Internet pharmacies are convenient, and the drugs they offer are less expensive, but they may not be safe.

Buying drugs from an online pharmacy is convenient and, in many cases, less expensive than buying drugs from a large chain pharmacy. So, what's the problem? Simply put, you don't know whom you are dealing with.

Here's why this is important:

Online pharmacies may or may not be playing by the same rules. It depends on where they are and whether they are "certified" or not. When you buy drugs from an online pharmacy, unless you do it wisely, you are putting both your money and your health at risk.

The best thing you can do to protect yourself from losing your money, or even worse, is to look for a VIPPS (Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) label on the Web site.

This label means that the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy has certified the online pharmacy. You can be certain that the online pharmacies displaying the label meet all of the laws and regulations that were designed to protect you, your money and your family. To learn more about this program or to locate a VIPPS pharmacy, go to the NABP Web site and select "VIPPS."

Remember, when buying drugs online, don't take any unnecessary risks. Specifically, avoid: