Internet Drug Pushing Up Again

84% -- offered to sell the drugs
without a prescription. More than half of the sites that did ask for a
prescription asked only that the prescription be faxed.

The drugs most frequently offered for sale -- by 79% of the web sites --
were the benzodiazepines Xanax and Valium.

The second most frequently offered class of drugs was opioids, offered by
64% of the sites. Those most often offered were Vicodin, Lortab, Darvocet, and
Darvon.

Stimulants were offered by 11% of the web sites. Those most frequently
advertised were Ritalin and Concerta, followed by Adderall and Dexedrine.

Only four web sites -- 2% of the total -- offered to sell barbiturates.

CASA recommends that federal law be clarified to prohibit the Internet sale
and purchase of controlled prescription drugs without an original copy of a
prescription from a DEA-certified physician. CASA also recommends that the law
require certification of all online pharmacies to ensure that they meet
rigorous professional standards.

The May 2007 CASA report, "You've Got Drugs?" IV: Prescription
Drug Pushers on the Internet, is available online.

By Daniel DeNoon
Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario
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