The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7484 p3
5/12 January 2008

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Launch of internet pharmacy logo to help protect consumers

Legitimate online pharmacies received a boost this week with the launch of an authorised internet pharmacy logo by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

The logo will help members of the public to identify pharmacies registered in Britain and to avoid those operating illegally.

Statistics released by the Society this week reveal that over two million people across Britain now regularly purchase medicines via the web. The Society’s Chief Executive and Registrar, Jeremy Holmes, commented: “Our message to the public is simple: if you use the internet to buy medicines make sure you do so from a regulated site.

“Medicines should not be seen as regular consumer products and there are real risks if people fail to get professional advice. Pharmacists based in Great Britain are highly trained health care professionals and experts in medicines and can lawfully and safely supply them via the web.

“The internet pharmacy logo is an important signal of safety and quality.”

Although the scheme is voluntary the Society believes that displaying the logo will benefit both members of the public and the profession and is encouraging all sites that offer to supply medicines or advice online to exhibit it.

Operators of registered internet pharmacies can apply to display the logo at www.internetpharmacylogo.org

See News feature p11