One-third of respondents indicated previous use of online pharmacies for themselves or someone under their care. While less than 5% of consumers are aware of tools available to help them find safe online pharmacies, more than 90% of consumers did not discuss online pharmacies with their healthcare provider (The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, 2017). NABP has been working with social media companies and other stakeholders to protect consumers from fake pharmacies. One example is Twitter’s and Snapchat’s requirement that advertisers of pharmacies and pharmacy products must be verified by NABP. In addition, NABP shared the results of the study with representatives from Pinterest, who said they are aware of the problem and are taking steps to further reduce the number of illicit Pins that slip through their filters. As Americans’ reliance on social media platforms for news and information has grown in recent years, it is expected that the prevalence of rogue online pharmacies in these spaces will also increase.
There is no quality control department at your dealer’s house, and the people making these drugs do not care about your safety. It is a highly deadly opiate drug that has become prevalent in the United States drug supply and has been found in counterfeit internet drug sales like fake hydrocodone, Xanax, Adderall, and oxycodone 30mg (M30s) and other prescription pills. Fentanyl and other substances are used to stretch their drug supply out to make a more significant profit.
Congress targets ‘fake pharmacies’ spreading dangerous drugs online
With the convenience of online shopping, it’s no surprise that people are turning to the internet to purchase drugs as well. However, buying drugs online can be risky if you don’t know what you’re doing. Here are some tips on how to safely purchase drugs online.
1. Research the Website
Before making a purchase, take the time to research the website you’re buying from. Look for reviews and feedback from other customers to ensure that the site is reputable and trustworthy.
Negative Consequences of the Widespread and Inappropriate Easy Access to Purchasing Prescription Medications on the Internet
Many drug transactions occur on school grounds, where teens sell drugs to their peers. At school, teens have access to a larger pool of drugs than what they would be accustomed to seeing in their own social groups. There are many ways teenagers can get their hands on drugs or alcohol without having to buy them from a store.
About 16% of students thought that people should be advised to buy cheaper drugs at pharmacies such as these but the majority (62%) suggested that people should be warned against buying drugs from such internet sellers. Over 22% of respondents would recommend pharmacy A to friends and family (10% pharmacy B). One-third of participants supplied online health information to others for decision-making purposes.
2. Check for Certification
- The NABP requires an application and charges a fee for accreditation, and only a small fraction of online pharmacies have been accredited through this process.
- Underage drinking has also slowly declined recently, while teenage marijuana use has remained more or less the same.
- It’s remarkably easy to buy drugs on the web, almost identical to all other online shopping.
- Characteristics of these illegal sites include selling medicine that was not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, not requiring a prescription, and selling controlled substances.
- The internet allows teens to buy drugs easily and receive them efficiently, without ever having to encounter the dangers a person would through a face-to-face sale.
Make sure that the website is certified by a recognized organization, such as the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) or LegitScript. This certification ensures that the site complies with regulations and operates legally.
Related Websites
3. Verify the Pharmacist
Check to see if the website has a licensed pharmacist available to answer any questions you may have. A reputable online pharmacy will have a pharmacist on staff to provide guidance and advice.
A report carried out by the EAASM found that 62% (EAASM report “The Counterfeiting Superhighway”) of medicines bought online were either substandard or counterfeit. All orders for prescription medication on this site require a valid prescription. Please review the instructions included with the medication before starting your treatment. You can contact us with any questions regarding usage, side effects or drug interactions at any time. Silk Road was a black market digital platform where users conducted illegal transactions like buying drugs using bitcoin. Market URLs change rapidly nowadays on the dark web, to escape malicious hacking by blackmailers.
4. Use Secure Payment Methods
QUIZ: Counterfeit Goods: Can You Spot the Fakes?
When making a purchase, always use secure payment methods such as credit cards or PayPal. Avoid using wire transfers or other insecure forms of payment that can’t be traced.
5. Be Wary of Unrealistic Prices
If the prices seem too good to be true, they probably are. Avoid websites that offer extremely low prices on drugs, as these products may be counterfeit or dangerous.
6. Protect Your Personal Information
When purchasing drugs online, be cautious about sharing your personal information. Only provide necessary details such as your name, address, and payment information to protect yourself from fraud.
7. Consult Your Doctor
Before purchasing any medication online, consult with your doctor to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your condition. Your doctor can also help you identify potential risks and side effects.
Conclusion
Purchasing drugs online can be convenient and efficient, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. By following these tips, you can navigate the world of online pharmacies with confidence and peace of mind.
