Internet Medicines

This week, a woman was reported as losing her sight after taking medicines, purchased on the Internet. The medication in question is prednisolone, a strong-acting steroid, used in a multitude of conditions, varying from asthma to cancer treatment. It should only be taken on prescription from a doctor, precisely because of its potential for severe side effects. One of which is the development of cataracts and potential blindness.

This lady took the steroids in dosage of 10 to 40 mg every day for several years, which is enough to cause cataracts and glaucoma.

This poses serious questions about the availability of drugs through the Internet. Although in the UK, prednisolone is only available on prescription, anyone who so wishes can order it freely on-line. Without intervention by a doctor, without intervention by any health professional at all. Although few reports exist of people coming to harm through medicines bought on-line, the potential is certainly there.

I would suggest that anyone who has a health problem should see a physician first, and seek their guidance on treatment. If seeing a doctor presents problems, seek advice from a pharmacist or other health professional.