A recent survey of over 1,000 online pharmacy users found that many have misconceptions about the safety and regulation of these platforms. Despite growing trust in online pharmacies, with 62% of users saying they trust them more now than in 2023, the survey revealed a lack of understanding about how these platforms are regulated.

Regulatory Misconceptions

The survey found that many users are unclear about the role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in regulating online pharmacies. For example, 41% of respondents incorrectly believed that compounded medications are FDA-tested and approved before reaching patients. Additionally, 34% of respondents did not believe that generics are FDA-tested, and 31% did not believe that brand-name medications are.

The FDA regulates supplements as food products, not drugs, and they do not require the same level of testing and approval as prescription medications and vaccines. Vaccines, in particular, must go through three phases of clinical trials before FDA approval is considered.

Trust and Verification

Despite these misconceptions, many users trust online pharmacies and take steps to verify their legitimacy. The survey found that 76% of respondents believe that a licensed professional signs off on their care, and 39% say they ask a doctor for recommendations. However, 24% of respondents have an inaccurate or uncertain picture of the process.

Younger generations tend to research a platform’s trustworthiness more actively than older respondents, with 45% of Gen Z respondents saying they directly ask a doctor. However, this proactive research does not always translate to accurate regulatory knowledge.

To avoid falling victim to rogue online pharmacies, users should be cautious of platforms that require no prescription, no licensed provider, and no pharmacist review. They should also be aware of red flags such as altered packaging or international shipping labels.

Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.