The Crisis: Consumers are currently facing a host of crises in the realm of prescription drugs. Not only have the prices in the U.S. risen to astronomical proportions, but even those people with the wherewithal to shop online pharmacies for discount medications run the risk of being swindled. The prevalence of illegal pharmacies or those that will sell medications with no prescription creates serious problems for patients. These illegal practices put your health and your livelihood at risk.

The Damage

The best case scenario with these illegal pharmacies is that they just take your money without sending you the medication you ordered. This sounds like a bad deal, but having that prescription filled can be far worse than losing some cash. Probably the most frightening aspect of these illegal pharmacies is the fact that they can seriously harm or even cause the death of unsuspecting patients. An illegal pharmacy does not have to answer to any governing agency, and its merchandise is not tested or regulated. Otherwise, it would be impossible to send medication to people who have no prescription.

If the illegal online pharmacy actually does send you some medication, it could be dangerous to take. The medications may have been improperly stored and lost their effectiveness. In addition to receiving expired prescription drugs or the incorrect dosage, some people have received entirely the wrong medication altogether and not discovered the difference until it was too late. Buying prescription drugs with no prescription can also lead to severe allergic reactions or overdoses.

Don’t Get Taken in By Illegal Pharmacies

It is important to safeguard your health in every way possible, and that includes checking up on the pharmacy from which you will receive your prescription drugs. There are a few ways to “sense” if a web site is advertising an illegal pharmacy:

• The prices of the medications are just too low. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
• You can only contact the pharmacy via email. You want to be able to call the pharmacy and speak to a pharmacist about your medication.
• Drugs can be dispensed with no prescription. This is not only illegal, it is incredibly dangerous.
• The web site offers a “miracle cure” for an ailment or disease that can not be cured.

Realistically, a reputable online pharmacy is going to ask for a prescription from your doctor; and if it is located in Canada, a Canadian doctor will review it, as well. The pharmacy should have a statement regarding the privacy of your information, too. Some web sites just require the patient to fill out an online questionnaire. That would fall under the “no prescription” warning above. An illegal pharmacy is not concerned about your health, rather it is all about getting your money.

If You Suspect an Illegal Pharmacy Online

One of the most important things you can do in your life is keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. If you suspect that the online pharmacy you have found is operating illegally, do not order anything. Besides running the risk of receiving bad (or no) medication in return for your money, the site could also be used to get your credit card number and other private information.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has a section on their web site where you can report sites that you suspect are involved with illegal pharmacies. They request the URL (internet address) of the site and ask you to give a little information about why you are concerned. You may leave your contact information if you are comfortable doing so, or you can submit the information anonymously. Of course, the vast majority of online pharmacies are perfectly legitimate businesses, and doing business with them will be a great experience. Just remember to take a moment to verify where you are sending your money.