The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to warn people about the dangers of buying medicines over the Internet. Many people shop for their medicines over the Internet to save money. The FDA says it is risky and may actually cost more than cheaper generic versions that are available at pharmacies in the U.S.

Some people buy medicines over the Internet without a prescription. The FDA stresses that taking a prescription medicine without a prescription is unsafe. People taking prescription medicines need to be monitored by a healthcare provider. With some medicines, a person’s life can be at risk without proper monitoring.

Here are some safety concerns about buying medicines over the Internet:

• Medicines may be counterfeit (fake) or a different medicine than was ordered.
• Medicines may be made under conditions that are not clean or sterile.
• Medicines may contain harmful substances.
• Labels may not have information that is needed for the medicine to be used safely.
• Doses may be different from those used in the U.S.

The FDA provides guidelines to help people decide whether a Web site selling medicines is safe. Web sites selling medicines should:

• Be located in the U.S.
• Be licensed by the state board of pharmacy where the Web site is operating. Visit www.nabp.info for a list of state boards of pharmacy.
• Have a licensed pharmacist available to personally answer questions.
• Require a prescription from your doctor or other healthcare provider who is licensed to prescribe medicines.
• Provide contact or customer service information.

The FDA recommends looking for the VIPPS^® Seal on Web sites selling medicines. Legitimate pharmacies that carry the VIPPS^® seal are listed at www.vipps.info. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) gives a seal of approval to Internet pharmacy sites that apply and meet state licensure requirements and other VIPPS^® requirements. VIPPS^® stands for Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites.

The FDA has an article on The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicine Online. Read this article.