CLEVELAND -- The rising cost of prescription drugs has many people, especially senior citizens, wondering about cheap alternatives.

In Thursday's Connecting With Kids, NewsChannel5's Tonya Strong reported that unfortunately, one option may prove to have dangerous appeal for teens.

There are many Web sites available where you can buy drugs online without a doctor's prescription, often from companies overseas.

The problem is that anybody can lie about their age and health condition to get what they want.

"Society sees pills as the great answer to everything," said Ben Weinstein, a staff pharmacist at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Teens, in particular, can be at risk and be tempted to buy things such as weight-loss remedies and mood-altering drugs. All you need is a credit card, NewsChannel5 reported.

"This is true of anybody," Weinstein said. "None of these things are a good idea without medical supervision."

There are so many unidentifiable factors about the quality and dosage of the prescription drugs and the places that sell them -- especially advertisers from overseas -- that even if you're an adult who's seeking a cheaper way to fill your prescription, you may be taking a chance with your life.

"And how (are) you going to know that you have no medical understanding? You have no history," Weinstein said.

There are traditional pharmacies, several of which have locations in northeast Ohio, that have legitimate Web sites where you can place your order online. But in those cases, you already have to have a prescription from your doctor on record with the company.

Check out NewsChannel5's mission statement for Connecting With Kids. Also, be sure to visit the Connecting With Kids Web site for more information and helpful tips.