Internet pharmacies serving the international community

Abstract

Introduction: Internet pharmacies sell medicines online, offering convenience, privacy, and access for patients, particularly for underserved areas Risks include counterfeit or unsafe medicines, access to medications requiring prescriptions and lack of pharmacist guidance. Regulatory approaches vary widely between countries, creating challenges for ensuring patient safety.

Aims: • Identify risks of internet pharmacies to the quality and safety of medicines • Assess accessibility and convenience of internet pharmacies for patients. • Evaluate national regulatory frameworks governing internet pharmacy operations across selected countries.

Introduction: The rise of internet pharmacies has significantly transformed the pharmaceutical industry, offering convenient access to medications while presenting challenges in regulation, safety, and quality control. Although online pharmacies enhance affordability, accessibility, and privacy, they also contribute to public health risks, including counterfeit medicines, lack of pharmacist intervention, and unauthorized sales of prescription drugs. Regulatory frameworks for internet pharmacies vary globally, creating inconsistencies in patient safety measures and enforcement. Understanding the benefits, risks, and regulatory gaps is crucial to ensuring the safe and effective use of internet pharmacies worldwide. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of internet pharmacies on healthcare, focusing on consumer accessibility, regulatory challenges, and risks of counterfeit medicat ions. The research identifies differences in national regulatory approaches and assesses the effectiveness of existing frameworks in safeguarding public health.