It's not hard to find statements like these floating around in cyberspace. "And if they sound too good to be true, it's because they usually are," says Rich Cleland, assistant director of the Division of Advertising Practices at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Many legitimate Web sites bring customers health products with the benefits of convenience, privacy, and, sometimes, cheaper prices. "But consumers need to be aware that the Internet has also created a marketplace for unapproved medical products, illegal prescribing, and products marketed with fraudulent health claims," says William Hubbard, associate commissioner for policy and planning at the Food and Drug Administration.
Government agencies work together to shut down illegal Web sites and prosecute criminals, but enforcement resources are limited. "Consumers need to take some responsibility for recognizing suspicious sites and turning the other way," Hubbard says. So how can you spot the red flags? Here's a guide to help you protect your health and your wallet.
Problem Sites Selling Prescription Drugs
One way that illegitimate Web sites violate the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) is by dispensing prescription drugs without a valid prescription, says Steven Silverman, director of the Division of New Drugs and Labeling Compliance in the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "FDA leaves it to individual states to decide what is a valid prescription. Web sites cannot dispense drugs in violation of those laws or with no prescription at all."In general, to be valid, a prescription must address a legitimate medical purpose, be written by a physician or other health care provider authorized to prescribe medicine, and be based on a legitimate doctor–patient relationship. But some Web sites dispense drugs after customers simply fill out an online questionnaire or engage in some other similar cyber "consultation."
In June 2004, experts at the Government Accountability Office, formerly the General Accounting Office, reported that, as part of an investigation, they were able to obtain most of the prescription drugs they set out to order from various Internet pharmacy sites without needing to provide a prescription. Some of the drugs had special safety restrictions or were addictive narcotic painkillers.
"The FDA has taken action against Web sites selling drug products that are unapproved, misbranded, or that make fraudulent health claims," Silverman says. Misbranded drugs include those with misleading labeling and those that aren't adequately labeled with directions for use of the product.
Risks
"When you buy drugs from a questionable Web site, you just don't know what you're actually getting," says Carmen Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP).The main concerns are that the drugs could be:
- Outdated
- Contaminated
- Too potent or not potent enough
- Improperly manufactured and handled
- Counterfeit.
"We have seen some reports of cases where people thought they ordered prescription drugs, but they received some kind of dietary supplement," Catizone says.
"There are also smaller, and still legitimate, Web sites that consumers can use with confidence," says Linda Silvers, who leads the Internet and health fraud team at the FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. "Legitimate sites require valid prescriptions."
"A Web site can look very sophisticated and legitimate, but actually be an illegal operation," Silvers says. "If there is no way to contact the Web site pharmacy by phone, if prices are dramatically lower than the competition, or if no prescription from your doctor is required, consumers should be especially wary."
People should check with their state board of pharmacy or NABP to see if an online pharmacy has a valid pharmacy license and meets state quality standards. NABP's Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program, also known as VIPPS, is a voluntary program that verifies the legitimacy of Internet sites dispensing prescription drugs and gives a seal of approval to sites that apply and meet state licensure requirements and other VIPPS criteria.
Useful Links
To find out if an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing-- NABPLegitimate pharmacies that carry the VIPPS seal are listed at-- VIPPS
For a list of state boards of pharmacy, visit-- NABP
Source -FDA
