(MONEY Magazine) – MAIL-ORDER SALES of prescription drugs have leaped 30% to 50% annually for five years and now account for $900 million of the $25 billion retail drug market. Small wonder. Mail-order suppliers claim that the prices of their predominantly generic drugs run as much as 50% below those of the brand-name equivalents. Some people hesitate to shop long distance for drugs. While the National Association of Mail Service Pharmacies insists that the odds of a drug mishap are extremely low, you can exercise extra quality control when ordering by mail in several ways: -- Check the reputation of your supplier by phoning the appropriate state board of pharmacy, which regulates mail-order drug sellers located in its state. -- Stick with a supplier that has an 800 number you can call to consult with a staff pharmacist if you have questions. -- Be certain the supplier keeps a computerized medication profile for each customer and consults it before filling new prescriptions. This could head off a bad reaction from combining drugs.