A narrative review of illegal online pharmacies and contemporary issues with restricting FDA-approved medication access.

ABSTRACT

The rapid growth of technology has transformed the way the public purchases many products, including medications. Online medication purchasing has become a convenient and confidential route for patients to access healthcare without leaving their homes. Online pharmacies have many benefits but also present an increased risk for patient harm caused by unintentionally purchasing from illegal online pharmacies. Illegal online pharmacies are those that operate online without the requisite valid licenses or supply drugs not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As obtaining certain medications has become restricted, either due to policy or drug shortages, more patients are relying on services provided by Internet pharmacies. The overturning of Roe versus Wade has caused an emerging drug restriction that may coerce the public to turn to Internet pharmacies for purchasing medications. A narrative review was conducted to analyze both the past and present effects of medications sold by illegal online pharmacies to help recognize the implications of restricting access to FDA-approved medications. Several large science and health literature databases were searched to find relevant references. Resulting resources, which referenced the connection between restricting access to FDA-approved medications and the increase in illegal online sales, were included in this review. The information evaluated in this article will help inform healthcare providers and policymakers of the inadvertent effects of restricting access to FDA-approved medications.

ABSTRACT

Background: Illegal online pharmacies target vulnerable patient populations such as patients affected by drug shortages or patients who require restricted access medications.Increased production of substandard or falsified medications is rampant during drug shortages or restricted access use and can lead to patient harm.The overturning of Roe versus Wade in the United States may illicit a response from the public to acquire their medications through illegal online pharmacies which may be providing substandard or falsified medications. Methods: A narrative review was conducted to understand the implications of restricting access to FDA-approved medications. Previous instances of drug shortages and restricted access use medications were analyzed to understand the effects the overturning of Roe versus Wade may have on patient harm. Results: Illegal online pharmacies continue to threaten patient harm by supplying substandard or falsified medications to patients.Patient harm from substandard and falsified medications has been observed through previous abortion bans. Conclusion: Purchasing abortive medications from illegal online pharmacies is correlated with an increase in the number of serious or fatal events.This phenomenon can continue to impact the healthcare system as legal implications surrounding abortion develop.Education and advocacy to safe and effective abortive medications are key in ensuring patient safety in reproductive care.

A Narrative Review of Illegal Online Pharmacies and Contemporary Issues with Restricting FDA-Approved Medication Access.