Use caution buying medical products online

FDA Consumer, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Michelle Meadows

"A Web site can look very sophisticated and legitimate, but actually be an illegal operation," Silvers says. "If there is no way to contact the Web site pharmacy by phone, if prices are dramatically lower than the competition, or if no prescription from your doctor is required, consumers should be especially wary."

People should check with their state board of pharmacy or NABP to see if an online pharmacy has a valid pharmacy license and meets state quality standards. NABP's Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program, also known as VIPPS, is a voluntary program that verifies the legitimacy of Internet sites dispensing prescription drugs and gives a seal of approval to sites that apply and meet state licensure requirements and other VIPPS criteria.

To find out if an online pharmacy is licensed and in good standing, contact NABP at www.nabp.net. Legitimate pharmacies that carry the VIPPS seal are listed at www.vipps.info. For a list of state boards of pharmacy, visit www.nabp.info.

Dietary Supplements

What are they? Dietary supplements are products taken as a supplement to the diet. Examples are vitamins, minerals, herbs, botanicals, and amino acids, the individual building blocks of proteins needed for all life. Dietary supplements are classified as foods and not drugs.

Problem sites: Web sites cannot claim that dietary supplements will prevent, treat, or cure any disease. This would make the product an unapproved and illegal drug. Also, Web sites can't make claims that a dietary supplement will have an effect on any structure or function of the body when the claims are not substantiated.

"Web sites selling dietary supplements with false or unsubstantiated claims sometimes use testimonials and advertisements touting a quick, miracle cure," says the FTC's Cleland. "And some sites claim a product will cure it all--heart disease, cancer, arthritis, you name it."

Cleland says he sees a lot of miracle claims for major diseases and weight loss. "Criminals also prey on people's fears about terrorism," he adds. After the anthrax attacks in 2001, some sites falsely claimed that dietary supplements such as colloidal silver and oregano oil could protect against biological and chemical contamination.

Risks: "In promoting some products, companies are telling patients not to undergo surgery, chemotherapy, or other needed treatment," says Cleland. "So we are concerned about people forgoing legitimate medical treatment."

Consumers also have to worry about ingesting harmful substances. Companies may call a product "natural," but that doesn't mean it's safe. And dietary supplements are intended to supplement diets, not replace them. Too much of some nutrients can cause problems. There is also a danger of dietary supplements interacting with other drugs you may be taking. The prescription medicine warfarin, the herbal supplement gingko biloba, aspirin, and vitamin E all can thin the blood, so taking any of them together can increase the potential for internal bleeding.