For the past six years, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) has surveyed online drug sellers and published the findings in their annual “Internet Drug Outlet Identification Program Progress Report for State and Federal Regulators.” NABP’s most recent report, published this fall,  highlighted how easily consumers can obtain prescription drugs online and the prevalence of rogue pharmacy sites that provide medicines to consumers without a prescription.

The report surveyed 10,866 Internet drug outlets. The findings were as follows:

• 96% were operating out of compliance with U.S. pharmacy laws and practice standards;
• 88% did not require a valid prescription;
• 12% dispensed controlled substances;
• 91% appeared to have affiliations with rogue networks of Internet drug outlets;
• Only 2.36% represented pharmacies that comply with United States laws;
• Only 1.26% had earned accreditation through the NABP’s VIPPS Program.

For the full report, with detailed findings on which websites are considered hazardous, visit the Not Recommended Sites resource provided by AWARxE.

The report also makes further significant points related to consumer health and safety. Besides being exposed to dangerous substances due to the production of fake medicines possibly produced in “deplorable” conditions using dangerous and potentially lethal substances, patients who purchase drugs from rogue online pharmacies are also at a high risk for drug abuse and addiction. This is because they are receiving medications without legitimate medical guidance and care.

To protect consumers, CSIP, law enforcement, and other stakeholders are continuing to work with federal regulators and other public and private entities to educate consumers. To be safe, we urge consumers to verify an online pharmacy before they buy using our LegitScript Pharmacy Verification Tool and our other resources that promote education and safety.

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The Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP) and our 13 member companies have the shared goal of helping address the growing problem of consumer access to illegitimate pharmaceutical products on the Internet. Continue to read this blog for updates on CSIP’s education, enforcement and information-sharing efforts.