The Internet makes everything as easy as 1-2-3, including buying medications and supplements. Erectile dysfunction (ED) meds and supplements are not an exception. When you Google “buy ED meds online,” you’ll be greeted by millions of search results that lead to different sites. Some of these websites are reliable, while some are unregulated or unregistered—posing numerous risks to online purchasers. Medicines from these unregistered websites could harm your health as they might be expired, diluted, or even fake. While experts advise not to buy online medicines and supplements without a healthcare professional’s prescription, some consumers still turn to the internet pharmacy market without a doctor’s advice.
Let’s dissect the potential dangers of buying ED medications online and go over some ways not to fall victim to these unsafe websites.
What Erectile Dysfunction Meds from Unregulated Websites Look Like
Governments and organisations worldwide constantly warn people about buying erectile dysfunction drugs online. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is one of them, emphasising that when you buy online from an unknown company, you run the risk of getting counterfeit meds.
WebMD published that the FDA found that over one-third of ED “dietary supplements” sold online contain prescription drugs (such as sildenafil, which is the medicine found in Viagra). This is highly problematic as prescription drugs should be obtained only via proper medical channels.
Further investigation led the FDA to find that some ED drugs sold online contain completely different medicines (like antibiotics and fertility drugs). This poses significant health risks as those who buy and use these counterfeit products may accidentally consume medications not intended for their conditions because they don’t know the content of the drugs.
Some of the drugs sold contain the right medicine but not the correct dose. Samples were obtained, and merely 10% were close to the advertised effectiveness. To boot, more than half of those online ED drugs are fake. They have ingredients you wouldn’t dare put inside your body, such as talcum powder (which has cancerous properties), paint, and even ink.
If you’re worried about the products you recently purchased, check the FDA’s database. They keep a list of tainted ED drugs that are harmful to you.
Dangers of Buying and Using ED Meds from Unregulated Websites
Because these websites are unregulated, people may be susceptible to abusing or misusing these easily available drugs.
Misusing of ED medicines includes taking excessive doses or taking the meds together with “party drugs” like ecstasy or methamphetamine.
An overdose can lead to priapism, a prolonged erection lasting four hours or more. This occurs due to too much blood flow in the penis, which leads to a painful swelling. While some men may downplay this issue, more severe side effects associated with an overdose will make you want to adhere to the recommended dosage.
One case of overdose, for example, resulted in the person getting hospitalised after taking 20 ED tablets. Overall fatigue, accelerated heart rate, lightheadedness, abdominal bloating, headache, and muscle shaking are some symptoms the person experienced. In some cases, side effects can be more extreme, like loss of vision or hearing.
Combining online ED drugs with other medications also comes with health risks. For example, those who take sildenafil with nitrates-infused medications (heart meds) can experience a dangerous drop in blood pressure.
Self-diagnosing is a Factor Why People Buy Erectile Dysfunction Meds Online
Around 16% of people use AI symptom checkers to get medical advice without seeing a doctor. Recent studies show that the number of people self-diagnosing could go up and even reach 50%.
This is problematic because after self-diagnosing, people may buy prescription medicines online without a prescription. It’s important to note that those websites supplying medicine for patients without a physician’s prescription are illegally operating. No medicine supplier in their right mind would release any product without a doctor’s approval.
Healthcare professionals always consider a patient’s pre-existing conditions before prescribing any ED meds because negative drug interactions may come about. While AI symptom checkers provide valuable insights, they lack the nuanced understanding that doctors have to come up with informed ED treatment solutions.
Tips to Avoid Falling Victim to Unsafe Websites Selling ED Meds
Let’s set the record straight: we don’t discourage you from buying erectile dysfunction medicines online. We just want you to be wary of where you buy your medicines from. It’s about the where, not the how, because there are reputable and regulated websites that sell registered drugs.
Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to unsafe websites selling ED treatments:
- Check if the website requires a valid prescription requirement: Make sure the website asks for a valid prescription from a pro healthcare pro. Legitimate online clinics or pharmacies will always ask for a valid prescription.
- Look for secure payment options: Prioritise websites that offer secure payment options. Check if they’re partnered with reputable banks or payment systems to keep your financial info locked up tight.
- Beware of meager prices: Don’t let ridiculously low prices fool you. If the price of a medication seems too good to be true, it probably is. They may be selling counterfeit or substandard meds.
- Check for contact information: Be wary of sites hiding mysterious email addresses or lacking contact info. Legit websites provide clear contact information, including a physical address and a phone number.
- Research customer reviews and ratings: Do your homework and dig into those customer reviews and ratings. It’s like getting insider info on the trustworthiness of the online clinic or pharmacy.
- Be cautious with personal information: Be selective with the information you provide. Only share the necessary personal info for your purchase.
Key Takeaways: Foire Aux Questions (FAQs)
Is it safe to buy ED pills online?
Yes, it’s safe to buy ED pills online from a reputable online pharmacy or telehealth company. Always check the website’s contact information, payment options, and online reviews before making any transactions.
What are the risks of buying ED meds online?
Buying drugs online to address impotence can be unsafe, as some of these products did not go through meticulous tests and regulations. They can possibly contain harmful ingredients. Avoid buying medications without any prescription. If you really need to buy online, check out reliable companies that offer doctor consultations as well.
Is there an over-the-counter ED medication?
Over-the-counter ED pills are available, and manufacturers claim that the herbal ingredients in these meds help with impotence. It’s also important to note that the FDA doesn’t regulate these pills, and there isn’t sufficient evidence that these claims are true. Generally, ED medications require a prescription. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for your erectile dysfunction needs.
MHC: A Telehealth Company You Can Trust When It Comes to Erectile Dysfunction
Some may think that they get bang for their buck by buying online ED products as they are generally cheaper. But they may have only wasted money because these products may not work or may be harmful.
We know that buying ED medicines online is convenient, but the safest way to get ED meds is to consult a doctor first. Thankfully, companies with great online presence offer both convenience and reliability.
Men’s Health Clinic (MHC) is a leading telehealth company with branches in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. We’ve been in the industry for more than a decade now, and we work with each country’s best men’s sexual health experts to help you manage erectile dysfunction. Our comprehensive services will allow you to have a one-on-one consultation with our experienced doctors so they can provide you with highly customised treatments.
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