What You Need to Know About Filling Prescriptions Online

Internet pharmacies currently account for less than 1% of sales: just $349 million of the $251.8 billion American prescription-medication market in 2005, according to IMS Health, a market researcher. Yet, as prescription-drug costs increase, so does consumer interest in buying online. In fact, the number of Internet pharmacies is growing too quickly for regulations to keep up. "It's like the wild, wild West," says Cathy McDermott, a spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration. "It's unprotected, and you can't be safe enough."

Case in point: In mid-February, five Americans sought emergency medical treatment after Internet pharmacies swapped their prescriptions — ranging from sleep aids to antidepressants — with haloperidol, a powerful antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia. Each consumer's pills were mailed in a plastic bag and postmarked in Greece, according to the FDA, which is investigating the incidents.

If you know what to look for, it's easy to stay safe and save cash. Check into these six factors before letting an Internet pharmacy fill your prescription:

Scan the pharmacy site for a bricks-and-mortar mailing address — no P.O. boxes — and a phone number. Then verify that both are legit.

There is one exception: Canada. With prescription drug prices 20% to 50% lower than those in the U.S., Canadian pharmacies are an increasingly appealing option. But it's illegal, says Shearer. Only a drug manufacturer can import a given medication. True, the FDA tends to go after those consumers importing prescription drugs for profit, rather than personal use. Still, just because it may not be enforced doesn't make it right.