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There are countless new "cures” that are heavily marketed towards seniors. Promising to put an end to the embarrassment and frustration associated with baldness, excess weight, and countless other ailments, the marketing materials published on behalf of these and many other drugs make them sound like fail-safe cures. But there are instances when these new cures end up doing more harm than good.
One of the biggest reasons behind the increased likelihood of health risks associated with these and other prescription medications that are targeted at seniors is the Internet. There was a time not so long ago when seniors wanted nothing to do with computers. How quickly that has changed, and how quickly seniors have become the latest victims of this medium that contains as much bad information as it does good.
More and more, seniors are looking at the Internet as a “reliable” source for their prescription medications. For many, particularly those who are house-bound, the Internet offers a convenient way to shop. With online ordering and delivery right to their doorsteps, seniors order what they need, when they need it without ever leaving home.
For others, shopping on the Internet has become the only way they can affordably purchase the prescription medications that seem to cost more every day. Discounted sources and sources that are located outside the United States frequently offer prescriptions at prices that are significantly lower than what seniors can find at their local pharmacies.
And then there is the group who prefers the anonymity associated with buying products on the Internet. Oftentimes with nothing more required than the completion of a brief questionnaire, seniors get the drugs they need without first having to come fact-to-face with a medical practitioner. Remember that people (including seniors) are self-conscious when it comes to talking about their personal problems.
Yet for every good reason there is to purchase these new cures on the Internet, there is an equally important reason why seniors should be wary of this source. Let’s begin with the obvious which is the importance of thoroughly discussing your medical condition with your doctor. Only those with highly specialized training understand the side effects of the various medications on the market today and more importantly, the ways that different medications interact with one another once inside the body. It may be easy to get a prescription with no questions asked, but doing so can lead to serious and even life-threatening complications.
Another health risk associated with purchasing prescriptions via the Internet involves the selling of products that have already expired. And even if the products haven’t yet expired, you have no way of knowing where they’ve been manufactured and worse, whether anyone is overseeing their production. Unfortunately, these web sites lack any type of licensing requirements.
If ever you’re in doubt, talk your concerns over with someone else. And always remember that no matter your age, the adage applies - “If it sounds too good to be true"..
For more information on the dangers of risky medications visit the General Account Office's Health Products for Seniors report
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