Mexico.
This practice directly contradicts the guidelines from reputable medical bodies like the American Medical Association (AMA), which stress the necessity of taking a patient history, discussing risks and benefits, and, in most cases, performing a physical examination before prescribing medication. Taking prescription drugs without a thorough consultation can be particularly risky for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Essential Tips for Researching an Online Pharmacy
Before purchasing medication from an online source, consumers must conduct thorough research. Catizone strongly advises using websites that are affiliated with a known, legitimate pharmacy. He warns against any site that offers to prescribe medication after only a few questions or a simple “cyberspace consultation.” A major red flag is a website that promises a prescription without a valid prior prescription or after a minimal questionnaire.
It is crucial to verify that the pharmacy, its doctors, and its pharmacists are licensed in the patient’s state, as it is illegal for a doctor to prescribe to a patient in a state where they are not licensed. Furthermore, patients should always check if their insurance covers medications bought online and ensure the company provides a physical address and phone number.
Identifying Warning Signs and Ensuring Medication Safety
Several clear warning signs can help identify illegitimate online pharmacies. Any claim that a prescription is not needed is a definitive signal to avoid the site. Consumers should also be wary of extremely low prices, especially for medications sourced from overseas, as these drugs may be counterfeit, outdated, or expired.
In contrast, legitimate websites will always require a valid prescription from the patient’s own doctor and will often verify it. They also provide access to pharmacist consultations. When medication arrives by mail, patients should immediately inspect the packaging for damage and ensure it includes necessary information about side effects and proper usage, as the absence of such materials is another serious warning sign.
Protecting Patient Privacy and Seeking Verified Sources
Patient privacy is another significant concern when using online pharmacies. Before providing any personal health information, individuals should investigate the website’s credibility and review its security and confidentiality policies. To help consumers identify safe options, the NABP launched a certification program in April 1999.
Websites that meet strict criteria can display the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) seal. This seal indicates that the pharmacy possesses appropriate federal and state licenses, adheres to professional practice standards, and follows quality assurance policies, including securing prescription orders and facilitating patient consultations, thereby offering a much higher level of safety and reliability.
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