The established way to purchase medicines is from a pharmacist but increasingly purchases are being made over the internet.
It is important to take great care when buying medicines over the internet particularly if the medicine concerned would normally be only available from your pharmacist.
If you buy prescription only medicines over the internet you risk the following –
- They may not have been prescribed by a healthcare professional.
- There may not be checks and controls on the quality of the medicine supplied.
- You may have no legal recourse in the event of an adverse reaction to the medication.
Should I Buy Medicines Over the Internet?
In recent years there has been an explosion of websites offering medicines for sale via the internet. Many of these sites originate from outside of Ireland and therefore are not regulated by the Irish authorities. Buying prescription only medication from unauthorised sources significantly increases the risk of getting sub-standard medication.
People who buy medicines without the benefit of a consultation with an appropriate healthcare professional risk being supplied with medicines that are not safe for use.
Prescription only medication should only be taken in consultation with a healthcare professional.
If purchases are made over the internet patients have no legal or other recourse if the products are not affective or prove to be harmful. Internet pharmacy is an area of rapid growth and it is recognised that the nature of the World Wide Web is such that some medicines are now readily available from online suppliers who have no professional qualifications or healthcare experience.
If any of these issues affect you, or if you have purchased medication over the internet and have suffered an adverse reaction, please contact Liam Moloney, Solicitor, at 045 898000, or simply log onto our website www.moloneysolicitors.ie for further information concerning your rights.
