Online prescribing of sildanefil (Viagra) on the world wide web - PubMed

Background: In recent times, an increasing array of prescription medications, exemplified by Viagra, have become widely accessible for purchase by consumers over the Internet. However, there is a significant gap in knowledge concerning the operational frameworks and the overall "quality" controls of these "virtual pharmacies," specifically regarding the responsible issuance of "online prescriptions."

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which Viagra can be procured online, particularly in scenarios where clear contraindications exist for its use.

Methods: A thorough investigation was conducted on the World Wide Web to identify pharmacies that offered either the option to obtain prescriptions for Viagra online or provided the medication without requiring a prescription. We assumed the role of a patient, specifically a 69-year-old female with a medical history indicating clear contraindications to the drug, such as obesity (165 cm/78 kg), coronary artery disease, and hypertension, while also detailing her use of medications like captopril, pravachol, atenolol, and erythromycin. Our objective was to seek an online prescription for Viagra given this medical backdrop.

Results: The investigation revealed the presence of twenty-two distinct online pharmacies categorized into three types: two required a legitimate written prescription from a licensed physician, nine dispensed the medication without any prescription requirements whatsoever, and eleven issued what they termed as "online prescriptions" after purported review by a physician of the online inquiry which contained pertinent medical questions. We tested ten of the pharmacies providing "online prescriptions," with eight of these being based within the United States. Throughout the process, we ordered a total of sixty-six pills, amounting to US$ 1,802.84. Of the companies tested, three—including two European entities—successfully delivered the product within a range of 6 to 34 days despite the evident contraindications. Alarmingly, in 80% of cases, no comprehensive medical history was collected, 70% utilized inappropriate medical terminology, and in only two instances was the order form actually reviewed by a physician who explicitly introduced himself.

Conclusions: Despite the surprising finding that many Internet pharmacies opted to decline the delivery of Viagra, it is essential for the public to be acutely aware of the substantial risks associated with receiving prescription medications through online platforms and the inherent dangers of the prescription drug dispensing processes that take place on the Internet. Consumer education and awareness regarding these risks are crucial for safeguarding health and well-being in the digital age.

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