Today’s college students are more comfortable than many earlier generations in using the Internet to find and buy goods and services. This also applies to finding less expensive and conveniently-delivered pharmaceutical and related products. More and more online pharmacies and osteopathic sites are available in locations around the world.

So what’s the problem?

The World Health Organization estimates that up to 50% of drugs bought from web-based suppliers are fake.

Not only are people getting ripped off financially – buying such drugs is dangerous and can be harmful to your health. According to “mindtech,” a doctor writing on the safemedicines.org blog, “Internet drug sellers may simply be conmen who make money off your credit card—and in return sell you fake, poisonous, or ineffective drugs.”

Buying prescription drugs off the Internet isn’t inherently bad, but people need to be extremely careful. What can you do?

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has created a program, called Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS). A list of legitimate online pharmacies can be found at http://vipps.info. Check it out if you are considering buying online. Another great site is www.safemedicines.org, which is a coalition of organizations and individuals that “have policies, procedures, or programs to protect consumers from counterfeit or contraband medicines.” It has developed “10 Ways You Can Fight Counterfeit Drugs.” The lesson: be careful out there on the Internet when you are buying prescription drugs.