Abstract: Online drug trading is a phenomenon of topicality and increased importance given the possible consequences of these operations that are carried out, most times, at the legal limit or beyond. Considering that the pharmaceutical industry is one of the most profitable, the Internet is the auspicious environment in which illicit drug distribution operations can develop internationally. The present study aims to emphasize the stage of regulation on the online drug trade, the advantages and disadvantages of using e-pharmacies, and the implications of the use of counterfeit or falsified medicines. The study contains an analysis of the legislative gap regarding the functioning of e-pharmacies in Romania, the regulations available in the European Union and the methods used by the authorities to combat ilegal e-pharmacies.

Keywords: online pharmacy, pharmaceutical law, e-commerce with medicines, counterfeit medicines.