President Donald Trump has not yet delivered the promised comprehensive plan to curb prescription drug prices, but his tweets and pronouncements have created momentum for one strategy: the importation of cheaper medications from Canada – and maybe from elsewhere. For years, the importation of cheaper versions of drugs already sold here has been a cherished goal of consumer advocates and others. But federal resistance, from both Republican and Democratic administrations, has always stood in the way, in part because of full-throttled opposition from the pharmaceutical industry.
You can purchase medications from Canada at a lower cost but there are several things to keep in mind:
- Make certain the drugs are manufactured in the Western world (i.e. Canada, Western Europe, etc..). There is better oversight in these countries than elsewhere (Asia, Mexico, etc..). Call the internet company and verify where the drug(s) are manufactured.
- Make certain the Internet company is legitimate. Verify you can reach a live person over the phone and check that the company is certified by the Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS) which indicates it meets the standards set by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy.
- Use your own judgment and talk with your physician about the pros and cons of purchasing medications over the internet.
- You can not order controlled substances, like opioids and other narcotics, from these Canadian sites.
Below are the internet addresses for two Canadian drug companies that are proven reputable sources for prescription medications: http://www.discountdrugsfromcanada.com (888) 888-9950, and http://canadadrugpharmacywhik.com (888) 243-7406.
In the next Breaking Healthcare News, Drs. Lazarus and Foster will discuss other strategies to reduce the expense of medications.
Best Wishes to All for the New Year and New Decade!