Use caution if buying medicine online

By Nancy C. Nelson

Meadowlark Extension District

Ever been tempted to buy your medicines from an online pharmacy or another website?

Protect yourself and your family by using caution when buying medicine online. There are many pharmacy websites that operate legally and offer convenience, privacy and safeguards for purchasing medicines.

But the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that there are many rogue online pharmacies that claim to sell prescription medicines at deeply discounted prices, often without requiring a valid prescription. These Internet-based pharmacies often sell unapproved or counterfeit medicines outside the safeguards followed by licensed pharmacies.

These rogue sites often prominently display a Canadian flag, but may actually be operated by criminals from the other side of the globe with no connection to Canada. Medicines bought from these websites can be dangerous and may put your health at risk.

How can you tell if an online pharmacy is operating legally? The FDA can help you identify and avoid fake online pharmacies www.fda.gov/BeSafeRx.