Use Caution When Ordering Medications Online

It seems like we can do everything on the Internet. We can learn new things, visit exotic places and shop for anything, anywhere in the world, all without ever leaving our living room.

We can even get our prescription medicines sent directly to our house, sometimes cheaper than at our pharmacy.

But how safe is ordering medicine online? How do you know that what you're ordering is what you will actually receive? There are some unreputable companies that sell medicines that are inferior, contaminated or just plain bogus. How can you tell who to buy from?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an online Consumer Safety Guide to help reduce the health risks and keep you safe.

The guide offers some good advice.

• Only order medicine that was prescribed for you by a doctor or other healthcare professional.
• Order only from state-licensed pharmacies located in the U.S.
• The website should have a licensed pharmacist available to you for any questions that you may have.
• Protect your privacy. Never give personal information such as your credit card numbers or social security number to a website unless it is a trusted, secure site.

For more important safety tips please click on these additional links.

• The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) List of Licensed Online Pharmacies
• Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites TM (VIPPS)
• Buying Medicines and Medical Products Online from the FDA

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• Medication Reference Chart for Type 2 Diabetes

What are some common types of insulin?

• Insulin Types and Actions

Online pharmacies can be very convenient, especially for medications that you use all the time. Use these guidelines to find reputable websites, be aware of the dangers and shop safely.

Photo by Andre Veron