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When you go to your local drugstore, you are protected by a well-established system of government regulation that insures the quality of the medicines and the qualifications of those that either prescribe or fill the prescriptions. To receive a prescription drug for the first time, you must be examined by a licensed health care practitioner who issues a prescription for an appropriate, FDA-approved drug. A registered pharmacist working in a licensed pharmacy that meets state practice standards fills your prescription. A competent pharmacist will be watchful for possible interactions of the drugs you are taking. This safety net is generally effective in protecting you from harmful or ineffective drugs, as well as improper prescribing or dispensing of pharmaceuticals.
So why would anyone buy drugstore items online? Some people object to government regulation and want to have freer access to unapproved drugs they believe will help them combat chronic or fatal illnesses. Others want to obtain lower cost drugs or enjoy convenient mail-order delivery. Privacy is an issue too. Many people are embarrassed by having to ask for a pregnancy or HIV test or treatments for hemorrhoids face-to-face at their local drugstore. Among the other benefits are 24-hour access, links to medical information, and vast inventories. Many sites offer valuable specials such as diet and exercise programs or health club memberships to entice you to become a customer.
But you must be careful. Buying drugs on the Internet makes it easy to fall out of the safety net. Because an attractive web site is cheaper to build than a brick and mortar store, any site can appear to be a legitimate pharmacy. If you buy prescription drugs without consulting your own doctor who knows your medical history, you are at risk for inappropriately prescribed medications and dangerous drug interactions. You may even receive unapproved drugs or drugs that may have been contaminated during manufacturing, storage, or distribution. How can you be careful?
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