LegitScript launches pharmacy verification service online
ARLINGTON, Va. LegitScript recently announced the launch of a new comprehensive Internet pharmacy verification and information service through its Web site, LegitScript.com. The service includes a search engine that allows users to determine whether an online pharmacy meets standards of quality and safe business practices. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy recognizes LegitScript’s Internet pharmacy verification standards.
LegitScript.com’s search engine currently contains some information about 500 Internet pharmacies. Of those, 325 are identified as not meeting LegitScript Internet pharmacy verification standards, 15 are approved, and the rest are under review.
“Rogue online pharmacies are a major source of illicit prescription drugs, but there are also numerous online pharmacies that are legal and safe,” said John Horton, LegitScript founder and president. “Our goal is to help Americans tell the difference.”
Horton said that online pharmacy verification is free for pharmacies that comply with the company’s standards. “We will not approve online pharmacies that hire doctors to write prescriptions without ever meeting the patient face-to-face – a disturbing and potentially dangerous practice,” said Horton. Canadian, other foreign, and “no-prescription-required” Internet pharmacies are likewise ineligible.
Horton urged consumers to use LegitScript’s interactive feature for reporting “rogue” online pharmacies that target children, engage in fraud or send out “spam” email. “Our initial survey of Internet pharmacy Web sites suggests that there may be as many as 20,000 ‘rogue’ pharmacy websites in existence. By contrast, we think that there are probably 200 – 300 that will meet our standards – about one percent,” said Horton. Information on rogue Internet pharmacies will be shared with law enforcement, regulators and third-party businesses that want to avoid doing business with Internet pharmacies that do not comply with LegitScript standards.
Later this year, the Web site will add a prescription drug price comparison tool, and information about insurance and health plans accepted by approved Internet pharmacies.