Just what are they going to do if they're ignored?

"The Clinton administration has proposed bolstering FDA authority and manpower"

Spam them into compliance? Send heavily armed pharmicist/network administrators to invade their home countries?

FDA warns foreign Web sites selling prescriptions

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. health officials have said they have sent letters via the Internet to a dozen operators of foreign-based Web sites warning them that they may be selling prescription drugs illegally to U.S. citizens.

The Food and Drug Administration said the sites, which it did not name, may have been offering medicines to U.S. citizens without a prescription or otherwise violating U.S. laws.

The FDA said it was the first time it had sent warning letters via cyberspace and that the effort would help it crack down on hard-to-track online pharmacies.

The letters "represent a new stage in the agency's efforts to protect the public against illegal and potentially dangerous products sold through Web sites," the agency said in a statement on Wednesday.

The letters, which also were sent on paper, warn the companies that future shipments may be detained from entering the United States.

"These drugs could pose a serious risk to patients, particularly if used without proper medical supervision," the FDA said.

One recipient told the FDA it would cease illegal activities, the FDA said.

Federal regulators and lawmakers are worried about possible health risks posed by some of the hundreds of online pharmacies. Some offer medicines, including popular drugs such as the anti-impotence pill Viagra and weight-loss remedies, without a valid prescription. Others may be offering fraudulent or unapproved products.

Officials say the Web sites are difficult to track. The Clinton administration has proposed bolstering FDA authority and manpower to investigate the sites and imposing fines. Also, it wants the power to certify pharmaceutical Web sites as legitimate.

-- Powder (Powder47keg@aol.com), February 03, 2000

Answers

I am an RN and have been buying medication from out of the country for several years. It is the exact same drug-you just don't have to go through the medical mafia to get it. For instance, my husband is on thyroid. He gets his blood level checked annually. But the insurance company insists he can only get enough for 90 days and then must see the Dr. again!!! Our perscription benefit covers all but $2, but by the time you pay your annual deductible, take time from work, pay co-pay at the Drs office, its much cheaper to just pay $5.00 for the SAME EXACT MEDICATION from Mexico. The drug companies have to extort their pound of flesh,then the rest of health care gets in line and we wonder why the cost is so high.

-- morgan (bitbybit@eoni.com), February 03, 2000.

Yes, the Mexican pharmacies do business over the phone, not via the internet.

-- Y2kObserver (Y2kObserver@nowhere.com), February 03, 2000.

Anyone out there still think we live in a free country?????? The FDA and government own our bodies no matter where they are or what they do it appears.

-- Sheri (wncy2k@nccn.net), February 03, 2000.

Apparently now, they think they can dictate to foreigners as well as US citizens.

-- Powder (Powder47keg@aol.com), February 03, 2000.

We got several meds legally from Sri Lanka thanks to a reference from Hyatt's site last summer. All made by British companies, or overseas divisions of USA ones. So cheap, so easy, so convienient.

-- carolyn (carolyn@luvmyhub.com), February 03, 2000.

Where where where? Any links or numbers to these pharms?

-- Hokie (Hokie_@hotmail.com), February 03, 2000.