Perhaps the most asked question from those seeking to buy medications online is whether or not it is legal (and safe) to do so. The answer, as with anything else you can buy online, is yes and no. There are many safe and legitimate places to buy medications on the internet and there are places you simply do not want to do business with. Finding them is the challenge. Despite some common misconceptions, it is in fact legal to buy prescription medications online. As long as certain guidelines are followed and conditions are met, buying medication can not only be more convenient but also considerably cheaper than purchasing from brick and mortar pharmacies.

According to the FDA: "Legitimate pharmacy sites on the Internet provide consumers with a convenient, private, way to obtain needed medications, sometimes at more affordable prices. The elderly and persons in remote areas can avoid the inconvenience of traveling to a store to purchase medications. Many reputable Internet pharmacies allow patients to consult with a licensed pharmacist from the privacy of their home. Moreover, Internet pharmacies can provide customers with written product information and references to other sources of information like the traditional storefront pharmacy. Finally, the increasing use of computer technology to transmit prescriptions from doctors to pharmacies is likely to reduce prescription errors".

For consumers who want to buy prescription drugs online, the FDA recommends purchasing only from licensed online pharmacies. This helps to assure that the consumer will receive drugs that are manufactured, packaged, distributed, and labelled properly. "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 required, consumers should be especially wary."

Importing prescription medication into the U.S. by individuals for personal use is technically illegal. In practice, however, Americans who import medicine for private use by either taking it across the border or having it mailed to them are not typically prevented from doing so. More specifically, the FDA recognizes that the task of monitoring all drug imports is more than it can handle and offers guidelines for its government officials to use discretion in allowing imports. In accordance with these guidelines and those relating to purchasing drugs online, imports are usually allowed if the shipment

1) is for personal use only,

2) does not exceed a 90-day supply, and

3) does not include controlled substances.

Congress is currently considering legislation to allow Americans to buy lower-cost prescription drugs legally and safely from Canada and, eventually, from other Western countries. If such a bill becomes law, consumers will be able to order drugs from a list of foreign pharmacies that have been approved by the U.S. government. Until then, the practice remains illegal (although U.S. authorities have never prosecuted individual Americans for importing drugs for their own use), and consumers must continue to buy from abroad at their own risk. How much risk? Reputable online pharmacies do exist, particularly in Canada where the government regulates pharmacy practices as rigorously as American health agencies do. Such pharmacies sell bona fide prescription drugs to Americans safely and ethically. But due to strict measures by FDA in USA some people think they should not be at the mercy of brand name companies when much cheaper and wide range generic alternative are available abroad where laws are not strict as in USA. At the same time, the internet is fertile ground for a modern breed of rogue salesmen who try to exploit Americans' vulnerability to high U.S. prescription drug prices.

The best tip is to look out for accreditation seals like VIPPS, PharmacyChecker.com, CIPA rx, MIPA, IMPAC depending upon the country where you live. For checking their authenticity you have to click on the seal in the pharmacy site to find out. Please note that VIPPS seal is only for sites in the USA while CIPA rx and MIPA Canada while while PharmacyChecker.com and IMPAC seal is universal ie the web site could be from any country. These seals confirm the authenticity of the pharmacy, medicines sourced from licensed pharmacies, customers privacy is protected, FDA approved medication sold etc. Click here for more information on accreditation seals.

Buying your medicine online can be easy. Just make sure you do it safely. The Internet has changed the way we live, work and shop. The growth of the Internet has made it possible to compare prices and buy products without ever leaving home. But when it comes to buying medicine online, it is important to be very careful. Some websites sell medicine that may not be safe to use and could put your health at risk. Some websites that sell medicine: Are not pharmacies at all may give a diagnosis that is not correct and sell medicine that is not right for you or your condition won't protect your personal information Some medicines sold online: are fake are too strong or too weak have harmful ingredients have expired (are out-of-date) aren't FDA-approved (haven't been checked for safety and effectiveness) aren't made using safe standards aren't safe to use with other medicine or products you use aren't labelled, stored, or shipped correctly.

MEET AND TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR Talk with your doctor and have a physical exam before you get any new medicine for the first time. Use ONLY medicine that has been prescribed by your doctor or another trusted professional who is licensed to write prescriptions for medicine. Ask your doctor if there are any special steps you need to take to fill your prescription.

BE SURE YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED Look for privacy and security policies that are easy-to-find and easy-to-understand. Don't give any personal information (such as social security number, credit card, or medical or health history), unless you are sure the website will keep your information safe and private. Make sure that the site will not sell your information, unless you agree.

FDA Consumer magazine January-February 2005 Issue

Use Caution Buying Medical Products Online By Michelle Meadows

"Get prescription drugs fast--no doctor needed! Cure cancer with herbs! Zap your pain away with an amazing device! Absolutely safe--pull out your credit card NOW, and get rock-bottom prices. 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."

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