Finally, in the case of most internationally-based web sites, the consumer simply completes an order form and selects the desired drug and quantity. After the consumer transmits his or her prescription to the Internet pharmacy using one of these methods, the web site then ships the prescription directly to the patient. It usually takes one to five business days to receive a prescription, depending on the shipping option selected by the consumer. In the case of internationally-based Internet pharmacies, it can take up to three weeks for delivery. Obviously the quality and effectiveness of the pharmacy varies quite substantially from web site to web site.
Serious concern exists about the quality of the drugs dispensed over the Internet.
Consumers face possible adverse side effects, potentially dangerous interactions, as well as harm from contaminated, counterfeit or expired drugs. This has resulted in the call from consumer groups, the government and others for regulation of the burgeoning industry. The states have traditionally regulated pharmacies and the dispensing of prescription drugs. State boards of pharmacy license both pharmacies and pharmacists to practice in their state. Increasing growth of the Internet pharmacy industry as well as growing concern about the safety of drugs dispensed over the Internet has prompted the pharmacy industry, the federal government and several states to take action.