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Use an online pharmacy? Tips to keep you safe

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Online pharmacies are convenient, and they can save you some cash.  But FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle says it's not a bargain if you're not getting what you ordered.

It's not a mystery that if you take medication regularly, it can get really expensive.  Online pharmacies have truly helped some people be able to afford their medicines.  So what's the problem?  The FDA warns that you can't always be sure what you're getting, or who you're dealing with.

The FDA has launched a new campaign called Be Safe RX because they say there are too many rogue online pharmacies doing business.  According to a National Pharmacy Association study fewer, than 3 percent of online pharmacies meet state and federal laws.  
    
"We know that there are drugs out there that are counterfeits. We know that there have been problems with substandard drugs with toxic ingredients in those drugs,"  

The FDA is not trying to eliminate good cost-effective online pharmacies, but they do want it to be safe.  Here's a checklist of things to remember when shopping online pharmacies:

  • Make sure the pharmacy requires a prescription.
  • Ask if there is a pharmacist on staff, and then call to make sure they really do have one.    
  • Double-check that your online pharmacy has a physical U.S. address and phone number.
  • Make sure it is licensed by the pharmacy board in your state.


For more on what to consider if you're buying drugs from an online pharmacy, click on the following links:


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