Online Pharmacies: Regulators Respond in California & Germany

In an attempt to stop doctors and pharmacies from issuing prescriptions over the Internet without actually performing physical exams, California state regulators have revoked the license of a California doctor and levied $48 million in fines against six out-of-state online doctors. Regulators cited concerns over the lack of consistent screening between online pharmacies and stated that patients who are not examined thoroughly may be more susceptible to reactions or complications. In contrast, the German Federal Department of Health and Social Security ("GFDHS") is considering legalizing online pharmacies in an attempt to alleviate the high costs of medicines. This option is discussed in its outline of intended medical system reform released on February 5, 2003. In Canada, the increase in the number of American citizens purchasing cheaper prescription medications from Canadian sources and from the Internet has also drawn a reaction from the drug industry. Last month, pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline ("Glaxo") stopped supplying prescription drugs to Canadian pharmacies that sell those products to Americans and to wholesalers or distributors that supply those pharmacies. In response to Glaxo's move, the Canadian International Pharmacy Association and Canadian online pharmacists have launched lobbying efforts aimed at consumers and law makers on both sides of the border to force Glaxo to reverse its decision. A Manitoba group has also filed a complaint with Canada's Competition Bureau arguing that Glaxo's actions are anti-competitive and are in violation of the Competition Act. For additional information, visit: http://www.siliconvalley.com/mld/siliconvalley/news/5206103.htm http://www.hon.ch/News/HSN/511679.html http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2003/01/20/13354.html For a copy of the GFDHS's outline of medical system reform (German text only), visit: http://www.bmgesundheit.de/downloads-themen/aktuelles/Eckpunkte.pdf