The Internet and the Globalization of Counterfeit Drugs

Abstract

Most Internet users receive unsolicited invitations to enhance their health through the purchase of online medications. Often these medications are illegal and may even be counterfeit. However, there are a few legitimate online pharmacies. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has established the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites program, which certifies the legitimacy of some Internet merchants. Also, there are hundreds of Canadian pharmacies online because of the rise in popularity of Canadian drugs. The actual number of online Canadian pharmacies is difficult to estimate, and many of the so-called Canadian pharmacies are not from Canada. Besides the few legitimate sites in the United States and Canada, most online pharmacies deal with unapproved, illegal, and counterfeit medication. It is hard to know the number of online pharmacies because of the complex structure of the Internet. Their rapid growth can mainly be attributed to huge profits, but online pharmacies are also used for money laundering and may be used for terrorism. Although the United States has been limited in its actions, it still has taken numerous measures. However, internationally, online pharmacies do not appear to be as much of a problem, so almost any action taken has been led by the United States.