The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has identified approximately 200 domestic web sites that dispense prescription drugs but do not offer an online prescribing service.
According to a recent Chicago Tribune article cited by the American Medical Association, there are at least 400 web sites that both dispense and offer a prescribing service — half of these sites are located in foreign countries.
Some have estimated that the number of Websites selling prescription drugs may now be closer to 1,000. The number of Websites, however, fluctuates from day to day, and seems to be growing.
What Drugs Are Being Sold Online Illegally?
1. Generic versions of the Opiates like –
• OxyContin
• Methadone
• Vicodin
2. Benzodiazepines like -
• Xanax
• Valium
3. Stimulants like -
• Ritilin
Can You Still Buy Your Prescriptions Online?
Of course, you can, you just have to be careful and follow a few basic rules when purchasing medications online -
1. Do they have US licensed physicians that write the prescriptions, or do they require you to submit one?
2. Do they have US licensed pharmacists that dispense the medications?
3. Do they require a medical history form to be filled out prior to prescribing medication?
4. Are they a US based company, and do they provide a US mailing address and phone number on their site?
5. Do they have real people you can talk to through live web-chat or a toll-free telephone?
6. Does their website provide SSL encryption on all financial transactions?
7. Have they been in business for a substantial length of time?
8. Do they offer only brand-name, FDA-approved drugs?
Answering all of these questions with a YES, means that you have found a legitimate online pharmacy. Also you will find that most online pharmacies can be eliminated from your consideration because of the NO answers to many of the above questions.
About the Author -
Lisa Macfarlane is a professional health writer and editor who specializes in sexual health and health issues.
