Prescription medication often plays an important role in the lives of seniors. While prescribed drugs can be helpful for overall health, some people are concerned about the cost. It’s only natural for seniors to embark on comparison shopping.
Counterfeit Drugs Online
One source for trying to check for affordable alternatives is the internet. Wouldn’t it be great to save thousands of dollars every year by buying the medication online instead of at the local pharmacy?
Unfortunately, seniors often stumble into online sources that are ruses created to scam innocent people. These discount pharmacy websites seem to be legit. But they often offer counterfeit drugs and claim that these products are effective for common health problems: Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart issues, cancer, and more.
The “best” outcome that could come from using counterfeit drugs is that the medication won’t do anything to improve the health problem. On the other hand, the worst-case scenario is that person could be harmed by dangerous ingredients. Some of these phony online products have been found to contain harmful additives like antifreeze, paint, and more.
Online Drug Industry is Booming
It’s no surprise that the online drug industry is booming. People are feeling the pinch of rising healthcare costs in the United States, so they are looking for ways to save a bit of money.
The truth is that countless online drug retailers are scamming people. Federal investigators have increased their efforts to pursue these predatory websites, but it is impossible to keep up with all of the scammers online. It’s up to individuals to be smart about their online purchases and watch for signs of scams.
When it comes to medication usage, the best solution is to always source the products from a trusted place, such as a verified doctor or pharmacy. To help make sure an online seller is licensed, the FDA, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy and the Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies offer tools for finding safe and legal online pharmacies. If you suspect an online prescription fraud, it can also be helpful to report the problem so that other people don’t fall victim.
Do you have questions about protecting against elder abuse? We are here to help; contact us at any time. Email info@SeniorSafeAndSound.org or call 858-480-7551. Senior Safe and Sound.
This information is intended to inform the public at large about this important issue. It is not intended to serve as legal or medical advice.