Be Wary

When Buying Meds Online

WALLINGFORD — Some of the most common unsolicited email offers received by consumers offer prescription medication with just a few clicks of the mouse. Offers for inexpensive medication refills are especially attractive to consumers without medical insurance or families on a tight budget.

Connecticut Better Business Bureau, however, says illegal online pharmacies are flourishing, and at the same time putting buyers at serious risk.

“It is crucial for people to understand the risks of dealing with unscrupulous online pharmacies,” Ms Scarpetti warns CT BBB President Paulette Scarpetti. “They often sell products that may be beyond their expiration date, or worse, mislabeled, contaminated, or manufactured illegally by underground labs in the United States and abroad. Someone with a serious medical condition could be taking a dangerous risk by dealing with these vendors.”

Consumers can tell if an online pharmacy is legitimate by looking for the following:

*The requirement of a written prescription from a licensed medical doctor; requirement of a consumer’s detailed medical history;

*Use of a secure website connections for transactions; and posting of details about privacy policies, payment, and shipping fees.

Consumers should also check that an online pharmacy is certified by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy by calling 847-391-4406 or emailing exec-office@nabp.net.