NABP Evaluates Online Pharmacies
The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) is continuing the development of “recommended” and “not recommended” lists for online prescription drug sales. In December of 2009 the list of “not recommended” online drug sellers passed the 5,000 mark.
The “not recommended” retailers are those that meet any one of or a combination of the following descriptions: the ability to purchase medications without a prescription (some will allow a questionnaire in place of a valid prescription), a physical address outside of the United States or no physical address listed, the availability of unapproved drugs and/or the lack of a secure site for customer orders.
The sites recommended by the NABP have all been approved by the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS). These sites have been evaluated and inspected to ensure their commitments to patient safety.
Of the sites evaluated so far 96% have been found out of compliance. The NABP is publishing the list to help consumers make informed choices and is also forwarding all applicable information to state and federal regulators.