Internet Changes Medication Sales Regulations

Internet use has changed the way medication purchases are regulated, due in part to patients' free access to information related to pharmaceutical products and medical care. Such access allows patients to be more knowledgeable consumers and rely less upon their physicians' expertise when purchasing medications. Additionally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has promoted Internet medication sales by allowing non-print promotion of medications with less detailed information in the ad itself about side effects and precautions than is required of print advertisements. Consequently, pharmaceutical manufacturers sponsor Internet links to promote direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising via the Internet, with sales sites one click away.