Internet Pharmacies: Regulatory Problems and Potential Solutions

Abstract

This paper will analyze the growing problem “rogue†Internet pharmacies—Internet pharmacies that conduct illegal or unsafe prescribing and dispensing practices that endanger the health of the customers they serve. SECTION I will describe the different categories of Internet pharmacies and distinguish the practice of legitimate Internet pharmacies from those of rogue Internet pharmacies. SECTION II will discuss the dangers customers face by ordering from rogue Internet pharmacies. SECTION III will address the currently regulatory regime for domestic Internet pharmacies. SECTION IV will address the currently regulatory regime for foreign Internet pharmacies. Finally, SECTION V will analyze recent proposals to more effectively curtail the illegal practice of domestic and foreign Internet pharmacies.