11-13-1999

HEALTH: Risky Business

It can be cheaper to purchase prescription drugs on the Internet, but
there are risks if you're not confident of the legitimacy of the seller.
This table compares the cost of purchasing various prescription drugs on
the Internet from Alant's Pharmacy in South Africa with the cost of
purchasing the same or equivalent medications from a Rite Aid pharmacy in
Washington, D.C. Alant's adds shipping and handling charges to its
costs.


Drug, Purpose, Amount, Possible Side Effects, Alant's Price, Rite Aid
Price


Amaryl, Diabetes control, 30 tablets, Reduced glucose levels, death,
$14.13, $15.98


Empacod, Pain relief, 20 tablets, Addiction, 6.40, 13.69


Accutane, Severe acne, 60 capsules, Liver toxicity, birth defects, 102.63,
343.69


Prozac, Depression, 30 capsules, Few side effects, 66.74, 89.69


Zocor, High cholesterol, 10 tablets, Liver toxicity, muscle weakness,
50.62, 32.69




National Journal