Prescription Drugs Online
|
Related Topics
Live
News Feed for Parents
Health Topics
Does this sound familiar? "Get Low cost Prescriptions Here: Viagra, Wellbutrin, Zanax!"
Many
of us receive tens, even hundreds of junk emails each day, a great deal
of them offer low cost, discreet prescription drugs, but what's the catch?
Many of the websites from where these emails are generated originate from
outside of the United States. According to one website, in the year
2000 there were between 300 and 400 online pharmacies overseas, recent
estimates claim those numbers have doubled. The overwhelming number of
international internet pharmacies has forced the Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) to create the Office of International Programs (OIP) which coordinates
the agency's interactions with foreign countries and regulatory counterparts
in order to set priorities for international activities, and provide overall
policy guidance on international issues.
Most foreign pharmacies offer generic versions of many of the popular drugs on the market. The drugs are low priced, but often do not meet the stringent regulations of the FDA. Unfortunately, many citizens are forced to pursue these less than honorable drugs because of the high costs they face in this country.
On a number of the websites, all you have to do is fill out a questionnaire which asks you about your illness, and based on your answers, they prescribe what you want. Theoretically, you could look up the symptoms associated with the drug you want on a different website. After you do that, you can return to the prescription website with the symptoms to guarantee a prescription. This is an easy way for people who are dependent on prescription drugs to get what they want without their doctor getting involved. Another risk involved is that a questionnaire does not provide sufficient information for a medical professional to determine if that drug is safe for you to use. You may also be at risk if you have an underlying medical condition where using that drug may be harmful to you.
Customer service is another danger to consumers. One example I came across in my research was a website based out of India which actually lets you return your unused medicine if you are not satisfied. Think of the potential hazards with tampering that lay with those policies. Just try and return your unsatisfactory medicine to your local pharmacy! Always check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (847-698-6227) to determine whether a Website is a licensed pharmacy in good standing.
A
recent bill may stomp out these fraudulent websites altogether. Congress
has just passed a bill which is a Medicare drug benefit that will allocate
$400 billion over ten years to help pay for the coverage of prescription
costs. The benefit leaves gaps in coverage for many people, but is an
important first step upon which further improvements can be made. Beginning
in 2006, Medicare will pay for 75% of prescription drug costs for most
people who choose to enroll, after a $250 annual deductible, up to $2,250.
Drug coverage would not begin until 2006, although seniors will be able
to purchase a Medicare-backed drug discount card beginning this year at
a cost of approximately $30. Officials claim this will reduce senior citizen's
pharmacy bills by 15 to 25 percent.
For more information visit:
www.fda.gov
www.medicare.gov
Joseph J. DellaCorte is resident of Stafford Springs, CT and an intern with NYBOR, LLC. from Eastern Connecticut State University. We would like to extend our Congratulations to Joe for not only completing his internship, but graduating with his degree! Way to go, Joe!
Related Topics
Live
News Feed for Parents
Health Topics
|
Robyn's Nest |
|
|
|
|
© 1996-2005 by NYBOR,
LLC All rights reserved.
All material on this Internet site is protected by U.S. and international
copyrights. Only personal use of such material is permitted. By accessing
this page and this site, you expressly agree and consent to the foregoing
terms and conditions.
Legal Statement
Privacy Statement
Robyn's Nest ~ The Parenting Network