“I want to spend less on medications, but I’m not sure if it is safe to order drugs on the Internet.”                                           — Len, 76 year-old writer

With hundreds of drug-dispensing Web sites in business, how can consumers tell which are legitimate, especially given how easy it is to set up a professional-looking site that promises deep discounts or a minimum of hassles?

Warnings for Consumers

When it comes to buying medicine online, it is important to be very careful. Some Web sites sell medicine that may not be safe to use and could put your health at risk. Be aware of the following dangers:

• You may receive a contaminated or counterfeit product, the wrong product, an incorrect dose (too strong or too weak), an expired (out-of-date) product or no product at all.

• You may take an unsafe or inappropriate medication putting you at risk for dangerous drug interactions and other serious health consequences.

• If you are getting prescription drugs by filling out a questionnaire the health care professional may not have sufficient information to determine if a certain drug is safe, if another treatment is more appropriate, or if you have an underlying medical condition that would cause the drug to be harmful to you. You may be given a diagnosis that is not correct and purchase medicine that is not right for your condition.

• You may receive medicine that was not labeled, stored, or shipped correctly or FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) approved (haven't been checked for safety and effectiveness).

• You may give personal information to a Web site selling medications (such as social security number, credit card, or medical or health history) and this information may not be kept safe and private and even may be sold without your permission.

Tips to Help Protect You if You Buy Medicines Online

• Check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) (Phone: 847-391-4406. Web site: www.nabp.net) to determine if a Web site is a licensed pharmacy in good standing. The NABP has a program to help you find some of the pharmacies that are licensed to sell medicine online. Internet Web sites that display the seal of this program have been checked to make sure they meet state and federal rules. For more on this program and a list of pharmacies that display the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites™ Seal, (VIPPS ®Seal), go to the Web site: www.vipps.info

• Don't buy from sites that offer to prescribe a drug for the first time without a physical exam or that sell prescription drugs without a prescription.

• Don't do business with sites that have no access to a registered pharmacist who can answer questions.

• Avoid sites that do not identify with whom you are dealing and do not provide a US address and phone number to contact for any problems.

• Don't purchase from foreign Web sites at this time because it is generally illegal to import drugs, and the US government can do little if you are ripped off.

• Beware of sites that advertise a "new cure" for a serious disorder, a quick cure-all for a wide range of ailments, or undocumented case histories claiming “amazing” results.

• Be careful of sites that might use impressive-sounding terminology to disguise a lack of good science or those that claim the government, the medical profession, or research scientists have conspired to suppress a product.

• Talk to a health-care professional before using any medications for the first time.

• For more information on buying medicines and medical products over the Internet, go to www.fda.gov

Report Concerns About Web Sites Or if You Have
Complaints About a Web Site

• Go to www.fda.gov/buyonline and click on “Notify FDA about problem Web Sites” or call 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) [toll free].

This resource provides brief, general information about this health care topic. It does not take the place of specific instructions you receive from your health care providers. For answers to other questions consult your physician or other health care provider.

Copyright NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital 2006. All rights reserved.

SUFFOLK COUNTY SENIOR RESOURCES

Southold Town Human Resource Center Senior Services
Assists Town residents with the complexities of changing health, financial alternatives,entitlements, as well as an array of other services including: congregate dining program, home delivered meals, senior adult day care (Katinka House), caregiver support group, senior transportation, senior recreation and activity programs, telephone reassurance (RSVP), and residential repair program.
750 Pacific Street Mattituck, NY 11952 - 631-298-4460

Suffolk County Office for the Aging
This office provides a range of services to older adults and their families. These services include information and referral, case management, guiding older adults to needed services,and assisting them with applications for benefits programs. Information Line: 631-853-8200

Shelter Island Senior Information Center
The Center assists seniors in connecting with transportation services, home health care,nutrition program, and senior recreation and activity programs.
631-749-1059

 Mental Health Association in Suffolk County, Inc.
They are dedicated to improving the mental health of our community and provide information and referral, support groups, education, and advocacy.
631-226-3900  Website: www.mhasuffolk.org

Alzheimer’s Association
Provides information, support programs and services for families. Services include care consultation, information and referral, education, safe return program, and support groups.
631-580-5100 Website: www.alzheimersli.org

East End Hospice
New York State Certified Hospice, providing an individualized plan of care through a coordinated interdisciplinary team of professionals. Services include home care, pain management, education, guidance, support, and bereavement care.
631-288-8400 Website: www.eeh.org