Dr Jackie Blue
National Party Associate Health Spokeswoman
(Pharmacare)

25 May 2007

Internet drug sales a potential danger

There urgently needs to be greater consumer awareness around the dangers of illegally purchasing online medicines says National’s Associate Health spokeswoman, Dr Jackie Blue.

Dr Blue is commenting after a Blenheim man died after purchasing anti-depressant medication from an Internet site.

The coroner expressed concern that the pills had slipped past Customs.

“Individuals can bring in medicines from overseas but they need to prove to Customs that the medicine has been prescribed by a doctor who will take responsibility for its administration,” says Dr Blue.

“Exposure to medicines via the explosion in Internet spam, and the excess of websites selling prescription medicines, means buying drugs online is set to increase.

“Many Kiwis are unaware of the dangers of self medicating by shopping for drugs on the Internet.

“Because of restrictive policies there is also a growing frustration by Kiwis at the reduced access to many drugs.

“Some Kiwis may literally take matters into their own hands and source drugs directly from the internet.

“With the growing volume in Internet sales, it is inevitable that some drugs will slip past Customs and tragedies will occur.

“Education is urgently needed.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media