Since early 2004, it has become more apparent every day that the online pharmacy industry is being destroyed. Who is doing such damage to bring the industry crashing down, you ask? So far, the people responsible are savvy businessmen who are using their skills to create temporary safety nets for black-hat operations using loopholes in international security. Many pharmacy businesses were just shut down, and 20 people arrested during a DEA operation to stop the illegal sale and importation of controlled substances into the United States. Id rather call these businesses drug rings than online pharmacies because many offered these medications of questionable quality without a prescription.

Few online pharmacies are in good standing as far as Im concerned. They include Health Solutions Network (previously known as MPLLC), IntegraRx, Shoppe.MD, DrugStore.com, various Canadaian pharmacies, and other pharmacies which do not sell controlled medications without prescriptions.

The real problem still exists: We need to improve the doctor-patient relationship that is the most important part of selling prescription medications online. Most websites, including most of those listed above, require patients to fill out an online consultation form with their current health statistics and medical history. This is very convenient for patients, but becomes unsatisfactory when potentially harmful or addictive medications are involved. A perfect example of this issue is the huge mass of pleas for help on the Drugs.com forums by people who are addicted to Vicodin, Hydrocodone, and other painkillers.

If you are interested in improving the online pharmacy industry, and believe you can contribute something in any shape or form, please contact Ian Mason by email at ian@shoppe.md