A 5 Part Guide To Help You Protect Your Health And Your Wallet
Too Good To Be True?
It's not hard to find statements like these floating around in cyberspace. If they sound too good to be true, it's because they usually are.
Legitimate Vs. Illegal Web Sites
Many legitimate Web sites bring customers health products with the benefits of:
Consumers need to be aware that the Internet has also created a marketplace for:
The unique qualities of the Internet pose challenges for enforcing federal and state laws, including:
Many sites are connected to other sites and have multiple links, which makes investigations more complex. And there are jurisdictional challenges because the regulatory and enforcement issues cross state, federal, and international lines.
Red Flags
Government agencies work together to shut down illegal Web sites and prosecute criminals, but enforcement resources are limited. Consumers need to take some responsibility for recognizing suspicious sites and turning the other way.
So How Can You Spot The Red Flags?
Here's a guide to help you protect your health and your wallet.
Go On To: Part 2 --- Buying Prescription Drugs
Go On To: Part 3 --- Buying Dietary Supplements
Go On To: Part 4 --- Buying Medical Devices
Go On To: Part 5 --- FDA Enforcement Examples
How To Report Problems
To report a problem with a Web site selling human drugs, animal drugs, medical devices, biological products, foods, dietary supplements, or cosmetics:
Online Resources
FDA online guide: "Buying Prescription Medicines Online: A Consumer Safety Guide" at www.fda.gov/buyonlineguide
Legislation
In March 2004, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) voiced support of federal legislation that would protect consumers from dangerous Internet drug prescribing practices. "The Internet Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act" would remove the veil of secrecy surrounding many rogue Internet pharmacies and the physicians who serve them. The bill, which was introduced in early March 2004, targets domestic Internet pharmacies that sell drugs over the Internet without a valid prescription. These are the main provisions of the bill:
The FDA has not stated a position on the proposed legislation.
