Fraud, Scams and Slams: Health Care Quackery Prepared by: Dr. Jan Park Gerontology Specialist Oklahoma Cooperative Extension service April 2002
Medical Frauds Prey on the Elderly “Miracle Cures” Offer Hope
Dreaded Diseases Attract Quacks Arthritis Cancer Anti-Aging Potions
Beware: Don’t Fall Prey to Quacks “Miracle drugs” “Too-good-to-be true products”
Ask Questions and Check Out the Product BEWARE!!! Miracle cures Natural products Scientific breakthrough Impressive jargon No side effects
Ask Questions and Check Out the Product Information being suppressed Words like; detoxify, purify, energize Testimonials Available one source Real cheap
Cyberspace Health Care Quackery Internet Scams
Buying Prescription Medicine Online Way of the future
Advantages of Buying Medication Through the Internet Convenience Comparison shopping Greater Variety
How to Buy Medications Safely on the Internet New Prescription Private sites Licensed Pharmacies
How Does Online Sales Work? Open account Present prescription Learn delivery method Customer service Rx
Buy Only from Reputable Pharmacy Sites Buy Only from Reputable Pharmacy Sites Do’s Licensed pharmacy VIPPS Prescription required Prescription verification Questions and answers
Buy Only from Reputable Pharmacy Sites (cont.) Don'ts No customer service No prescription required Questionnaire Buy from sites that sell medications not approved by FDA Buy from foreign sites selling low cost medications Not required
The Problem with Regulating Internet Drug Sales Federal Trade Commission Federal Drug Administration National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Federation of State Medical Boards Verified, Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites (VIPPS)
Dietary Supplements a Heyday for Con Artists Unproven Dietary supplements risky Users! Don’t quit taking prescription medications Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act St. John’s Wort
Dietary Supplements Pre-market Review Not Stringent
Read the Label Before You Buy What is the product? Quantity Structure –Function claim Directions Serving size, active ingredients Other ingredients Manufacturer, Packer, Distributor Customer service address/phone number
Product Claims Allowed Nutrition content claims Disease claims Nutrition Support claims