Risks when buying medicines online! In today's digitalized world where almost everything is available online, purchasing medications online offers a convenient alternative to going to the local pharmacy. What is particularly tempting is the ability to order medication with just a few clicks and have it delivered straight to your home.
But this convenience also has a downside: the growing risk of getting counterfeit medicines. In addition to being a financial fraud, these counterfeits also pose a significant health risk. Therefore, it is important to distinguish between safe and unsafe sources when purchasing medicines online.
Risks and effects of counterfeit medicines
Fake medicines may contain dangerous ingredients or lack the necessary active ingredients. The consequences range from the ineffectiveness of the medication to serious damage to health. What is particularly alarming is that the counterfeits are often so convincingly manufactured that even experts have difficulty recognizing them. The sale takes place via platforms that appear legitimate at first glance, which increases the risk even further. Consumers looking for cheap offers can easily fall into the trap.
How to protect yourself: tips for safe online shopping
To protect yourself from the dangers of counterfeit medicines, it is important to only buy from registered and licensed pharmacies. The EU security logo is a reliable indicator of the seriousness of an online pharmacy. In addition, a prescription should always be presented for prescription medications. Anyone who works with well-known and established providers minimizes the risk of falling for fraudsters. Information sources such as the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices ( BfArM ) or consumer advice centers offer valuable information for checking the seriousness of providers.
Counterfeits on vacation and foreign orders
You should also be careful when buying medicines abroad. Although some countries offer cheaper prices for medicines, the risk of purchasing counterfeits is particularly high. Taking medicine with you on vacation should therefore be carefully considered. When ordering internationally, it is important to comply with legal regulations and only order from registered retailers marked with the EU security logo.
questions and answers
Question 1: How do I recognize a secure online pharmacy?
Answer 1: A secure online pharmacy is identified by the EU security logo, provides full contact details and requires a prescription for prescription medicines.
Question 2: What are the risks of counterfeit medicines?
Answer 2: Fake medicines can contain harmful ingredients, do not contain the correct active ingredients and can cause serious health problems.
Question 3: Can I order medicines from abroad?
Answer 3: Yes, but it is important to observe the legal regulations and only order from registered and licensed dealers.
Question 4: How can I protect myself from counterfeit medications?
Answer 4: Buy medicines only from licensed and registered pharmacies, look for the EU safety logo and avoid offers that are too good to be true.
Question 5: Are medicines always cheaper abroad?
Answer 5: Medicines can be cheaper abroad, but purchasing them outside of official pharmacies carries a high risk of counterfeiting.
Conclusion
The digital age offers undeniable advantages when purchasing medicines, but it also poses risks that need to be protected against. The importance of caution and conscious choice cannot be overemphasized to ensure health and safety. By sticking to registered and approved sources and using the information and resources they offer, you can effectively protect yourself from the dangers of counterfeit medicines. It is important that consumers remain informed and vigilant in order to reap the benefits of online shopping without the associated risks.
To find out more and protect yourself from counterfeit medicines, we recommend that you subscribe to the Mimikama newsletter under Newsletter attend our online lectures and workshops under Online Lecture
Source: police advice
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