« March 2006

Pharmaceuticals online
March 01, 2006

BUSINESSES OFFERING medication online are sprouting up all over the Internet. Many of these sites tout drugs without a prescription. This should be your warning sign.

In this virtual marketplace, it is possible to procure many medicinal products and side step national regulatory authorities. Customs sometimes seize shipments in transit, but this has not stymied the Internet trade. The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) has declared that governments should require online dealers to be properly authorised wherever they may be located.

There are genuine mail order companies that provide valuable services. Some consumers claim that this method of accessing medication is more convenient and cost-effective. In the United States, many well-established pharmacies have developed an online presence. They have licensed pharmacists available to answer questions. These services range from prescription refills to having the medications shipped to you or your doctor. Should you decide to use an online pharmacy, require the same high standard as you expect from your community pharmacy.

BUYER BEWARE!

Websites offering medications without prescriptions are not regulated in any way. The product that you purchase may be counterfeit or contaminated. It may be the wrong medication or the wrong dose.

Wrong medication and doses put the user at risk for drug interactions or other negative health consequences.

Many illegal online pharmacies may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to determine whether the treatment is right for you. This method is not appropriate because you cannot figure out underlying medical conditions in this way.

You have little or no recourse if you suffer financial or physical harm when you purchase medication from 'rogue' sites.

For more information, visit:
http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060301/health/health5.html