Since so many people are turning to the Internet to shop for prescription drugs, here are some tips and sites.

BE PATIENT: That pun is intended. It can take several days to register yourself with the online pharmacies and for you to receive your medication. They are best used if they you are refilling medication you need to take on a continuous long-term basis.

READ THE FINE PRINT: There are often small fees, "subject-to-availability" clauses and other items in the small print.

BE CAREFUL ABOUT FOREIGN SITES: Even though many people visit Canadian and other foreign Web sites to shop for medications (they are often cheaper), it's illegal to do so from the U.S.

Here are some sites for you to try (many of them have in-depth information about medicines and health that you might find helpful, even if you don't buy medications from them).

Write to techguru@sree.net and let me know your thoughts.

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