Supporters say consumers are savvy enough to buy medicines over the Internet.
But health experts fear the growing trend could endanger, even kill, patients. 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. Increasingly, anecdotal reports in the media and from patient and professional groups suggest that the Web sites of online pharmacies offer widely diverse levels of confidentiality, security, and quality of service. These reports also raise questions about the adequacy of regulation of this burgeoning form of e-commerce. Another serious concern is the potential for the Internet to be exploited by unscrupulous marketers of pharmaceutical drugs.