網路藥局法制之比較研究

Comparative Studies on Online Pharmacy Regulations

Due to the technology development, the Internet has been so indispensable in our daily life that it changes hugely business models and consumption habits, such as buying medicine online. In the past, consumers used to buy medicine in the brick and mortar stores. Pharmacists explain medicine usages and consult with patients in person. Nowadays, online pharmacies have increased due to their convenience, bargain price and so many advantages. However, there are as well some physical and potential risks, such as falsified medicine, not well informed of medicine usages. Recently, some countries, including the United States, Japan, and mainland China have been toward to deregulation in online pharmacies, especially prescription drugs. Besides, they tend to enhance inspection of falsified medicine or control substances, as well as the obligation of merchants’ information disclosure. In Taiwan, so far only pharmacists registered by law can sell medicine legally. Though Pharmaceutical Affairs Act does not expressly prohibit online pharmacies, the pharmaceutical authorities have denied the possibility of comprehensive medicine consultation by professionals via the Internet. Nevertheless, in the dawn of digital economy, low risk medical devices have sold online since 2013. Selling medicine online is still uncertain. Whether it is necessary to promote online pharmacy and its inspection causes concerned and needs more considerations. The article firstly analyzes the pros and cons of online pharmacy, and then compares each country’s regulations to recommend Taiwan online pharmacy regulations.