Overseas-based online pharmacies dispense prescription medications without a prescription, thus creating an alternative source of pharmaceuticals for people using illicit drugs. Health professionals need to be aware of this new drug source, which may change the rates and patterns of illicit drug use in Australia. Because of the nature of the Internet, this issue needs to be dealt with at both an international and a national level.
The full article is accessible to AMA members and paid subscribers. Login to read more or purchase a subscription now.
Please note: institutional and Research4Life access to the MJA is now provided through Wiley Online Library.
- 1. Assemi A, Torres NM, Tsourounis C, et al. Assessment of an online consumer “ask your pharmacist” service. Ann Pharmacother 2002; 36: 787.
- 2. Miller M, Draper G. Statistics on drug use in Australia 2000. Canberra: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2000: 17-18. (AIHW Catalogue No. PHE 30; Drug Statistics Series No. 8.) Available at: www.aihw.gov.au/publications/phe/sdua00/sdua00.pdf (accessed Oct 2003).
- 3. Healey J. Young people and substance abuse. Issues in society, vol 138. Balmain, NSW: The Spinney Press, 2000: 3.
- 4. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Measures of a knowledge-based economy and society, Australia. Information and communications technology indicators. Proportion of individuals (adults aged 18 years or over) accessing the Internet by age, sex, occupation, level of education and broad region. Canberra: ABS, 2001. Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs%40.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/560a5e4843ebca94ca256d97002c8644!OpenDocument (accessed Oct 2003).
- 5. Peterson AM. A survey of selected internet pharmacies in the United States. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash) 2001; 41: 205.
- 6. Therapeutic Goods Administration. Personal importation at a glance. 2001. Available at: www.tga.gov.au/docs/pdf/unapproved/piglance.pdf (accessed Sep 2003).
- 7. Dobbin M. The Victorian Temazepam Injection Prevention Initiative. Chief Health Officer’s Bulletin 2002; 2(1): 13-14. Available at: www.health.vic.gov.au/chiefhealthofficer/chobulletin/downloads/vol2no1jan2002/temazepam.pdf (accessed Sep 2003).
- 8. Australian Illicit Drug Report 2001-02. Illicit drugs in Australia. Available at: www.crimecommission.gov.au/content/publications/aidr_2003/01_Overview.pdf (accessed Oct 2003).
None identified.