Be Wary Of Buying Drugs

 On The Internet

Reports of anthrax exposure a few years ago year spawned websites and emails selling Ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and other antibiotics for treatment. The Federal Trade Commission warns that fraudsters often follow the headlines, tailoring their offers to prey on consumers’ fears and vulnerabilities.

The FTC and the Food and Drug Administration say you should talk to your health-care professional before you use any medications. Unless you are specifically notified or instructed by public health officials, there is no need for antibiotics to prevent anthrax.

Confirming an infection requires a doctor’s examination and diagnosis, and this is particularly important for anthrax. A general questionnaire does not provide adequate information for a health-care professional to determine whether a particular drug will work for you, is safe, and whether another treatment is more appropriate. It also fails to address whether there will be adverse reactions with another medication you are taking or whether you have a medical condition, such as an allergy, that could make the drug harmful.

Some websites may sell ineffective drugs, and some sites may claim to sell FDA-approved drugs, like Cipro, made to meet US standards. But they may be selling a similar drug made elsewhere, where there may be no guarantee of appropriate manufacturing standards. In fact, the drugs could be counterfeit or even adulterated with dangerous contaminants.

Know who you are buying from. On the Internet, anyone can pretend to be anyone — it is easy to fake email addresses. You may send the website your money and not get the real thing, or anything, in return. To ensure that the site is reputable and licensed to sell drugs in the United States, the FDA recommends that you check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (www.nabp.net, 847-698-6227). In addition, the FTC and the FDA advise not doing business with websites that do not provide access to a registered pharmacist to answer questions.

Avoid sites that do not provide their name, physical business address and phone number. Otherwise, you will never know who you are dealing with and how to reach them if there is a problem. Do not purchase from foreign websites at this time. It is generally illegal to import the drugs bought from these sites; the risks are greater, and there is very little the US government can do if you get ripped off.

If you buy drugs on the Internet, pay by credit or charge card. If you pay for online purchases by credit or charge card, the Fair Credit Billing Act will protect your transaction. Under this law, you have the right to dispute charges under certain circumstances and withhold payment while the creditor is investigating those charges.

In the case of unauthorized use of a consumer’s credit or charge card, consumers generally are held liable only for the first $50 in charges. Some cards may provide additional warranty or purchase protection benefits.

Visit www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/alerts/bioalrt.htm for more information.