ASK THE EXPERTS - Is it safe to order drugs from overseas pharmacies?

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From Medscape Pharmacists

Ask the Experts about Pharmacotherapy

Posted 01/02/2009

Darrell T. Hulisz, RPh, PharmD

Is It Safe To Order Drugs From Overseas Pharmacies?

Question

Some of my patients obtain prescription medications from outside of

the United States via the Internet. What are the risks of this

practice, and how can any problems be avoided?

Response from Darrell T. Hulisz, RPh, PharmD

Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Case Western

Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals, Case

Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio

A growing number of US consumers are engaging in the potentially risky

practice of purchasing medications from unregulated Websites that ship

drugs from foreign countries. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

has cautioned consumers about this practice, especially about ordering

prescription drugs without a valid prescription.[1] Many drugs that

are available from overseas pharmacies should be monitored by a health

professional for effectiveness and for potential adverse events, FDA

officials have said.

There are several different types of Internet pharmacy portals, and

some of them do follow safe medication practices. In the best-case

scenario, a valid, legal prescription from a licensed prescriber is

transmitted to the Internet pharmacy, which then fills the

prescription and mails it to the patient. Pharmacies meeting quality

standards of care are designated as Verified Internet Pharmacy

Practice Sites (VIPPS) by the National Association of Boards of

Pharmacy.[2]

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Read the full article here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/585137

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