• If used properly, the Internet allows quick and easy access to health information. It provides useful information on such topics as diseases, conditions, therapies, medical products, and health and medical organizations and institutions (see Point I).

• The information you obtain from the Internet can be helpful when you consult your doctor or other health care provider about your disease or condition. But the guidance from the Internet should not replace consultation with your health care provider (see Point II).

• Although it is often difficult to determine, you still need to verify the source of information available on the Internet (see Point II).

• Information that sounds too good to be true, in particular, requires verification and careful assessment (see Point III).

• Be cautious about buying medical products via the Internet. In many countries, selling or buying medical products via the Internet may at present be an illegal activity. You are strongly advised to obtain your medical products through legitimate distribution channels such as pharmacies (see Point IV).

• Consult your doctor or other health care professional before you decide to treat yourself (see Point V).