Shop Online?
Health professionals warn don’t be so quick to click!
While online pharmacies are a convenient, cost-saving source, experts say face-to-face interaction with a pharmacist is probably best. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reports that 97 percent of Internet drug outlets appear to be operating out of compliance with state and federal laws.
“Certainly, it’s immediate and saves a trip to the local pharmacy, but there are red flags,” says Carmen A. Catizone, executive director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
Catizone cautions of counterfeit pharmaceutical Web sites and recommends consumers verify accredited online pharmacies at NABP.net. “Illegal Web sites can filter your credit history to third parties. Also, if you can’t locate corporate headquarters for an online pharmacy, that’s a red flag,” Catizone says. “Steer away from sites that ask for waivers, offer medication without a prescription and ship foreign prescriptions, which are not approved by the FDA.”
John Norton, public relations manager for the National Community Pharmacists Association, adds, “Online pharmacies allow bulk purchases, but unless it’s a maintenance drug that will be used for a long time, it’s not worth it. At the end of the day, it’s best to have in-person interaction with a health care professional.”
—Erika A. McCarden
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