More Questions
My medicine seems much cheaper online. The website says that it can do this because the pills come from India. Why can't my pharmacy offer that as well?The chances are that the "Indian" medicine is not licensed for use in your country. In Europe, medicines are strictly licensed and regulated, to protect you and your health. You know how it is produced, stored and dispensed. Stay safe! I pay for my medicine and bulk-buying seems like a great deal! Is it?In Europe, it is illegal to offer bulk discounts on prescription medicines. If your online "pharmacy" is breaking that law, the chances are it won't stop there. Check our advice on how to stay safe online. |
I am afraid to go to the doctor because I don't think he would prescribe the medicine that I think I need. Why shouldn't I just go online, it's so discreet?Obviously we can't know what your medical condition is but you should be aware that many quite serious illnesses can go undiagnosed (and therefore untreated) if you self-medicate to treat just the symptoms. For example, erectile problems are known to be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease and Diabetes. Your doctor is the person best placed to advise and, together with you, decide on the best treatment for you. The last thing you need to be is afraid.There IS information and support, click here if you are female, or here if you are male. |
Welcome to the new ASOP EU website
Welcome!
ASOP EU is a loose coalition of patient groups, companies, organisations and individuals, united in the campaign to make the internet a safer place to obtain medicines (where it is legal to do so).
Within these pages, we hope that you will find everything that you need to help you stay safe online. If you have any questions that aren't answered here, you can ask our experts using the link above.
Falsified Medicine is a scary subject. It unites the otherwise polarised worlds of organised crime and healthcare. However, it can also pose everyday challenges. Why not click "Spotting a Fake" above, to find out just how good a detective you would make?
From all of us at ASOP EU, we hope you enjoy navigating through the website.
Stay safe online!
News from ASOP EU
New report "Falsified Medicines – Costing the Earth"
22 Apr 2013
A recent ASOP EU report reveals that sales generated in Europe by criminals who make fake/falsified medicines is shockingly in excess of €1.4bn per year.
The basis of this analysis was a fake pharmacy website (http://www.medizin-direkt.com/) which attracted, in a 9 week period, over 182,000 unique visitors who received useful messages about the dangers of buying medicines online from illegitimate pharmacy websites. The report also contains a comprehensive overview of of the cost of fake medicines both from a global and a European perspective. Click here for full report.
Internet Stakeholders are focus of ASOP EU meeting at Google Brussels.
18 Apr 2013
ASOP EU convened a major meeting in Brussels on 19 march, to highlight the key role internet stakeholders and service providers can play in improving patient safety online. The audience heard from a number of key players, including Google, VISA Europe and Blacknight Solutions.
The workstream lead, Mike Isles, will now be working closely with other ASOP EU partners, to produce a list of model voluntary protocols for this important group of internet stakeholders.
ASOP EU - invitation to conference March 19th 2013 Google Offices
5 Mar 2013
Following on from the highly informative Summit meeting held in December of last year, ASOP EU is holding its first 2013 meeting on March 19th 2013 1300 - 1730 at the Google offices in Brussels. The agenda will enable all interested parties to see the progress that is being made on ASOP EU's objectives. If you would like to attend please email the ASOP Secretariat: mike.isles@eaasm.eu