Internet Pharmacies:
Hydrocodone, an Addictive Narcotic Pain Medication, Is Available Without a Prescription Through the Internet
GAO-04-892T: Published: Jun 17, 2004. Publicly Released: Jun 17, 2004.
Additional Materials:
- Full Report:
- Accessible Text:
Contact:
GAO summarized the results of its investigation of some of the business practices of certain U.S. Internet pharmacies that sold narcotics without a prescription. At the request of the Chairman, Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs, GAO attempted to obtain information about the sources of hydrocodone that it purchased without a prescription from eight U.S. online pharmacies. Hydrocodone is an addictive narcotic pain medication, and illicit use of this drug has increased significantly in recent years.
GAO found that (1) one can purchase hydrocodone from certain Web sites on the Internet without providing a prescription or being examined by a physician; and (2) the Internet pharmacies from which it made its purchases of hydrocodone charge significantly higher prices for the drug than walk-in pharmacies. GAO concluded that those who participate in Internet drug operations that operate in this manner appear to be in the business of knowingly servicing, and profiting from, individuals who may purchase pain medication for illicit purposes.
Apr 13, 2018
-
Defense Health Care:
TRICARE Select Implementation Plan Included Mandated Elements, but Access Standards Should Be ClarifiedGAO-18-358: Published: Apr 13, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 13, 2018. -
Medicaid:
Opportunities for Improving Program Oversight [Reissued with Revisions Apr. 13, 2018]GAO-18-444T: Published: Apr 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 12, 2018.
Apr 9, 2018
-
Federal Health Insurance Exchange:
CMS Needs to Ensure Complete Accurate Data on Terminations of Coverage for Nonpayment of PremiumsGAO-18-269: Published: Mar 9, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 9, 2018.
Apr 5, 2018
-
Electronic Health Information:
CMS Oversight of Medicare Beneficiary Data Security Needs ImprovementGAO-18-210: Published: Mar 6, 2018. Publicly Released: Apr 5, 2018.
Mar 29, 2018
-
Defense Health Care:
TRICARE Surveys Indicate Nonenrolled Beneficiaries' Access to Care Has Generally ImprovedGAO-18-361: Published: Mar 29, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 2018. -
Physician Workforce:
HHS Needs Better Information to Comprehensively Evaluate Graduate Medical Education FundingGAO-18-240: Published: Mar 9, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 29, 2018.
Mar 28, 2018
-
Food and Drug Administration:
Information on Mifeprex Labeling Changes and Ongoing Monitoring EffortsGAO-18-292: Published: Mar 28, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 28, 2018.
Mar 23, 2018
-
Comparative Effectiveness Research:
Activities Funded by the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Trust FundGAO-18-311: Published: Mar 23, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 23, 2018.
Mar 19, 2018
-
New Trauma Care System:
DOD Should Fully Incorporate Leading Practices into Its Planning for Effective ImplementationGAO-18-300: Published: Mar 19, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 19, 2018.
Mar 8, 2018
-
Health Care Funding:
Federal Obligations to and Expenditures by Selected Organizations Involved in Health-Related Activities, Fiscal Years 2013-2015GAO-18-204R: Published: Mar 6, 2018. Publicly Released: Mar 8, 2018.
Looking for more? Browse all our products here