Online Pharmacy-Getting Popular and Galloping
By: Clark

Shopping today like all other trades has gone high tech. A mouthwatering dish, a dress of our choice, or a medicine we need, all are available at door step with a mouse click. Paucity of time is no more a crippling handicap. In the privacy of our homes we can order medicines and choose from countless websites all hours at our service. It is a buyers’ market with greater variety and competitive prices.

No blessing however, is risk free. Online transactions are no exception. An FDI study of 46 sites found that only 37 insisted on a prescription. As a substitute, they accepted medication through a questionnaire. While nine sites waived prescription all together, where questionnaire was offered bypassing any face-to-face interaction with a health professional, doctor's identity or qualifications were doubtful.

Quite a few sites specialize in providing drugs like Viagra, the baldness therapy, weight-loss treatment, etc. Many lure with very low prices. Some boast tall health claims and even openly advertise no prescription is necessary. Being not obligatory to disclose details, buyers cannot verify if a site or its doctors are licensed. With rogue sites abusing the Internet for selling unapproved goods, risk of contaminated, counterfeit or outdated medicines looms.

Harm potential is really great. A 52-year-old Illinois man with a family history of heart disease died of heart attack in March 1999 after buying the impotence drug Viagra from an online source that substituted a prescription with a questionnaire. In July 1999, FDA signed agreements with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Federation of State Medical Boards. These organizations promised to help enforce federal and state laws against unlawful Internet drugs sales in US.

FDA is also investigating numerous pharmaceutical Websites breaking law. The agency is focusing on Internet surveillance, health fraud, and prescription drugs sold without valid prescriptions. Though new to regulating Internet sales of health products, FDA has been effective against illegal sites. A California company Lei-Home Access Care site in 1997 was closed, and its operator sentenced to five years jail. The company sold on Internet an unapproved home kit as a blood test for the AIDS virus and also fabricated test results.

In July 1999, the Federal Trade Commission announced "Operation Cure. All," which aims to stop bogus Internet claims for products and treatments touted as cures for various diseases. Over two years, the FTC identified about 800 sites and numerous groups with questionable promotions. Many states also have acted. In 1999, Kansas prohibited several pharmacies from operating illegal Web-based businesses within the state.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleJoe.com

Clark Kerwood is an associated editor to the website: www.i-pharmacy.md - The Online Pharmacy Portal. I-Pharmacy.md is committed to provide visitors with complete information on Viagra, Cialis and all Diet Pills. Your Feedback will be highly appreciated at partner@i-pharmacy.md.

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