HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE -- During the Aug. 4 meeting of the Hot Springs Village Rotary Club, Village resident Al Lewis described his work to protect people from unscrupulous sellers of online pharmaceuticals.
Lewis said in a news release that due to the rising cost of prescription drugs, many people are looking online to find bargains. However, according to the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies, up to 97 percent of online providers are "rogue," he said. Many are sourced in Russia or China, including some businesses that claim to be located in Canada.
Lewis, whose granddaughter is involved with ASOP, pointed out instances when the ingredients have been produced in filthy conditions, and were found to contain ingredients like rat poison. He also described one case in which a patient ordered prescription medication online, kept getting sicker, and at the suggestion of a family member, had the pills analyzed. They were found to contain 100 percent chalk.
According to Lewis, ASOP is the only nonprofit organization solely dedicated to making the internet safer for patients. Its members include pharmacists, health care providers, brand name and generic pharmaceutical companies, government agencies and internet commerce companies that are thoroughly vetted for safety.
Lewis said in the release, "If they don't belong to an accredited group, how do you know what you're taking?" He pointed out that more information about the ASOP can be found online at http://www.safeonlinerx.com.
Membership in HSV Rotary Club is open to all, and guests are always welcome to attend weekly meetings, held at 7 a.m. Thursdays in the Fireside Dining Room of the Good Samaritan Society, 121 Cortez Road.
Local on 08/12/2016