Use an online pharmacy? Tips to keep you safe - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

Use an online pharmacy? Tips to keep you safe

Posted: Updated:
ATLANTA -

Online pharmacies are convenient, and they can save you some cash.  But FOX 5 I-Team reporter Dana Fowle says it's not a bargain if you're not getting what you ordered.

It's not a mystery that if you take medication regularly, it can get really expensive.  Online pharmacies have truly helped some people be able to afford their medicines.  So what's the problem?  The FDA warns that you can't always be sure what you're getting, or who you're dealing with.

The FDA has launched a new campaign called Be Safe RX because they say there are too many rogue online pharmacies doing business.  According to a National Pharmacy Association study fewer, than 3 percent of online pharmacies meet state and federal laws.  
    
"We know that there are drugs out there that are counterfeits. We know that there have been problems with substandard drugs with toxic ingredients in those drugs,"  

The FDA is not trying to eliminate good cost-effective online pharmacies, but they do want it to be safe.  Here's a checklist of things to remember when shopping online pharmacies:

  • Make sure the pharmacy requires a prescription.
  • Ask if there is a pharmacist on staff, and then call to make sure they really do have one.    
  • Double-check that your online pharmacy has a physical U.S. address and phone number.
  • Make sure it is licensed by the pharmacy board in your state.


For more on what to consider if you're buying drugs from an online pharmacy, click on the following links:


  • I-Team Story Archive

  • FOX 5 I-Team investigates

    Monday, May 20 2013 11:12 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:12:38 GMT
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys.
    The Douglas County district attorney used seized drug money to take support staff to a north Georgia training conference designed for prosecuting attorneys. The FOX 5 I-Team followed along and found the four women didn't even register to attend the conference.  
  • Monday, May 20 2013 8:26 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:26:58 GMT
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
    How many bank accounts do you have?  Most of us have a few.  But it might be time to start paring down.
  • Monday, May 20 2013 6:44 AM EDT2013-05-20 10:44:05 GMT
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.
    Maria Boudet is a teen who had been living in foster care. She worked hard and earned a college scholarship. But the scholarship was revoked when Boudet's life-long wish was answered; she was adopted.

Contact the FOX 5 I-Team

* denotes required fields

Log InNot you? Log out
We're sorry, but only one entry is allowed per person.
Thank you for your continued interest.

Thanks for contacting FOX 5.  To reach our newsroom by phone, please call (404) 898-0100.

  • Good Day Archive

  • Meet the Good Day Pets for Tuesday, May 21!
    Meet the Good Day Pets for Tuesday, May 21!
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:37 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:37:54 GMT
    It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?
    It's summer swimsuit time-- but is your suit right for your body?  Whether you're curvy, boxy, or round in the middle, Intimacy Bra fit specialist Eve Turner has some ideas that will help you find that perfect suit.
  • Tuesday, May 21 2013 10:17 AM EDT2013-05-21 14:17:24 GMT
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.
    When it comes to talking to doctors, a lot of us aren't exactly shooting straight.  In fact, one survey found that almost 30 percent of patients admit to lying to their physician.  So, how much does your doctor really need to know?
Powered by WorldNow

KTTV FOX 11
1999 S. Bundy Dr.
Los Angeles CA 90025

Main: (310) 584-2000
News Tips? (310) 584-2025

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices