A survey of 2,000 Americans has revealed that only 4% have bought prescription drugs online. This is despite the price advantage of buying drugs from other countries (where they are much cheaper).

Of the 4% who did buy online, most said they will do it again.

The most popular reason to buy online, according to the Pew Internet Project, was for arthritis, high blood pressure and other chronic conditions. Drugs for weight loss and erectile dysfunction do not sell in great quantities in the USA, apparently - they make up a minority of total online sales to American.

The telephone survey was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts.

Most people, 60% said they do not trust the internet - they prefer to buy at their local pharmacy. 20% do think the internet is safe.