Consumers may find that purchasing medications online offers numerous benefits, including cost savings, privacy and accessibility. However, this convenience is not without its risks. Before you click buy, make sure your medications are coming from a safe source. Below, we'll walk through the dangers of unregulated online pharmacies and red flags to consider when selecting a digital drugstore.
The threat of counterfeit medications
In September of 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) announced an indictment against 18 individuals manufacturing and distributing counterfeit pharmaceuticals via illegal online pharmacies to individuals in all 50 states and some countries. This illicit operation resulted in the death of at least nine victims and defrauded many who were under the guise that they were purchasing authentic prescription medications.
It's essential to keep in mind criminals who sell medicines online have one goal: to make money. They often target high-demand medications, especially those without a lower-cost generic alternative.
Fake medicines are skillfully packaged to resemble genuine products, making it challenging for consumers to differentiate between genuine and imitation items.
Medicines that you buy online from unregulated sources can be either too strong or too weak or contain harmful ingredients. Without proper oversight, counterfeiters may have manufactured these drugs in unsanitary conditions. They could also contain filler ingredients such as chalk, sugar and flour instead of the advertised medicine. In the worst cases, a bogus pill may contain harmful drugs or chemicals.
What to watch out for
The safest way to buy medicine online is to choose verified pharmacies that meet regulatory standards. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy verifies internet drugstores throughout the United States and most Canadian provinces. Another reliable option is purchasing medicine through your health insurance company's website.
Don't trust an online drugstore if:
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The manufacturer does not have a physical address.
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The website doesn't ask for a prescription. Many physicians use electronic prescriptions, which can be securely transmitted to verified online pharmacies.
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The drugstore isn't a licensed pharmacy. In the U.S. and Canada, pharmacies are licensed by individual states or provincial governments.
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The online drugstore doesn't have a licensed pharmacist available to answer your questions.
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The website lacks proper security measures, meaning that any information you type in, including your address or credit card number, could be read and used by anyone who comes across it. Secure websites use special tools to encrypt your data. They turn it into a code that other people can't read. You can tell that a website is secure if the URL (the web address) begins with "https" rather than just "http."
Final thoughts
Choosing a reliable pharmacy ensures you receive the exact medications prescribed and have access to services that enhance your healthcare journey. Parkview Outpatient Pharmacies and Specialty Pharmacy provide a wide range of prescription medications and individualized support for those with chronic and complex conditions. At select locations, we offer custom medication solutions like compounding and flavoring, making it easier for patients to take their prescribed treatments. For specialty medications, Parkview Specialty Pharmacy provides fast, reliable delivery to your home, workplace or preferred location.
For more information on pharmacy services, contact or visit a location near you.
Copyrighted material adapted with permission from Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor.
