Amazon Accused of Enabling Prescription Drug Diversion

Amazon, the world’s largest online retailer, is enabling unlawful sales of steroids, muscle relaxants, prescription antibiotics, and other dangerous, often illicit substances, an investigative report from Slate alleges. Among the drugs illegally sold on Amazon’s website, the report identifies prescription medications such as the antibiotics clindamycin and norfloxacin, and the muscle relaxant methocarbamol as being readily available on the website. The article also highlights the sale of suspicious designer supplements.

NABP helps consumers in the United States find the safest sources for purchasing medicine online through its Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites^CM (VIPPS^®) accreditation program. Consumers are encouraged to look for the VIPPS Seal and check NABP’s list of accredited sites on the AWAR_XE^® website. In addition, through the AWAR_XE Prescription Drug Safety Program, NABP helps to raise consumer awareness about the risks of buying medications from illegal online sellers.