Online pharmacies offer an unprecedented level of ease and comfort for today’s consumers to access the medications they need. A few clicks can result in prescription drugs being sent directly to your front door, with no time wasted and no money for gas spent on a trip to a local pharmacy.
But all this convenience comes at a price, and that price may be your health. Even if an online pharmacy may not be out-and-out fraudulent, you might still be putting yourself at risk, as the ease and convenience of getting an online prescription also brings with it the danger of counterfeit drugs, now a $75 billion-a-year business.
Understanding the Risks of Online Prescriptions
Medicines purchased from the internet can cause real and serious health problems if you don’t take a few necessary precautions first. That’s because some online pharmacies aren’t pharmacies at all.
They sell counterfeit drugs that are at best ineffective and at worst harmful to your health. Many of these websites don’t even have a licensed pharmacist working for them.
Warning Signs of Fraudulent Online Pharmacies
Many fraudulent websites sell online prescription. Buying medications from these rogue sites present serious health risks. When in doubt, always consult your own doctor and don’t trust unverified sites. The following is a list of potential red flags when looking for a reputable online medication provider:
- Prescribing drugs without requiring a prescription
- Prices substantially lower than those at other pharmacies
- Asserting that they have “miracle cures” with “no side effects”
- Lacking clear contact details and a verifiable physical location
- Employs forceful promotional tactics, including unrequested emails and pop-up advertisements
Safe Practices for Purchasing Medications Online
To keep yourself safe from deceit and danger to your health, follow these simple recommendations:
Research the Organization
Look closely at the public-facing side of the organization to see if it aligns with your expectations. Check consumer feedback and online reviews before making a purchase.
Consult Your Doctor First
Always consult a healthcare provider before buying medicine on the internet to make sure it is safe for you.
Stick to Reputable Online Pharmacies
Use reputable online pharmacies that are associated with major pharmacy chains or that have received certification from the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Be Wary of Extremely Low Prices
Exercise caution when you encounter prices that are very much below the norm. If a deal looks like it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Examine Your Medication
When your medication is delivered, scrutinize the packaging, labeling, and overall appearance of the medication. Report to your healthcare provider any discrepancies that you find.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off about a website, even if you can’t pinpoint why, don’t engage with that pharmacy.
Never Take Chances with Any Online Prescription
Even though obtaining medications from online pharmacies is convenient, one must be very careful and not let down their guard. The number of fake pharmacies on the Internet is huge, and many people have fallen prey to them.
Verifying that an online pharmacy is what it says it is, getting the okay from doctors and pharmacists, and then following some simple safety rules can keep you and your health secure.
