This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
NHS prescription drugs being sold online, BBC investigation finds
An investigation carried out by the BBC has found that patients are illegally selling unwanted NHS-prescribed medications online in return for cash.
The investigation found a number of prescription medicines used to treat a variety of ailments were available for sale on eBay.
The Medicines Act 1968 defines three legal categories of medicines - general sales list medicines, pharmacy medicines and prescription-only medicines. Prescription only medicines can only be sold or supplied against a prescription at a pharmacy under the supervision of a pharmacist, and NHS fraud can result in custodial sentences imposed by the courts.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), said: "Medicines are not ordinary consumer goods - and appropriately, strict legal controls apply to their sale and supply.
"Prescription medicines are "prescription only" for good reason - and should only be prescribed by doctors or approved healthcare professionals, based on clinical judgement, to ensure patients are getting the right treatment and monitor progress or deal with adverse reactions.
"Selling medicines, other than through a legitimate supply chain, is both illegal and poses unquestionable risks to the patient.
"Medicines have the ability to harm as well as cure - use them as directed by a healthcare professional."
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