But health experts fear the growing trend could endanger, even kill, patients. The DEA and several states are looking into Web sites that sell prescription drugs over the Internet. Several states are investigating Web sites, and the Drug Enforcement Administration has raided at least one Internet doctor as the government struggles with how to control drugs in cyberspace both here and abroad. We're very concerned about this. North Carolina is probing Web sales of a computer program that teaches patients to diagnose their own problems and then pick a medication from foreign Web sites.
Patient testimonials declare success at buying controlled substances such as narcotic painkillers.
The government determines which drugs need prescriptions because they're for serious medical problems and can cause serious side effects. The Internet is making huge inroads in medicine, as doctors e-mail patients, online pharmacies mail refills and patients turn to medical journals now available 24 hours a day. Foreign drug sellers who don't need prescriptions in their own country can target Americans. And U.S. doctors and pharmacists, too, are selling to unseen Internet users across the country. It is illegal for doctors to prescribe for patients in a state where they're not licensed to practice.