Regulation is hard to control because the FDA and other
federal organizations have limited jurisdiction concerning sellers of
prescription drug sales from other countries. They are working closely with the
post offices to try and stop illegal drugs from crossing state borders but
finding these packages is a task in itelf. Health fraud allows consumers to fall
prey to health gimmicks. These fraudulent health products manipulate consumers
into spending billions of dollars a year. FDA shares federal oversight of health
fraud products with the Federal Trade Commission. But because of limited
resources, say Joel Anderson, team leader for the nontraditional drug compliance
team in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, the agency's regulation
on health fraud products is based on a priority system that depends on whether a
fraudulent product posses a direct or indirect risk. The most extreme hazard
that consumer's are exposed to with the purchase of prescription drugs online
are those which deal with the threat that the drug which they purchased could be
counterfeit or tampered with and cause harm or serious complications. As a guide
to consumers when purchasing drugs online the FDA has issued tips and warnings
for consumers to be aware of which include: · Purchasing a medication from an
illegal Website puts you at risk . You may receive a contaminated or counterfeit
product, the wrong product, an incorrect dose, or no product at all. · Taking an
unsafe or inappropriate medication puts you at risk for dangerous drug
interactions and other serious health consequences. · Getting a prescription
drug by filling out a questionnaire without seeing a doctor poses serious health
risks. A questionnaire does not provide sufficient information for a health-care
professional to determine if that drug is for you or safe to use, if another
treatment is more appropriate, or if you have an underlying medical condition
where using that drug may be harmful. The American Medical Association has
determined that this practice is generally substandard medical care. FDA agrees.
The Internet generates a haven where numerous illegal transactions can be
carried out with almost no detection by authorities. The development of online
pharmacies, although seemingly bring advantages to patrons, ultimately creates
an unprotected environment for consumers. While the FDA and other organizations
take action to improve the out dated safety regulations for online pharmacy
purchasing, these sites still pose threats to the public's health and safety.
Bibliography
Woodcock, M.D., J. (1999). Testimony By Janet Woodcock, M.D. FDA Magazine
(online). 30 July 1999. http://www.fda.gov/ola/drugsonline.html [Accessed 11
April 2000] Henny, M.D., J. (2000). Testimony By Jane E. Henney, M.D., FDA
Magazine (online). 21 March 2000. http://www.fda.gov/ola/2000/pharmsales.html
[Accessed 11 April 2000] Writing HTML: Enforcement of Existing Laws Regarding
the Sale of Prescription Pharmaceuticals Over the Internet (online).(1999). FDA
Magazine (online). 15 December 1999. http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/existlaws.html
[Accessed 11 April 2000] Writing HTML: Online Pharmacies FAQS (online).(2000).
FDA Magazine (online). 28 January 2000. http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/faqs.html
[Accessed 11 April 2000] Kurtwell, P. (1999). How to Spot Health Fraud FDA
Magazine (online). 15 October 1999. http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/1999/699_fraud.html
[Accessed 11 April 2000] Writing HTML: Tips and Warnings For Buying Online
(online).(2000) FDA Magazine (online). 6 March 2000. http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/tips_warnings.html
[Accessed 11 April 2000]
Bibliography
Woodcock, M.D., J. (1999). Testimony By Janet Woodcock, M.D. FDA Magazine
(online). 30 July 1999. http://www.fda.gov/ola/drugsonline.html [Accessed 11
April 2000] Henny, M.D., J. (2000). Testimony By Jane E. Henney, M.D., FDA
Magazine (online). 21 March 2000. http://www.fda.gov/ola/2000/pharmsales.html
[Accessed 11 April 2000] Writing HTML: Enforcement of Existing Laws Regarding
the Sale of Prescription Pharmaceuticals Over the Internet (online).(1999). FDA
Magazine (online). 15 December 1999.
http://www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/existlaws.html [Accessed 11 April 2000]
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