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Internet Pharmacies: Regulation of a Growing Industry

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2021

Amy J. Oliver
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Extract

Industry analysts estimate that Internet pharmacies will generate $1.4 billion in prescription drug sales by 2001 and over $15 billion by 2004. The recent rush by traditional brick and mortar pharmacies either to partner with existing Internet pharmacies or to create their own web counterparts illustrates the increasing importance of business on the Internet. Last summer, retail pharmacy giant CVS acquired the Internet pharmacy soma.com and changed its name to reflect the new ownership. Early this year, in another key industry move, Walgreen's launched an upgraded, full-service Internet pharmacy in order to compete more successfully in the pharmacy industry.

Type
Article
Information
Journal of Law, Medicine & Ethics , Volume 28 , Issue 1 , Spring 2000 , pp. 98 - 101
Copyright
Copyright © American Society of Law, Medicine and Ethics 2000

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References

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Although not technically considered an Internet pharmacy because they do not directly dispense drugs, web sites exist that prescribe drugs to patients after they fill out a relatively short questionnaire. This has caused concern among the states because the law regulating pharmacies requires direct patient-physician contact for the prescribing of drugs.Google Scholar
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