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CSIP Hosts Capitol Hill Briefing

CSIP Executive Director Marjorie Clifton presenting on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON – April 16, 2015 – The Center for Safe Internet Pharmacies (CSIP) hosted an educational briefing for Capitol Hill staffers to share insights and information about illegitimate online pharmacies which are selling potentially illicit or counterfeit prescription drugs to unknowing consumers.

Over the past decade, and as more consumers use the Internet to buy a larger percentage of their household and personal goods, there is a growing need for education around safe purchasing. This is especially important as many of the products impact consumer health and safety. A study by the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids found that 1 in 6 Americans (36 million people) have bought medication online without a valid prescription. The entities selling these “medicines” typically advertise and present themselves as accredited pharmacies. And as we now know, 97% of online pharmacies are illegal, operating in violation of U.S. law or practice standards (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy; cited by the FDA). The average consumer often has no way of knowing whether the product he or she is purchasing is counterfeit or otherwise unsafe, and is therefore vulnerable to the dangers associated with these substances, which can be life-threating.

CSIP Executive Director Marjorie Clifton, commenting on the above state of affairs, said, “Fortunately, since 2011, CSIP, its member organizations and partners have been actively involved in consumer education efforts, such as the recent Times Square public service announcement – a joint campaign with the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP). Separately, we host an annual roundtable forum with partners from law enforcement, federal agencies and patient safety groups to discuss coordinated actions to protect and educate consumers. Additionally, Clifton noted that the CSIP website provides a range of educational materials, vetted resources, and verification tools for online pharmacies and health care products, along with quick links to report suspicious online pharmacies and medicines to the appropriate authorities.

CSIP members and partners are passionate about educating policy makers about this important topic and always making sure that we are collectively looking out for consumers safety,” Clifton said.

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CSIP is a nonprofit focused on consumer education, collaboration with law enforcement, shared best practices, and coalition development to navigate topics around illegal online pharmacies. Our board include members from online advertising service providers, social media companies, payment system operators, registries, registrars and shipping companies.

To learn more about CSIP, please visit us online at safemedsonline.org. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact CSIP’s program director, Katie Shorey or via our contact page.

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This item was highlighted in CSIP’s May 2015 newsletter.