Obviously, people should be concerned about their safety when taking a prescription medication. But what many people who order drugs internationally do not take into consideration is that they may be putting themselves at risk for potential health problems. Prescription medications are prescription medications, so some people think. Yet this thinking can lead people to have a false sense of security when it comes to taking drugs they bought from international sources.

How Safe are International Drugs?

The problem with buying prescription medications over the border or online from foreign countries is that consumers cannot be sure if they are truly safe. An important thing to remember is just because a medication comes in a bottle or a blister pack doesn’t mean the drug is authentic. The appearance of a prescription medication does not make it a safe drug to take. There have been reports of black markets not only in the United States but also in foreign countries that sell unsafe drugs to consumers. These drugs will not have the same benefits or risks as drugs manufactured under the United States’ stringent conditions.

Some drugs being sold in foreign countries to American consumers may be old medications, or they may be ineffective at treating the patient’s symptoms. But because many of these drugs are sold by companies that are less than reputable, it is extremely difficult to trace the origin of the drugs and increase awareness about the problem. Consumers should realize that because of these safety concerns, the interstate shipment of medications that do not have the approval of the Food and Drug Administration is illegal. This is because the FDA can’t be certain about the manufacturing and handling conditions that the drugs have undergone.

The FDA only approves the importation of foreign drugs that are not previously approved if they are for a serious illness or condition where American-made prescriptions were not available. Also, if there is no huge risk associated with the medication or the drug is not being imported for production or commerce, it may be allowed. Yet the safety of other drugs imported remains in question. People should be aware these drugs may not provide the same benefits or have the same active ingredients as FDA-approved drugs in the United States. Unfortunately, that is a risk many Americans are willing to take.

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