The recent emergence of online pharmacies have revolutionised the way people procure medication. But how does is work, and more importantly - is it safe?

Canadian online pharmacies and web-based drugstores in general are causing quite a stir with regular online shoppers. Ecommerce has made it possible for us to buy groceries, clothing, entertainment and a slew of other consumer goods online, so why not pharmaceutical products? The web is rapidly evolving into a 'Second World' and online pharmacies are an innate part of the booming e-Economy. With the emergence of CyberMedicine and TeleMedicine technology it seems the virtualisation of healthcare is most definitely underway.

This in itself poses a few interesting moral issues. Some of the issues raised by those that are against the idea on dispensing medication online include:

• There is no real means of regulating the industry due to the uncontrolled structure of the Internet.

• It is virtually impossible to sustain a proper physician-patient relationship if there is no physical exam or -interaction.
• The very nature of the medium leaves the 'patient' vulnerable to fraudulent use of their information.
• Online pharmacies create a loophole for cross border activity. Although a certain kind of medication might be perfectly legal in one country, possessing it in another might be a highly punishable offence. The same goes for the manner in which drugs are prescribed. Selling medication online significantly muddies these moral waters.

So, those are the concerns which have been debated by the online community. There are plenty more and it will most certainly be debated for years to come. However, history has proven that it is futile to resist the development of technology and it is most likely that online pharmacies will remain a regular feature on the web. 

The benefits of buying medication online are quite apparent and include the following:

• Complete physical privacy and convenience.

• Proximity to a brick and mortar drugstore no longer represents an issue.
• Comparative shopping makes it easier for consumers to buy medication at affordable prices.
• The variety of products available is greatly increased.
• Easier access to written product information and references to other sources than in conventional pharmacies.
• Online pharmacies are of course, open 24/7.

Looking at these benefits, it is easy to see why more and more consumers are logging onto (rather than heading out to) the pharmacy. It is important, however, to safeguard yourself against fraudulent practices as best you can before purchasing online. Here is how to make sure that you don't get duped:

• Always ensure that the pharmacy you deal with is certified.

• Never purchase online medication from a site that is willing to sell a prescription drug without a prescription or have pharmaceutical products on offer that are not yet approved.
• Make sure that the site you use allows you to interact with a real-life, qualified pharmacist should you have any questions.
• Don't be fooled by sites that tout 'miracle cures' for dangerous disorders that are normally controlled by means of an approved regiment of medication. Be especially wary if the site claims that the government, pharmaceutical companies and scientists have conspired to keep a drug from being available to consumers.
• Consult your real-life physician before using ANY medication for the first time.

Controversy aside, there are indeed ways of using online pharmacy services to your advantage. Take these suggestions to heart and buy medication online the safe way.

Connor McGill works as a buyer for a Canadian online pharmacy and writes regular papers on the development in the online medication  industry.