US consumers continue to buy potentially risky drugs over Internet, FDA study finds

New data collected by the US Food and Drug Administration show that consumers who are trying to save money on prescription drugs do not need to take chances by buying their medicines from foreign Internet sites, because low-cost generic versions are available in the USA. This finding also may be an indication that some consumers are likely buying foreign drugs this way to avoid getting a prescription from their doctor or health care professional, since many web sites do not require a prescription.

Safety concerns

The use of prescription drugs without a prescription is an intrinsically unsafe practice and the FDA urges consumers to have one from their doctor or other health care professional before using such medicines. The agency also urges consumers to review its web site, www.fda.gov for important information before making purchases.