Figure 14-9
People with these and other conditions should be aware of several
problems with online offers for alternative drugs and cures.➟ The goal of these scams is to steal money by selling
hope. At best, patients are purchasing placebos where
only their pockets incur damage — some end up
throwing their life’s savings, even incurring debt in
their pursuit of health.➟ These products may be contaminated, diluted, ineffec-
tive, out of date, or have harmful side effects. Any
product, synthetic or natural, potent enough to work
like a drug is potent enough to cause side effects, and
any treatments you use without a prescription can
have adverse reactions, particularly in conjunction
with medications you’re already taking. Many strug-
gling with illnesses are paying for products that
abbreviate rather than prolong their lives.293Chapter 14: Healthcare That Makes You Feel Better