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Updated: Aug 6, 2026
10:17
High-throughput and Comprehensive Drug Surveillance Using Multisegment Injection-Capillary Electrophoresis-Mass Spectrometry
Published on: April 23, 2019
Online availability of dextropropoxyphene over time, 2003-2005
Fabrizio Schifano1, Paolo Deluca, Alex Baldacchino
1Division of Mental Health-Addictive Behaviour, St. George's, University of London, United Kingdom. fschifan@sghms.ac.uk
Summary
Online pharmacies increasingly supply prescription drugs like dextropropoxyphene. Despite UK withdrawal, this addictive compound remains available online, posing public health risks requiring international and national action.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Public Health
- Internet Studies
Background:
- Online pharmacies are a growing concern for the inappropriate supply of prescription-only medicines.
- Dextropropoxyphene compounds are addictive and linked to fatalities in the UK.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the online availability of dextropropoxyphene for purchase over two years (September 2003-August 2005).
Main Methods:
- Google searches were conducted in September 2003, March 2005, and Froogle searches in March and August 2005.
- Identified e-pharmacies from baseline searches were re-accessed and re-assessed.
- Keywords used for Google searches were consistent across assessment periods.
Main Results:
- Initially, numerous websites offered dextropropoxyphene internationally.
- By March 2005, Google searches yielded significantly more results (361,000 vs 40,000), though only half of original e-pharmacies remained active.
- Froogle searches initially facilitated online purchases but by August 2005, only one link was found.
Conclusions:
- The internet serves as an unregulated source for controlled substances, with significant public health implications.
- Despite planned withdrawal in the UK, dextropropoxyphene availability online may be minimally impacted.
- Addressing the online availability of such substances requires coordinated international and national strategies.
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