Advertisement

Agency warns against buying drugs online

OTTAWA, Aug. 12 (UPI) -- A Canadian health agency cautions consumers against buying drugs from Internet-based businesses that do not provide an address and telephone number.

Consumers need to know where companies are located, where they get their drugs, what is in their drugs, or how to reach them if there is a problem, officials of Health Canada said in a statement.

Advertisement

To minimize the risk of purchasing counterfeit drugs, consumers choosing to purchase medication online should not do business with any Web site or company that offers:

-- Prescription drugs without a prescription.

-- A prescription based on answers to an online questionnaire.

-- A "miracle cure" for any serious condition.

-- Products provided directly to consumers from foreign sources.

Counterfeit products may have one or more of the following characteristics -- labels with spelling mistakes; labels with no Drug Identification Number or Natural Product Number; a different taste or flavor than the product normally used.

Canadian consumers who suspect they bought counterfeit health products are advised to call 1-800-267-9675.

Latest Headlines