by Stuart Le Grice

Created on: September 24, 2010   Last Updated: November 11, 2010

You wouldn't enter your bank details into a website without first running some rudimentary searches to determine the credentials and validity of the site. Yet many people seem more than happy to play Russian roulette with something far more precious than their finances, by purchasing drugs from websites with questionable ethics, backgrounds and practices.

Nothing is more important than our health; sure a neat home and car are nice but they count for nothing next to good health and wellbeing. In this day and age we are able to operate many facets of our lives online, from ordering the groceries to booking tickets or a restaurant table. Those of a less honest nature have noted our trends to live more of our lives online, resulting in nefarious sites popping up offering anything from cut price medicines to get rich quick schemes.

For me, the thought of purchasing drugs from a site of questionable repute fills me with dread, and although the pills and potions sold may look like the genuine article we can never truly be sure that they are. Which could mean we are putting goodness knows what into our bodies. Worse, drugs that may be relied upon to treat a condition may be replaced by fake alternatives with potentially disastrous results.

It's simple really, if we as consumers carry out some basic tests and ask questions of the sites we wish to purchase from then it should be easy to spot the fakers from the genuine online pharmacies. Word of mouth has always been a great gauge in so many ways for so long. If a friend recommends a good restaurant or movie we are far more inclined to try these same places or products ourselves. If you have a friend or colleague who uses medicines or drugs, do not be afraid to ask where they purchase them and if they would recommend the website or shop. Also, check that a potential online pharmacy knows their products - simple things like spelling or descriptive mistakes should begin to set the warning signals off.

Also, although online shops in general are a little cheaper than their bricks and mortar counterparts the prices should still be realistic. If an online pharmacies prices seem too good to be true they probably are. Finally, most online pharmacies will have doctors and health care officials linked to the site to offer credibility and to answer any medical questions or queries. You should research the credentials of these advisors just to make sure they are real and are properly accredited health care officials or doctors. Any site that doesn't offer any information on the people linked to the sites should probably be avoided.

So, with online pharmacies as with all online retailers it pays to be cautious and to do a little research before parting with your hard earned money. Failing to do so could leave you out of pocket or worse with a handful of drugs with a questionable and potentially dangerous content!

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