FDA lists guidelines for online drug purchases

The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) this week launched a set of guidelines for consumers buying prescription drugs and medical products online.

Tips for buyers include avoiding sites that offer prescription drugs without a physical exam, those that offer to sell a prescription drug without a prescription, or those that sell drugs not approved by FDA.

It also advises users not do business with sites that have no access to a registered pharmacist to answer questions.

According to the FDA, the guidelines will help users to avoid illegal sites. "The development of the Internet has opened up many new options for consumers to purchase products more conveniently," said Dr Jane Henney, commissioner for food and drugs, in a statement.

"However the Internet has also provided unscrupulous individuals with immense new opportunities to promote and sell prescription drugs unlawfully to unsuspecting patients," she added.

Consumers who suspect a Web site of illegal activity can fill out an electronic complaint form at http://www.fda.gov