Current Threats to Maintaining a Secure Pharmaceutical Supply Chain in an Online World
- 16 August 2019
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Hospital Pharmacy
- Vol. 55 (2), 85-89
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0018578719868406
Abstract
Background: Maintaining integrity of the pharmaceutical supply chain is critical to providing medications that are free from adulteration (counterfeit, substandard or unapproved medications), making them safe for patient use. Purchasing pharmaceuticals through the Internet can be associated with a risk of receiving adulterated medicines. Objective: The objective of this study was to review the current threats to maintaining a secure pharmaceutical supply chain, specifically focused on Internet-based procurement of medications. Methods: A review of the literature was conducted along with collating important up to date resources and other publications that provide foundational information to understanding the risks and prevention strategies for online purchasing of pharmaceuticals. Conclusion: The information provided in this article helps to properly inform pharmacy leaders to the resources available to protect against the risks of on-line purchasing of pharmaceuticals.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Review of the 2015 Drug Supply Chain Security ActHospital Pharmacy, 2016