Rush Limbaugh, Victim, Perp or none of the above? (Part 2) by Bill Kammarada

Two problems immediately arise. First, the patient may not be supplying the right information. (God knows we wouldn’t lie to our personal physician, would we?) Second, the doctor may not exist. In a country that which has the strictest drug regulations in the world (much of which are not needed or redundant with other regulations. I guess this is the seat belt and motorcycle helmet mentality.) This radically short-circuits the traditional doctor-patient relationship. What happens when the patient decides on his own that more is merrier? In Illinois, a 52-year-old man with a heart condition who was taking the impotence drug Viagra suffered a heart attack and died after buying the drugs from an on-line pharmacy. (There are also reports of physician prescribed Viagra causing the same heart attacks, so this is just another scare tactic.) Another online company, meanwhile, was sued recently for selling Viagra to a 16- year-old. I didn’t know there was an age limit for Viagra. There has to be a case where a regular doctor prescribed Viagra for a 16 year old as well.)

In a U.S. News survey, several companies selling Viagra and Propecia (for hair loss) were dispensing the medication without a physician; the only qualified doctor on the company's payroll was out-of-state. (The drug Propecia also has been associated in the mass media in recent months with allegedly greater-than-average health risks), as is the drug Xenical (weight reduction).) (I guess then that U.S. News thinks all the "legal" scripts by qualified personal physicians were OK health risks.) All of these drugs are widely purchased over the Internet, sometimes creating a complex network where the patient, the consulting physician, and the pharmacy are all in different states. Other "cure all" drugs are sold over the Internet, including beef tallow (for cancer), a Peruvian plant derivative (for AIDS), and magnetic devices (for high blood pressure).

With over 400 pharmacy sites already on the web (2000 figure - I would venture a estimate of 1000 – 2000+ as of October 2003 if you take into consideration affiliates) - up from a few dozen five years ago - it's becoming increasingly difficult to enforce laws which prevent selling prescription drugs without a bona fide prescription from a licensed physician. The relationship between online pharmacies and physicians in these cases can be tenuous or impossible to verify, since many on-line pharmacies don't provide addresses or phone numbers of consulting physicians. When violations are traced, the penalties are usually minimal. ………"

So what to do?

I have established several guidelines for myself based on my experience, which I believe is relatively unbiased.

Most drugs requiring a prescription in the USA & Canada & UK & Australia DO NOT require a prescription in the rest of the world.

Never order an online drug that a physician has not initially prescribed for you. It is dangerous to your life, health and well-being. You should have a prescription, although this is usually unnecessary with offshore pharmacies. (Caveat Emptor – Let the buyer beware!)

There are unsubstantiated reports of expired and bad medication coming from Mexico. But you might find a good one. Personally, I would pass up an Online Mexican pharmacy, unless you travel to the border towns personally and know them to be reputable.

Never deal with an online pharmacy that sells controlled or narcotic prescriptions as it is a sure bet their shipments are more scrutinized by US & Canadian customs, and you run a higher risk of seizure of your order. These sites also stand a greater risk of shutting down because of US Government intervention, pressure and prosecution.

If you are seeking controlled or narcotic prescriptions, be prepared for scrutiny, seizure or worse from the FDA, DEA, Customs and other agencies. RxAsia does not sell controlled or narcotic prescriptions by any means. I advise against this vehemently. If you are addicted, please seek help. If it is still your intention to order these substances for your condition, use caution and order from several different sources for your own safety. Be prepared to have some shipments seized.

Pick an online pharmacy that offers a wide variety of prescription medication, not just the most profitable and popular. They are more apt to be legitimate pharmacies, and not pill mills.

Does the Online Pharmacy take the time and effort to give you information on your drug? Is it easy to navigate? Are the prices attractive to you? If you answered "YES" to all three, you found your online pharmacy.

It’s a fact that offshore drug prices are usually cheaper outside the USA and Canada by 30% to 80%. Even offshore prices vary, based on the country and supply availability.

Find an offshore pharmacy you feel comfortable with and order an initial small order before placing a more substantial order. Check the expiration dates to make sure you are not getting an expired medication. I know for a fact RxAsia and others maintain a minimal stock and constantly re-order medicine so that expiration is not a problem just like the large pharmacy chains in the US & Canada.

Order two weeks or more ahead of the time you will need the medication. It is not uncommon for customs to be backed up, especially during holidays.

If you are ordering medications you will be taking for the rest of your life, follow your doctor’s orders for periodic checkups and testing.

If you feel ill, for whatever reason, take all your medications with you and seek competent medical help.

Do not deal with companies in Africa and Eastern Europe.

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BIO:

Bill Kammarada started in the computer industry as an analyst in 1961. He is a Computer Consultant and Webmaster for www.RxAsia.com Following the loosening of FDA rules on Orphan Drugs and other drugs not supplied in the USA, he studied the subject extensively. He was asked to leave Hofstra University (NY) for not taking them seriously and went to Pace University (NY) where he majored in sarcasm and non-matriculation. You can reach Bill at laser_doctor@yahoo.com.

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