The Internet has changed the way we live, work and shop. The growth of the Internet has made it possible to compare prices and buy products without ever leaving home. But when it comes to buying medicine online, it is important to be very careful. Some websites sell medicine that may not be safe to use and could put your health at risk.

First, it's important to carefully consider the source of information and then to discuss the information you find with your health care professional. These questions and answers can help you determine whether the health information you find on the Internet or receive by e-mail from a Web site is likely to be reliable.

Some websites that sell medicine can be not state-licensed pharmacies or aren't pharmacies at all; or may give a diagnosis that is not correct and sell medicine that is not right for you or your condition; or won't protect your personal information.

Although medicines can make you feel better and help you get well, it's important to know that all medicines, both prescription and over-the-counter, have risks as well as benefits.

The benefits of medicines are the helpful effects you get when you use them, such as lowering blood pressure, curing infection or relieving pain. The risks of medicines are the chances that something unwanted or unexpected could happen to you when you use them. Risks could be less serious things, such as an upset stomach, or more serious things, such as liver damage.

Before using any medicine--as with many things that you do every day--you should think through the benefits and the risks in order to make the best choice for you.

In many situations, the expert advice of your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professionals can help you make the decision.

Important: think it through and work together with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care professional to better manage the benefits and risks of your medicines.

Important things is tell to your doctor about any allergies or sensitivities that you may have. Tell about anything that could affect your ability to take medicines, such as difficulty swallowing or remembering to take them.

You have to always tell your doctor if you are or might become pregnant, or if you are nursing a baby. Always ask questions about any concerns or thoughts that you may have.

Ask your doctor always if there are interactions with any other medicines or dietary supplements (including vitamins or herbal supplements), beverages, or foods. Use the same pharmacy for all of your medicine needs, whenever possible.

Before starting any new medicine or dietary supplement (including vitamins or herbal supplements), ask your doctor again if there are possible interactions with what you are currently using.

Ask your doctor if there is anything you can do to minimize side effects, such as eating before you take a medicine to reduce stomach upset.

You have to know what to do if you experience side effects and when to notify your doctor, and know when you should notice an improvement and when to report back.

Look around, touch life!