Identifying legitimate websites selling medicines in South Africa

Abstract

Background: The online sale of medicines has skyrocketed globally, where medicines are purchased in the comfort and privacy of one’s own home. However, there are an increasing number of illegal websites selling counterfeit and falsified medicines. Aim: The aim of this study was to review the information and medicines sold online through pharmacy websites in South Africa (SA) and their compliance with local legislation. Setting: The study setting comprised online pharmacy websites in SA. Methods: This quantitative descriptive study used a purposeful questionnaire based on the South African Pharmacy Council inspection questionnaire for pharmacies operating websites. Websites claiming to be an online pharmacy in SA were included. Results: There were 25 websites reviewed, which claimed to be online pharmacies. Majority (n = 22) were found to be legal websites, operated by a registered community pharmacy and required a prescription for the purchase of prescription only medicines. Few websites complied with legislation such as displaying the Y number (n = 5) and name of the responsible pharmacist (n = 10). The remaining three websites were not linked to physical pharmacies, none complied with legislation and supplied medicines without a prescription. Conclusion: Although the online sale of medicines is regulated in SA, not all websites complied with legislation. The study highlighted the importance of monitoring websites claiming to be online pharmacies and their compliance with legislation. Contribution: Four stakeholders, consumers; pharmacy websites; regulators and healthcare providers, were identified and their role outlined in promoting the safe online purchasing of medicines.