The Internet is home to many forms of entertainment, from chemistry music videos to images, to the Periodic Table of Videos. Although the internet is popular with chemists for entertainment, the vast majority of chemists use it for serious scientific pursuits, such as accessing scientific publications and online cheminformatics tools. This article will explain what the internet offers to chemists. It will also discuss legalities of using an internet chemist to purchase medicines.
GPhC
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) has issued three enforcement actions against internet pharmacies over the issue of patient safety. The action was taken after the pharmacy failed to keep complete and accurate records, and the pharmacist failed to ensure that medicines are safe for patients. It is important to note that the GPhC has recently published guidance for internet pharmacies. This guidance provides a framework for internet pharmacies to operate in.
In a letter to all internet pharmacies, GPhC chief executive Duncan Rudkin asked them to carry out a risk assessment of their online services and to notify the organisation of any planned changes. In addition, he wrote to pharmacy owners who had requested the voluntary internet chemist logo. GPhC asked if they had made any changes in response to the guidance and would use it in prioritising inspections.
Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies
The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) was created in 2009 to fight the public health crisis posed by the illegal online drug selling industry. These sites operate in violation of state and federal laws, selling prescription medicines without valid prescriptions and dispensing counterfeit, substandard and non-FDA-approved drugs. The group has a number of resources to help health care providers protect their patients from these unscrupulous online pharmacies.
The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies has a local chapter in Canada. The purpose of ASOP Canada is to protect Canadian consumers from unsafe medicines sold online. The problem is not limited to Canada; it affects consumers worldwide. For example, Canadian consumers are at risk of purchasing incorrect dosages from illegal online pharmacies. The Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies is not a national organization, but a global one. Its members represent a variety of industries and countries, including pharmacies, manufacturers, and retailers.
GPhC enforcement action against three online pharmacies
The General Pharmaceutical Council has issued an enforcement action against three online pharmacies because they are posing a risk to patient safety. The three pharmacies in question are Medix Pharmacy, Pronto Healthcare Ltd, and Medico. All three have been banned from dispensing medicines to overseas patients and have to comply with three conditions in order to continue doing so. Medix was also ordered to comply with the GPhC’s standards for online pharmacies, and they must meet UK law record-keeping requirements.
The GPhC enforcement action against three online pharmacy companies has come at a time when the regulatory bodies are looking for ways to improve patient safety online. Online pharmacies are becoming increasingly popular as a way to provide healthcare to patients from the comfort of their own homes. However, they should follow the guidance issued by the GPhC when providing their services, as different countries have different laws and restrictions on the internet supply of medicines.
Legality of purchasing medicines from an online pharmacy
Online pharmacies have become a popular way for consumers to buy medicines from different countries, though many countries do not allow the sale of specialty medicines over the internet. Specifically, these medicines are expensive and intended to treat rare and chronic medical conditions. They also require special handling, ongoing clinical assessment and a limited distribution network. In these countries, specialty medicines are available through brick-andmortar pharmacies, or through online outlets linked to brick-and-mortar pharmacies.
To make sure that an online pharmacy is legitimate, check whether it is licensed by the state in which it operates. The FDA regulates pharmaceutical practice, and state medical boards oversee the online pharmacy industry. By checking the legitimacy of online pharmacies, the FDA can speed up the inspection process. Once accredited, the online pharmacy will be given a seal of approval and will be included in a registry of reputable pharmacies.
Risks of buying medicines from an online pharmacy
Buying prescription medicines from an online pharmacy has several risks. For example, counterfeit medicine may not contain the actual drug. These fakes are designed to look like authentic medicines, but they may contain different ingredients or fake versions of well-known medications. The result can be sickness or new side effects. Worse, counterfeit medicines may contain poisonous ingredients or no active ingredient at all. Your personal information is also at risk.
The EMA has issued guidelines for European citizens to follow the official vaccination programmes when buying their medicines from online pharmacies. Buying COVID-19 and influenza vaccines online is particularly risky. Vaccines should not be purchased over the Internet unless they have been licensed by the EMA. As an added precaution, make sure the website carries a registered EU logo. Clicking on this logo will lead to the official website of the registered retailer.