Posted by Dr. Bob on September 19, 2001, at 17:45:37
In reply to Re: Posting policy - importation, posted by JahL on September 19, 2001, at 16:09:34
> I have to say that I am leaning towards supporting the posting of information on how to obtain drugs... There have been a lot of posts on the reasons people may want/need to go outside the traditional systems in the U.S. and I, for one, do not want to be the person judging that. I think by posting the facts -- customs laws, for instances -- you have done at least something to help those who post here becoming better informed... while I will always advocate for a person to find a pdoc, always, who am I to deny people the opportunity to share information to maybe get the only help available to them today?
The question is whether these boards should be used to discuss how to import (1) prescription medication without a prescription or (2) medication that hasn't been approved by the US FDA. Both appear to be illegal in the US. The issue isn't doing it, which is addressed by the new section of the FAQ, but getting into the details here.
As you may know, I decided I didn't want people asking for medication from or offering medication to others here. Is there a difference between offering to give someone a medication you have and telling them how to get it online?
People would still be free to exchange sites on their own if they wanted, I just wouldn't be so involved myself.
OTOH, I know, it's just information, no one has to go to those sites, and I've said my own position is that it's best to take medication only under the guidance of a knowledgeable medical professional...
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> I found it interesting when people here reported that a favorite Italian pharmacy had started requiring prescriptions. And also at the reports that they were not enforcing that requirement. That some (many) of the pharmacies recommended a few years ago are gone. That people don't always get what they ordered (and who they ordered it from). That (accurately labeled) medications are often not seized. I don't think the pros and cons can be discussed meaningfully without specific examples.
In other words, people should be able to discuss the pros and cons of specific pharmacies? Which means they would need to be able to identify those pharmacies?
> I doubt I will ever use this information to order drugs. I use it to interpret what I read in the papers about moves to allow reimportation or about busloads of senior citizens going to Canada to buy drugs. I may use the information to lobby my congressman on some future vote. As usual, I think that more information is always best.
OK, but it wouldn't really directly affect your own mental health?
> And of course, not all the users of this board are in the US.
That's true, it might be fine with other countries. But at last count, 83% of posters said they were from the US...
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/stats/20010819.html
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> I'm a grown-up now & don't appreciate being nannied.
I'm not trying to tell you what to do, I'm just not sure I want to be so associated with this myself.
I hope it's more clear what I'm thinking now. Other thoughts?
Bob
poster:Dr. Bob
thread:2069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010718/msgs/2092.html