Internet Pharmacy: A Web of Mistrust?
April 2008
in “
British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology
”
TLDR Stronger regulation and collaboration are needed to ensure online pharmacies are safe and legitimate.
The document discussed the rise of internet pharmacies and their impact on traditional medicine access models. It highlighted how online pharmacies bypassed regulated systems, offering prescription-only medicines (POMs) directly to consumers, often without prescriptions. This trend was driven by convenience, cost savings, and privacy, but raised significant public health concerns due to illegal drug sales and potential misuse. The document called for urgent action, including legislation review, law enforcement, and public education, to address these issues while preserving the benefits of legitimate online operations. It emphasized the need for a multinational approach and collaboration among stakeholders to effectively regulate internet pharmacies.