On May 1, 2007, the FDA issued a warning regarding the dangers of purchasing medications on the Internet. This warning was a result of evidence showing that 24 prescription web sites were identified as involved in the distribution of counterfeit drugs. As an example, the FDA confirmed that counterfeit versions of a weight loss drug, Xenical, were obtained by consumers over the Internet. One of the samples of drugs obtained over the Internet tested by Roche laboratories, manufacturer of Xenical, was proven to contain sibutramine, the active ingredient in Meridia, a different prescription weight-loss drug manufactured by Abbott. While Meridia is also used for weight loss, the dangers associated with this switch are that Meridia should not be used by certain patients or with certain other medications. In addition, Meridia should only be taken once daily while Xenical is dosed three times daily, meaning that people taking Meridia, thinking it is Xenical, could get three times the recommended dose. Other samples had no medication in them at all and contained only starch and talc.

The two web sites involved in this investigation are brandpills.com and pillspharm.com. These are two of the 24 web sites that appear on the pharmacycall365.com home page. Four of these sites had been previously identified by the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigations as being associated with the distribution of counterfeit Tamiflu and counterfeit Cialis. It appears that these sites are operated from outside the United States. The FDA warns consumers to be wary if there is no way to contact the web site pharmacy by phone, if prices are dramatically lower than other sources, or if no prescription from a personal doctor is required.

The FDA has a consumer safety guide about purchasing prescription medications online. Many risks associated with purchasing prescriptions online are identified. Some web sites aren’t US state-licensed pharmacies or may not even be pharmacies at all. Websites may provide an incorrect diagnosis and sell inappropriate medications. Websites may not protect your personal information. Some medications sold online are counterfeit, the wrong strength, expired, are not FDA approved, aren’t made using safe standards, aren’t safe to use with other medications, or aren’t labeled, stored or shipped correctly.

Tips for buying drugs safely online include meeting with the doctor, knowing the source, and looking for a web site that protects your privacy. Only medications prescribed by your personal physician should be taken. Only state-licensed pharmacy run web sites should be used. Your state board of pharmacy can tell you if a web site is a state-licensed pharmacy in good standing located in the US. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has a program to help identify state-licensed pharmacies licensed to sell drugs online known as the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) program. When shopping for an online pharmacy, look for one displaying the VIPPS seal, that has a licensed pharmacist to answer your questions, that requires a prescription from a health care professional licensed in the US, and that has a way to talk to a person about any problems. Also, make sure that measures are in place to protect your privacy. Do not give social security numbers, credit card information or health and personal history unless you are sure the website can keep your information safe. Report any problem websites by going to http://www.fda.gov/buyonline/ and click on "Notify FDA about problem websites."

Reference: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2007/NEW01623.html.

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