Millions of Americans have figured out a way to save big bucks on prescription drugs. A click of a computer mouse allows access to Canadian online pharmacies with prices that run 30 to 50 percent lower than in the U.S.
A number of municipalities and even some states have also taken advantage of lower prices in Canada for their employee health plans. That’s because high drug bills have been straining city and state health care budgets for years.
Canada has a highly regulated drug approval and distribution system. As a result, prescription drugs in Canada are at least as safe as those in the U.S., despite their lower cost. As in most other countries, except the U.S., drug approval in Canada also entails establishing the price at which a medication can be sold.
The pharmaceutical industry hates the idea of Americans saving money by shopping online in Canada. Drug companies maintain that research and development of new medications depend upon the profits generated by free market pricing in the U.S.
The FDA is also strongly opposed to importation. The agency maintains that it is not safe to purchase drugs from Canada.
According to FDA regulations, it is illegal for citizens to import prescription drugs. Despite the law, though, the FDA and the U.S. Customs Service have been reluctant to bust grannies trying to save money on cholesterol medicine or high blood pressure pills. Congress has even considered legalizing the practice. It was a hot-button issue during the past election.
Even if U.S. lawmakers were to make importation easier for Americans, the Canadian government is preparing to shut the trade down. After President Bush visited Canada, the health authorities there proposed changes that would make it virtually impossible for Americans to buy their drugs online from Canada.
People who wanted to buy medicine north of the border would have to travel to Canada, see a physician and take the prescription in person to a Canadian pharmacy. Obviously, any savings would be eliminated. Such a change in Canadian policy would please the FDA and the pharmaceutical industry.
What can Americans who cannot afford their medicines do to save money? Until the regulations are enacted, it is still possible to shop online from reputable Canadian pharmacies.
The trick is in locating such firms. There are many bogus operators on the Web claiming to be Canadian, but actually located elsewhere. Always look for the Provincial pharmacy license number on the Web site and a physical address in Canada. The pharmacy must require a doctor’s prescription.
We have prepared a Guide to Saving Money on Medicines with tips on economizing on prescription drugs and a list of licensed online Canadian pharmacies. Anyone who would like a copy, please send $2 in check or money order with a long (no. 10) stamped (60 cents), self-addressed envelope: Graedons’ People’s Pharmacy, No. CA-99, P. O. Box 52027, Durham, NC 27717-2027.
If Canada closes the border to online drug sales, Americans who are used to buying medicine from the Web may turn to other countries. This would be a shame, as few others practice the kind of careful control of prescription drugs that Canada does.
