Online Medication Regulations

Laws that regulate the sale of prescription and nonprescription drugs on the Internet are very difficult to enforce. Vendors have found ways around most restrictions, such as simply closing a site and reopening it with a different name.

Drug Enforcement Administration Data

• The DEA reports that as much as 85 percent of online drug sales involves controlled drugs that, used alone or in combinations, are responsible for hundreds of overdose deaths each year. Controlled drugs may have dangerous effects unless used as prescribed.

Federal Drug Administration Requirements

• The FDA requires that online drug orders be accompanied by a prescription and that vendors have a pharmacist available for consultation. Because verifying a prescription is difficult in cyberspace, the first requirement often is by-passed. The second requirement can be avoided by showing customers a video interview of a pharmacist.

Enforcement Problems

• The FDA prohibits selling drugs that claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent illness. However, the administration presently "enforces" the prohibition only by sending letters to online vendors stating suspected violations. The same problem exists with online sales of fake drugs and drugs manufactured without FDA approval.

Licensing

• Reputable pharmacies are licensed by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy, which oversees operations and has regulatory powers. The FDA also licenses drug products and drug manufacturers based on established standards; unfortunately, licenses are irrelevant to unscrupulous online dealers.