As part of a global crackdown, the Federal Food and Drug Administration is stepping up its fight against counterfeit and other potentially harmful medications sold over the Internet.  Recently, 4,100 websites were ordered to immediately stop selling unapproved medications to U.S. consumers.

The FDA has sent warning letters to three companies behind most of the websites, seized illegal medicines and filed civil and criminal charges against companies and people.  Internet registrars and service providers have been contacted and asked to suspend the websites.

Interpol, the international police agency, says about $10.5 million worth of medicines were seized worldwide recently and more than 18,000 illegal pharmacy websites were shut down.

Medicap Pharmacy in Panora’s Head Pharmacist Trish Randal says consumers trust they are getting the real deal when ordering prescriptions on line when in fact they may not be.

The United States is the only country that has strict regulations regarding drugs, whereas other countries don’t.  Regardless of whether or not she sees business pick up due to the medications no longer being available online, Randal says she is relieved and very happy to see these websites shut down.