Online pharmacy warnings
Hundreds of prescription drugs are available to buy illegally over the internet, according to a report by monitoring company.
The firm says so-called ‘Online pharmacies’ are exposing consumers to huge risks and are creating problems for pharmaceutical companies whose products are being sold on unregulated sites.
The drugs are being sold to consumers in the USA, Canada, UK and around the world without any attention being paid to local regulations.
Many internet sites will deliver drugs direct to consumers, without prescription.
The monitors say all types of prescription drugs are being sold but most popular are drugs for sexual dysfunction like Viagra, for hair and weight loss, pregnancy prevention, depression and sleeping disorders.
Massive market
It is estimated that the market for online prescription drugs may be US$24.0bn.
Recent reports says consumers are not properly aware of the dangers and often advertisements on the site say the drugs are safe.