Purchasing meds online can make you sick
Tony Evans
Local Kingman (AZ) Daily Miner Columnist
Sunday, April 15 ,2007         1832 PM

Sometimes you're the bug. Sometimes you're the windshield. Which are you?

Remember in the old days when you had to go to the drug store or doctor's
office to pick up that needed prescription - maybe it was a long drive, -
and you felt lousy?

Then along came the Internet and the ability to purchase prescription drugs
without getting out of that comfy chair or wasting gas driving in traffic.

But there are several things to keep in mind before purchasing prescription
drugs on the Net.

Not all Web sites sell safe medicine, which poses a threat to your health
and well being. In many cases, sorting out the good online operations from
the bad can be tough, and so can telling the good pills from the bogus
pills.

Fortunately, I'm here to hold your hand.

You're welcome, and donations are happily accepted.

Buying prescription drugs online can be a good thing if you use common sense
and always remember what P. T. Barnum said.

Keeping that in mind, I have a short do and don't do checklist that may help
you stay alive and save money, too.

Do

. You should have a physical exam and speak with a doctor about what you
intend to do before buying any prescription medications.

. Investigate the Web site. Here is where you can check to tell whether a
Web site is state licensed and/or in good standing: www.nabp.info

. Ask questions. Does a licensed pharmacist or doctor answer all your
questions? If you have ill effects, is there someone in a local or nearby
area to talk with other than being transferred to some person you can't
understand in a foreign country? Think India.

. Remember security. As with any other purchase on the Internet, or any
place else for that matter, be wary of to whom you're providing personal
information like credit card numbers with expiration dates and Social
Security numbers.

Your home address is also a dead giveaway. Use a post office box.

Don't

. Judge a pill by its cover. No matter how good it looks, keep in mind it
may not be what it seems.

. Neglect reliable resources. There are places online that will pass on good
advice to keep you on track: www.fda.gov/buyonline,
www.fds.gov/counterfeitonline, and www.talkaboutrx.org.

. Self diagnose. Even if you're pretty sure what's wrong with you and you
think you know the drug(s) that you need, don't make assumptions - unless
you have a certified medical degree.

. Expect immediate shipment. Online pharmacies may sucker you in by
promoting a speedy way to buy something, but delivery time could often take
a month or two. Make sure you have a good supply of your pills on hand, and
if you know it takes a while to receive a shipment, order in advance.

. Remember these two words: common sense.

(P. S. - P. T. Barnum said these infamous words: "There's a sucker born
every minute." He also said, "Nobody ever lost money underestimating the
intelligence of the American Public."

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