FDA clamps down on online pharmacies for illegal sales

Oct. 4, 2012—Food and Drug Administration today clamped down on thousands of online pharmacies for illegally selling prescription medications.

FDA warned or filed charges against 4,100 online pharmacies that sold medications to consumers who didn’t have a prescription order.

If online pharmacies distribute medication for off-label use, or uses other than for what FDA approved them, consumers might get products that have been discontinued for safety reasons or that have counterfeit ingredients, FDA says. In addition, individuals who take certain medications or have certain medical conditions might have an adverse reaction to medications that are purchased without a doctor’s approval.

FDA says you should use only online pharmacies that require a prescription order. You also should check your state’s pharmacy licensing database to make sure that the company has a legal license.