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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.
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Highlights

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.

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