You've probably seen the many websites that allow you to buy drugs without a prescription, and you may have even been tempted to purchase your medications from them in order to bypass the cost of an office visit. While this may save you money, it can also be hazardous to your health.
When you buy from illegal sites, you run the risk of receiving a product that is contaminated or even a fake. You may also receive an entirely different drug than the one you ordered, or an incorrect dose. If you are self-medicating -- that is, not taking the drug at the advise of your doctor -- there is also the risk that the medication is not appropriate for your condition. Taking an unsafe product or a medication that has not been prescribed for you can put you at risk for dangerous drug interactions and other serious health consequences.
Also, don't be fooled by websites that offer to have their own physician write you a prescription after you fill out a health questionnaire. A questionnaire cannot provide a doctor with enough information to evaluate your condition or determine whether this particular drug is right for you. This practice is unethical and has been condemned by both the FDA and the American Medical Association as substandard medical care.
Source:
"The Possible Dangers of Buying Medicine Online." U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Nov. 2, 2007. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Accessed: Jan. 28, 2008.
