This is a growing trend in the U.S. They will find hundreds of websites that sell prescription drugs and other products on the Internet.

These legal, safe companies offer privacy and convenience. These services use the same safety precautions as traditional methods of prescribing medicine. These services can be used by consumers with the same confidence as their local pharmacist. These sites may be familiar to customers who are familiar with large pharmacies. Some are large, well-known pharmacies that are locally owned and managed. Others are smaller, local pharmacies that have been set up to provide their customers with electronic services.

When buying medicine online, it is important to be cautious. There are some websites that sell products that have not been approved by the FDA. These products have not been tested for safety or effectiveness. Some websites don't follow the established guidelines to protect consumers. Some sites ask for only a brief questionnaire before you order prescription drugs. They do not require face-to–face interaction with healthcare professionals.

You could be at risk if you buy medicines from these sites. It is possible to get medicine that isn’t safe to use with other medications or products you already use. You might also find that the medicine you purchase is contaminated, fake or out of date.

A brave, new world

Some people find that ordering prescription Canada Drugs online has advantages not offered by a local pharmacy, such as:

• Patients who are confined or live far away from the pharmacy will have greater access to medicines.
• It is easy to compare multiple sites and find the best prices.
• Access to a wider range of products and greater convenience
• Access to product information in written form is easier.
• You can order products online and speak with a pharmacist from the comfort of your own home.

Internet medicine shopping can also be claimed to save money. This is sometimes true.

However, there are many websites that offer health products online that the FDA has deemed to be illegal. Many specialize in providing medications for erectile problems, baldness, and weight loss. Some are based abroad and promise to deliver prescription drugs at a lower price than the U.S. Some make false claims about your health or claim that you can purchase medicines without a prescription.

Overseeing online sales

It remains to be seen if new legislation will increase oversight of online pharmacies. The state medical boards regulate medical practice while the state pharmacy boards supervise pharmacy practice. Federal Trade Commission and FDA ensure that medicines sellers make scientifically supported claims about their products. Other agencies include the U.S. Customs Service, and the U.S. Postal Service. The laws governing the shipment of medicine products are enforced by the Postal Service.

FDA regulates the manufacturing, safety, and effectiveness of pharmaceutical medicines. It also regulates part of the prescribing process.

Regulation of online sales of medical products is still a relatively new concept. However, the FDA has taken effective action against illegal websites.

How does online sales work

This is how legal online pharmacies operate in general:

• The pharmacy will open an account for customers and collect their credit card and insurance information. Each state has its own licensing requirements for pharmacies to sell prescription drugs. If an out-of state license is required, it is also licensed.
• Once you have created an account, you will need to submit a valid prescription. It can be called in by your healthcare provider. You can also fax it or mail it to the pharmacy.
• Online pharmacies can send products from one central location. Some allow you to pick up the prescription at your local pharmacy. Most prescriptions are delivered quickly and often without shipping charges. Many sites offer overnight delivery for an additional fee.
• Most sites offer a way to reach a pharmacist via email or toll-free.

What consumers can do

How can you distinguish between legitimate and fraudulent websites that offer medicine? These tips are provided by the FDA to help consumers who purchase health products online.

• Do not buy prescription medicines from websites that claim to be able to write a prescription for you.
• Avoid sites that do not provide access to a registered pharmacist for answers to questions.
• Avoid sites that do not identify you as the person with whom you are dealing. If there is a problem, don't give a U.S. phone number and address.
• Avoid sites that claim to have a cure for a serious condition or quick fixes for all your health problems.
• Sites that claim to have good science but use fancy terms to hide it should be avoided. Sites that claim the government, medical profession or research scientists are working together in order to stop a product from being released should be avoided.
• Sites that claim amazing results but have undocumented cases histories should not be used.
• Before you start using any medication for the first time, talk to your healthcare provider.