
Protect yourself before placing your online prescription orders…recognize the VIPPS seal
As a consumer, it is always better to follow safe practices while purchasing medication online. Through careful research cautious consumer will be able to identify which online pharmacy sites are safe. Rogue websites are easily found through any search engine and drugs purchased on these sites may be sub-potent, counterfeit, contaminated, and unsafe. Protect yourself by recognizing sites that are accredited through Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS).
Rogue online pharmacies often mislead consumers by presenting themselves in an appealing display and offer a wide range of products at drastically lower prices than other pharmacies. Some even break the law by providing medications without a valid prescription. Here are some of the potential risks from purchasing medications from fake online pharmacies:
​By recognizing the following key points below you can avoid dealing with rogue online pharmacies. A good rule of thumb while making any purchase is, “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is fake.”
Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS) are sites that are recommended by the National Associated of Board of Pharmacy (NABP). In order to obtain the VIPPS seal, online pharmacies have to go through an accreditation process that includes a thorough review of all policies and procedures, an on-site inspection, and approval of all activities involving receiving, reviewing, and dispensing medications.
Here is how to spot legitimate online pharmacies.
Remember, you can protect yourself from these rogue internet pharmacies by always selecting a VIPPS pharmacy for you and your family.
Here are alternatives ways to save money on your medications without using online pharmacies:
Here are additional resources
Verify online pharmacies that carry the VIPPS seal here.
Free medication discount cards can be found at the following websites:
https://www.rxsavingsplus.com/en/default.aspx
http://www.pharmacydiscountednetwork.com
Author: Mai Nguyen, Pharm. D Candidate 2013
References:
U.S Food and Drug Administration. "For Consumers." The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicines over the Internet. FDA, 01 Oct. 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm048396.htm>.
Clark-Lynn, Sarah. "News & Events." FDA Takes Action against Thousands of Illegal Internet Pharmacies. FDA, 04 Oct. 2012. Web. 15 Oct. 2012. <http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm322492.htm>
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