Legal rights to buying prescription drugs online is a topic often discussed to help strategize cutting costs of expensive, but necessary, medications. But while many would like to cut costs, it’s important this is not at the risk of violating any laws. Read on to learn the laws regarding purchasing prescription drugs online.
Only Buy Drugs Online If You Have a Valid Prescription
Before any drug can be legally prescribed or dispensed in the state of Florida, a patient must be physically examined by a legitimate practitioner. Legitimate practitioners include physicians, physician assistants, psychiatrists, and nurse practitioners who are operating under a physician’s oversight. Also, in certain instances, pharmacists (think: when a pharmacist gives you a flu shot).
Since online pharmacies are not equipped to perform physical examinations, even if a licensed physician associated with an online pharmacy writes the prescription, that prescription will not meet Florida’s legal stipulations, and it is against the law to purchase the medication.
Prescriptions Written by Your Own Physician
Some people try to economize the cost of medications by getting prescriptions written by their own physicians and filled by online pharmacies that may charge less for the drugs than local pharmacies. Consumer Reports recently estimated that more than 1.9 million Americans buy medications from online pharmacies in other parts of the United States using legitimate prescriptions.
Many others find it less costly to buy medications from pharmacies located in other countries. When researchers from the National Bureau of Economic Research did a comparative study of the costs of common medications in U.S. pharmacies and foreign pharmacies, they found that medications from foreign pharmacies were significantly less expensive. As long as the pharmacies were vetted by a pharmacy certification organization like Pharmacy Checker, medications obtained through foreign pharmacies contained the same active ingredients as medications sold in the U.S.
Importing medications from overseas pharmacies, however, is illegal under federal law, though the Food and Drug Administration rarely cracks down on individuals who purchase medications for personal use. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, however, has been known to intercept such packages.
Trust Your Prescription Drug Source
To be sure that products are safe and effective when purchased by consumers, the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987 was signed into law. The law also helps to avoid the risk of counterfeit, adulterated, misbranded, subpotent, or expired drugs being bought and used by consumers in the United States. Be wary of the sources from which receiving prescription medications online. Some websites and online marketplaces are fully legal, more convenient, and private when purchasing prescription drugs, while others are dishonest, illegitimate, and could sell potentially dangerous drugs. Luckily, there are some signs to look for in a trustworthy website versus an unsafe website.
If you want to purchase medications online, it’s important to work with a licensed pharmacy that’s located within the United States. If the pharmacy has been certified by an independent verifying organization, so much the better. The online pharmacy you work with should give you the opportunity to have any of your questions answered by a licensed pharmacist. Your medication should be clearly labeled when it arrives, and all instruction materials and warnings should be included with your package.
Penalties for Buying Drugs Online
Florida Statute 893.13 describes the different penalties for drug charges in this state. Depending on the amount bought and where the drugs are bought, the penalties can range from misdemeanor charges to prison sentences. The federal government has laws against these acts as well, so if you are caught buying narcotics online, you could face serious penalties, including significant prison time. A person in this situation would be well advised to seek representation from an attorney with experience defending the rights of individuals who are facing charges related to online drug purchases.
Concerned About Your Legal Rights to Buying Drugs Online?
Contact Clark Hartpence Law if you or a loved one is facing charges for purchasing drugs online. Our legal professionals aggressively defend these types of cases and will work with you to defend your or your loved one’s rights. To learn more about Clark Hartpence Law and how we can help you, call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation.