The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
A growing number of Canadians are buying medical devices over the Internet. Many of the websites that sell medical devices are lawful businesses that provide a useful service. The potential benefits of buying medical devices online include convenience, privacy and pricing. However, the online purchase of these health products can also pose certain risks. If you buy a medical device from a website that is not trustworthy, any of the following could happen: You may get a device that does not meet Health CanadaÕs requirements for safety, effectiveness and quality. Many types of medical devices, such as automatic blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors, require a Canadian Medical Device Licence before they may be sold legally in Canada. When devices like these are sold online, they may not have the required licence. You may get a product that has been recalled due to safety concerns. You may get a counterfeit device (e.g., a lower-quality product falsely labelled as being a higher-quality brand). You may receive a product that has not been stored properly. Some medical devices must be refrigerated until used, while others should never be frozen or exposed to heat. When you order a device from an unreliable Web site, you do not know where the product has been stored or for how long. If you buy a second-hand (used) medical device, you may get a product with parts missing, no warranty or no instructions. There may also be safety issues related to cleanliness. Other potential problems related to the online sale of medical devices include: the sale of licensed devices (e.g., contact lenses, hearing aids) that have not been fitted by a health care professional, and Êunproven claims for certain products (e.g., claims that magnets can cure carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis pain). These situations could pose the following risks to your health: You may not receive the medical treatment that you need. You may change treatment doses or make lifestyle changes based on faulty results of devices that do not work properly (e.g., blood pressure monitors, glucose test kits, etc.) You may get an incorrect diagnosis that causes needless worry. It could also lead to further medical tests that are unnecessary and may pose a risk of side effects. You may try to use a medical device that can harm your health (e.g., contact lenses that may damage your eyes if they have not been prescribed and fitted by a health care professional). There is also a risk that some Web site operators will cheat you by taking your money and sending you nothing in return. Before you buy a medical device online: Ask your health care provider if the device you have in mind is right for your condition. If you are buying a device that requires a Canadian Medical Device Licence before it may legally be sold in Canada, make sure the device has the required licence. Glucose test kits (including blood glucose meters and test strips) and other medical test kits for home use require licences. So do automatic blood pressure monitors, battery-operated toothbrushes and hearing aids. You can find out whether a device is licensed for sale in Canada or if the device has been recalled by visiting Health CanadaÕs Web site. Ask the seller these questions: Ð Is the device new or used? How old is it? Does it have an expiry date? Does it have all of its parts? Is there a warranty? Ð Will the device come with its original packaging / labelling and a full set of instructions? Ð Has the device been stored properly (e.g., kept at the right temperature)? Ð Is the device intended for use by health care professionals? (If so, the instructions may be hard to understand and you may not be able to use the device properly or interpret the results correctly.) Ð Is the device easy to set up, operate, clean and maintain? Are replacement parts required? If so, how often? Where can you get the parts and how much do they cost? When making a purchase online: Ð Make sure the Web site is credible and reliable. Choose sites that post privacy and security policies that are easy to find and read. Avoid giving out personal information (e.g., Social Insurance Number, credit card number or medical history) unless you are certain the website will keep it private and will not sell it without your permission. After you buy a medical device online (or elsewhere): Follow up with your health care provider to make sure the device fits, works properly and that you are using it the right way. Do not make drastic changes to your treatment without consulting your health care provider. Report any problems with medical devices to Health CanadaÕs Hotline at 1-800-267-9675 (toll-free in Canada).
