LONDON, January 10 /PRNewswire/ --
- With Photo
Millions of Brits could be playing Russian Roulette with their health
buying prescription-only medicines from rogue internet sites, according to
research conducted by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain
(RPSGB).
In response to this growing online danger, the RPSGB today rolls out the
Internet Pharmacy Logo, a visual tool to help the public identify if a
website is being operated by a bona fide pharmacy in Britain.
The research shows that over two million people across Britain now
regularly purchase medicines via the web. While a number of legitimate
pharmacies provide online pharmacy services, there are also a number of
suppliers operating from websites offering to sell medicines who have no
professional qualifications or healthcare expertise. In many cases, medicines
purchased from such sites are counterfeit, substandard or unapproved new
drugs, which put public safety at risk.
The research also reveals that almost a third of people admit to not
having a clue about online regulations.
All pharmacies across Britain, including those offering internet
services, must be registered with the RPSGB. The new logo will be visible on
the homepage of participating online pharmacies and features the unique RPSGB
membership number of the pharmacy operating the site. A link from the logo to
the RPSGB registration pages allows visitors to check the legitimacy of a
website and the pharmacists running the practice before making a purchase.
RPSGB Director of Practice and Quality Improvement, David Pruce, says:
"The internet presents a real danger to people's health. Dishonest
traders are selling medicines online without any relevant professional
qualifications or healthcare expertise. The products they sell can be poor
quality at best and dangerous at worst. People who wish to buy medicines over
the net should do it at a legitimate registered online pharmacy. Pharmacists
are experts in medicines and can lawfully and safely supply them over the
internet.
"The public must be vigilant and we recommend that they use the presence
of this logo in conjunction with a routine of checks when deciding whether or
not it is safe to buy."
Notes to Editors
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About the Internet Pharmacy Logo
- The logo, a voluntary scheme, was trialled successfully following a
pilot of 20 online pharmacies during 2007
- Only registered online pharmacies can use the Internet Pharmacy Logo
- The RPSGB advises members of the public to make other checks in
addition to looking for the Internet Pharmacy Logo when buying medicines
online. These include:
- Checking the registration status of the pharmacist
- Looking for the name and address of the pharmacy operating the website
(it should be connected to a "bricks and mortar" pharmacy)
- Avoiding websites that offer to supply prescription-only medicines
without a prescription
- Whether you are asked questions before purchasing your medicine
(registered pharmacies are required to check that a medicine is suitable for
a patient to use before selling it)
About the RPSGB The Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB)
is the professional and regulatory body for pharmacists in England, Scotland
and Wales. It also regulates pharmacy technicians on a voluntary basis, which
is expected to become statutory under anticipated legislation. The primary
objectives of the Society are to lead, regulate, develop and represent the
profession of pharmacy.
Statistics
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample
size was 1,950 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken from 12 - 14 December 2007.
The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are
representative of all GB adults (aged 18+). 7% of internet users buy
medicines online - YouGov.
In 2007, 31.8 million people had accessed the internet in the three
months prior to 27 Aug 2007 (www.statistics.gov.uk/pdfdir/inta0807.pdf).
World Health Organisation estimates that 1% medicines available in the
developed world are likely to be counterfeit. This rises to 10% globally,
although in some developing countries they estimate that one third of
medicines are counterfeit.
Dummy of the new internet logo
The most popular drugs obtained online
PROZAC - A pack of 30 tablets costs GBP20 from online pharmacies. More
than 3.5 million people in Britain take antidepressants, with Prozac among
the most widely prescribed of its type. There have also been reports of
clubgoers "self-medicating" with Prozac to counter the come down from taking
ecstasy. In 2003, 81 deaths were attributed to overdoses of these types of
drugs and there have been reports of these causing some people to commit
suicide.
VIAGRA - About GBP50 for four genuine tablets. Viagra nets more than
GBP1bn a year for Pfizer and many more millions for the thousands of
counterfeit copies that are available. While genuine, branded Viagra tablets
will cost around GBP10, fakes are available for as little as GBP2 each.
Doctors are concerned that it has also become a "clubbers' drug" with people
mixing it with illegal substances such as ecstasy despite warnings that it
can carry risks of heart problems.
VALIUM - About GBP50 for 30 tablets online. Recently, doctors have begun
reporting a rise in the number of young women using the relaxant to sleep
after taking cocaine or amphetamines. They are buying it online or obtaining
it through the same dealers selling them illegal drugs. The Priory Hospital
in Roehampton estimates that up to one in 10 patients at its addiction centre
is now hooked on Valium.
RITALIN - About GBP20 for 60 tablets. It has a chemical formula similar
to cocaine and because it is an appetite suppressant, young girls and
teenagers have been known to take it to keep slim.
SEROSTIM - About GBP6 for one injection. It is used to help build up the
strength of Aids patients who suffer debilitating weight loss. Body builders
are buying it online to bulk out muscle and it also enables them to recover
faster from work-outs. Women are even injecting it in an effort to combat the
effects of ageing and there have been reports of people in the film industry
using it to make their skin look tighter and younger.
PROVIGIL - About GBP90 for 30 tablets online. Provigil is marketed as a
treatment for narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive sleepiness and
can make it impossible for people to stay awake. Suggestions that it could
also help boost weight loss and mood have made it even more popular. Clubbers
are using it to keep partying through the night, while businessmen are buying
it to help them through long days in the office, and students are taking it
to keep revising.
Royal Pharmaceutical Society of GB
