Posted by Mark H. on September 21, 2001, at 3:51:41
In reply to Re: Posting policy, posted by Dr. Bob on September 19, 2001, at 17:45:37
There are multiple issues to consider, some of which have already been mentioned.
1.) First, most of us know the importance of working WITH our doctors to find the right balance of treatment, including medications, for our conditions. Circumventing the process of getting help from a licensed physician and pharmacist is simply dangerous and unnecessary under most circumstances.
2.) Legally speaking, most of us know little or nothing about federal law and regulations regarding the importation of medications for personal use. Travelers who have been prescribed a medication in another country may bring their medications into this country, but the mail-order use of off-shore pharmacies is a phenomenon that arose mainly with widespread use of the Internet.
At least one UK-based pharmacy (that carefully limits the types of medications and supplements they offer) includes an elaborate written explanation with every shipment of what they believe is the total legality of a US citizen's right to order (and their right to provide) medications that are not controlled substances (Scheduled), including a threat to sue any agent or representative of the US government who interferes with the delivery of their shipments. They cite agency guidelines indicating that it is allowable to import up to a three-month supply for personal use under the care of a physician (but not necessarily requiring a prescription -- this is where it seems to get a bit grey). I honestly don't know how one would sort this out.
At the other end of the spectrum, one online drugstore recently mentioned here disclaims ANY responsibility for or knowledge of the importation requirements of the consumer's country. I take this to mean that a consumer in the United States could innocently push the "buy" button, provide his/her name, address, phone and credit card number, and be faced with two types of unintended exposure: significant financial loss in the form of non-refundable payment in the event of seizure of the shipment by Customs, and legal liability for the importation and possession of medications that may turn out to be controlled substances. Note that this pharmacy offers syringes and needles, anabolic steroids, thyroid preparations, antihypertensives and other powerful, potentially dangerous medications, as well as Tylenol!
3.) I don't know if others have already mentioned this issue, but another factor is over-charging. Many of the online sources for prescription medications charge TWICE OR MORE the retail price for their medications. If they were selling gasoline or groceries, no one would buy from them at all. Some even take the additional step of including an online physician consultation as part of the cost of the medication (e.g., for Viagra).
4.) Purity and patent violations are another consideration. The rogue pharmacy I mentioned above offers a choice of manufacturer for many of the meds it offers. Do you really want to take a generic version of your medication whipped up by an unlicensed facility in Thailand?
In the end, I am concerned that abuse of the openness of the Internet and e-commerce will bring about restrictions that will make the legitimate use of off-shore pharmacies unavailable to those who really need it. A good example would be the story cited elsewhere of a French citizen in the United States who had been treated successfully with a medication not available here -- should he not be allowed to continue to obtain his medication while in the United States? But if too many people abuse the availability of controlled substances without prescriptions, I predict we will lose all personal choice in the matter whatsoever.
I'm sorry that these considerations are not more conclusive.
Best wishes,
Mark H.
poster:Mark H.
thread:2069
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20010718/msgs/2097.html