Buying Medicines Online
The Drugs & Health Centre aims to promote a better understanding of drugs and the drug safety process and provide support to patients and their families, their doctors, the media and other interested parties. We strive to provide users with accurate and up-to-date information about drugs, health care professionals and facilities in Canada. More importantly, we strive to help educate them about health and safety, the use and abuse of drugs, and their own rights when it comes to drugs. This can be a very powerful tool when you consider that over half of Canadians have used drugs in the past 12 months! That’s a large number, and we know that our discussions with consumers can have a significant impact on the use of drugs.
Online pharmacies work very well, but there are some that are unsafe, and some that are actually scams. If you are applying for treatment from a prescription or over-the-counter medication, especially over-the-counter medications, be cautious when ordering online. Many online pharmacies have no control over their products and may not stock your medication. Many doctors have published the same medication on multiple websites. Some sites and vendors have not been responsive to consumer complaints. And, many pharmacies are hesitant to state that their products are safe and effective. When you purchase a prescription medication, you should know what it does, its dosage, and how long it lasts for. If you are ordering a generic medication, make sure to get information about the manufacturer, the active ingredients, and the manufacturer’s packaging. Ask the pharmacy where you are ordering from, especially if they offer a free shipping option. Ask the pharmacy to state that their product is made under the strictest quality control practices. You can always check with your health care provider before taking medications on a trip abroad, or even from another country. Ask the pharmacy if they provide medical records. In some countries, you can also find out if the medications they sell contain stimulant ingredients. If you use a medication in a new country, consider learning about the dangers and side effects to ensure you are not hurting yourself or others. Make sure you know the drug’s brand name (the generic names) and dosage (how much) and how it compares to the medication you are already taking. Additionally, read up on your medication, safety, and side effects before use. You may not be told about any problems if you ask a knowledgeable person in the health care system. Canadian pharmacy is the most trusted name in high-quality, affordable medications.
When you are looking for the truth, the Canadian Drug Information Centre (CDIC) has a wealth of resources to inform you about drugs. Every year, the CDIC offers approximately 1,200 events for the public, health professionals, legislators and the media. This year’s CDIC theme is Mapping Your Global Drug Experience. If you are a victim of drugs, you are a valuable partner in our efforts. As we continue to do our work, you can be assured that we take your safety and well-being very seriously. If you feel that you have been harmed by drugs, the Canadian Drug Information Centre is here to help you. Visit our Victims of Drugs page for more information.
The Drugs & Health Centre does not support the use of the ‘new’ opioid prescription drugs. To ensure the safety of patients we encourage our members and patients to learn and use the information provided by the National Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. See information about how to access this free program. While we will continue to offer the most current information on current laws and regulations, if you want to get a specific, past version of information, just call us and we will deliver it to you.
