Buying Medicines Online

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KEY POINTS

• Some Web sites sell medicine that may be dangerous in several ways.
• You need to know how to check if the Web site is safe. You also need to know how to tell if your medicine is safe to take.
• Work with your healthcare provider and pharmacist to find ways for you to save money on medicines.

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Many people like being able to shop online and buy products without leaving home. The Internet lets you compare prices and can save money on prescription medicines. But some Web sites sell medicine that may be dangerous in several ways.

Is it safe to buy medicines online?

If you buy from an online pharmacy, you might:

• Receive medicine that contains fillers such as chalk, or dangerous ingredients such as rat poison or illegal drugs
• Receive fake medicines that will not treat your condition
• Receive medicines that are not the right dose
• Receive medicines that are expired and no longer work
• Receive medicine that has not been stored or shipped correctly. Being frozen or exposed to heat can change the way medicines work.
• Have your financial and other personal information stolen, or be charged for things that you didn't buy
• Get emails that could infect your computer with viruses

If you order from an online pharmacy, here are signs of fake medicines to watch for:

• The packaging is torn, has misspellings, or has a crooked label.
• The pills are cracked, chipped, a different color, or taste or smell odd.
• You feel sick or have unexpected side effects after you take the medicine.
• Your medical condition is not well controlled anymore.

How can I check if a pharmacy is safe?

To make sure that the online pharmacy is safe, the Web site should:

• Require a prescription from your healthcare provider
• List a physical address and telephone number in the United States
• Have a pharmacist available to answer your questions
• Be licensed with your state board of pharmacy

To find licensed pharmacies, you can check

• The US Food and Drug Administration
  http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/Consumers/
• The Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP)
  http://www.safemedsonline.org/

Some health plans allow you to order new prescriptions and refills on the Web and have them mailed directly to you. You may still want to check the Web address to make sure that it is safe. To find pharmacy sites that have passed screening to prove that they are safe, you can check:

• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
  http://www.nabp.net/programs/vipps/vipps-accredited-pharmacies-list/

For a list of Web sites that are not recommended, you can check:

• National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
  http://www.awarerx.pharmacy/acquire-safely/not-recommended-online-pharmacies

What else can I do to save money on medicines?

• Review your list of medicines with your healthcare providers at least once per year to make sure that you’re taking only what you need. Be sure that your primary healthcare provider (PCP) knows all the medicines you take, including any medicines you get from specialist providers.
• Ask if a healthy lifestyle would help you reduce the need for medicines. For example:
  • Eat a healthy diet and exercise according to your healthcare provider’s recommendations.
  • Don’t smoke and avoid secondhand smoke.
  • Get regular medical checkups and follow the treatment plan your provider recommends.
• Ask your healthcare provider if there are ways for you to save money on medicines. For example:
  • Would a less expensive medicine work for me?
  • How long do I need to take this medicine?
  • Can I get a generic version?
  • Do you have any samples or coupons?
  • Could you give me a 90-day prescription? Many medicines are cheaper if you get a 90-day supply instead of a 30-day supply.
• Consider a health plan that gives you better drug coverage. It may be a better deal to pay more per month if you save a lot of money on your medicines.
• Check different stores to see what price they quote you before you buy. The cost for the same medicine can vary a lot depending on where you buy it.
• To learn about free or reduced-cost medicine programs, you can check:
  • Partnership for Prescription Assistance
    https://www.pparx.org/
  • Office of Disease Prevention
    https://healthfinder.gov/FindServices/SearchContext.aspx?topic=696