Issue date: 4/10/01 Section: Lifestyles

Media Credit: Andrew Lehman

CHICO, Calif. (U-WIRE) — Counterfeit quacks, contaminated pills and chancy health risks were diagnosed in Internet pharmacies.

The Food and Drug Administration recently launched its campaign to educate online buyers on how to stay immune from the dangers of purchasing medical products on the Web. Through the Internet, consumers have access to health-related information, products and services with the click of the mouse.

“For some, buying prescription drugs online offers advantages not available from a local drugstore,” said Mary Ellen Taylor, FDA public affairs specialist. “The Internet offers a greater ease of comparative shopping of prices and products among many sites, as well as easier access to written product information and references to other sources.”

According to the FDA, only a few online pharmacies are legal and carry out the normal safeguards needed for prescribing medical products ranging from medical devices to over-the-counter and prescription drugs.

“Consumers can use these services with the same confidence they have in their neighborhood pharmacist,” Taylor said. “While some of these services are familiar large drugstore chains, many of these legitimate business are local ‘Mom and Pop’ pharmacies, set up to serve their customers electronically.”

Although this outlet is convenient, online consumers are advised to be cautious that the Internet can be also used as a tool to harm patients with every opportunity possible.

Because of the setup of these enterprises, some sites only require customers to fill out a single questionnaire before being able to order the medical product of their choice without seeking consultation beforehand.

“Web sites that prescribe based on a questionnaire raise additional health concerns,” said Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, medical officer at the FDA Office of Policy, Planning and Legislation. “Patients risk obtaining an inappropriate medication and may sacrifice the opportunity for a correct diagnosis or the identification of a contraindication to the drug.”

Consumers who receive medication by simply filling out a questionnaire are putting themselves at risk because they are more likely to receive a contaminated or counterfeit product, an incorrect dose or no product at all, Taylor said.

“A questionnaire does not provide sufficient information,” Taylor said. “An online health-care professional cannot determine if that drug is for you or safe to use, if another treatment is more appropriate or if you have an underlying medical condition where using that drug may be harmful.”

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