The latest annual report released by the Irish Medicines Board has revealed there continues to be a large number of people ordering ‘discount’ prescription drugs online. The board’s enforcement unit, working with customs and An Garda Siochana, intercepted 758,276 dosage units of illegal or counterfeit drugs in 2012. The illegal imports were most often advertised as sedatives, anabolic steroids, weight loss ‘medicines’ and treatments for conditions such as erectile dysfunction.

Pat O’Mahony, chief executive of the IMB, responded to the results, saying “the IMB strongly recommends that members of the public never purchase prescription medicines online as there are no guarantees as to the safety, quality or effectiveness of these products. Medicines purchased on the internet can pose serious health risks to those who use them. The supply of prescription only medicines via the internet is illegal and no online pharmacy is authorised to operate in or into Ireland.”  The IMB has also announced they assessed 1,372 new forms of human medication in 2012.

Unregulated medicines can be extremely dangerous, but one of the reasons suggested for such a huge amount of people ordering mail order drugs online is the high cost of prescription medication in Ireland. With many unable to afford the legal alternatives, some are instead turning to low-cost alternatives despite the serious safety risks involved. 

In July, the Irish Pharmacy Union warned that there has been a significant increase in shortages of drugs such as anti-depressants and pain-relief medication in the last 12 months. Issues like this could also potentially increase the level of illegal imports. The HSE, meanwhile, has advised doctors to start prescribing cheaper but regulated 'generic' drugs rather than more expensive 'preferred' brands. 

Pat Kenny will be the discussing the statistics today, and we want to hear your thoughts on the subject. Do you think we pay too much for medicine in Ireland? Is there any effective way of countering the import of drugs? Do people need to be better educated about the hazards of ordering cheap medication? Vote in our poll and leave your comments below.