Comments for Consumers

This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

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Australian Prescriber Vol. 23 No. 4 2000

Click, click: the internet and prescription drugs

Health information is very popular in the internet. However, the quality of this information can be good or bad. It is up to you to check the quality of the information. There are no controls or safeguards on the internet.

Here are some questions you can use to help you decide if the information is reliable.

• Who has put the information on the internet, e.g. a health department, a hospital, a library or a pharmaceutical company?
• Why is the information there, e.g. is the owner of the web site trying to sell something?
• Is the web site sponsored by someone trying to sell you something?
• Is the information too good to be true? For example, be suspicious of claims that something will completely cure a health problem and has no side effects.
• When was the information last updated?
• Can you contact the web site by e-mail?

Some web sites allow you to buy medicines without seeing a doctor or pharmacist. This can be risky. You may be sent a low quality product which may not be suitable for you or even dangerous. Do not change your treatment without checking with your doctor or pharmacist.