Online Pharmacy Brand Name Confusion?

"A drug by another other name would smell as sweet..."

What's in a name? When it comes to brand names for pharmaceutical products, the answer can be a whole lot of confusion.

For various trademark and copyright reasons, a brand name in one country may actually be a totally different drug in another.

To see some examples identified by the FDA, click here.

Is this really a problem for online pharmacies? I doubt it. As long as they follow good pharmacy practice, all pharmacies, not just internet pharmacies, have long dealt with international visitors and their prescription needs. Pharmacies always have reference texts and other on-line resources to check the names of drugs prescribed in other countries.

Is there a potential for mistakes? Sure, but that risk is not limited to international online pharmacies. Your local pharmacist can make this kind of mistake just as easily. As long as you choose a reputable online drug store, it is unlikely you will have any problems with drug identification.

The bottom line: be aware of the possibility for confusion, have your doctor write your prescriptions using the generic name of the drug and review your medications with your internet pharmacist.