Concept, Prospects and Challenges of Internet Pharmacy to Practice of Pharmaceutical Care: A Review

Internet pharmacy has been the focus of heightened interest over the past 10 years. The unfolding and increasing trend and availability of online health information and drug sourcing are becoming of palpable concerns as the internet is known to be characteristically porous in terms of legislature and regulatory control. This prevalence and pattern of use of the internet in this regard alongside knowledge and attitude of users are examined. The readiness of regulatory bodies and operational legislations in some countries to checkmate illegal and uncontrolled ethical drug sourcing is similarly highlighted. The advantages of online drug sourcing that may increasingly fuel the internet market are considered. Finally, necessary upgrade of existing physical drug outlets to tackle possible spurious and illegal virtual pharmacies and strategies to practice of pharmaceutical care based on online ideologies are also reviewed.