It’s not OK to order prescription drugs from Canada. It’s illegal to import prescription drugs into the United States if you don’t have a valid prescription from a doctor. It’s illegal to order and bring into the United States any substances that are banned by law.
But, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aren’t to blame. Many residents are trying to order prescriptions from Canada because of the enormous cost of prescription drugs in the United States.
The High Cost of Prescription Drugs in America
The cost of insulin has increased threefold in the past ten years, but there haven’t been any significant changes to how pharmaceutical companies produce or manufacture the drugs. The allergy medicine, the EpiPen, has been produced for over four decades, but it has seen a 500% price increase since 2007. It’s also been the poster child for public outcry this year, and even a focal point during election campaign promises to reduce prescription drug costs.
New medications have also seen a rise in prices as well. Bavencio, a new cancer drug released this spring costs approximately $156,000 a year for a single patient. Muscular dystrophy drugs can cost $300,000 annually. And, Tecentriq, a new bladder cancer prescription costs $12,500 a month.
Because of the skyrocketing cost of healthcare and prescription drug costs, consumers are desperately looking for ways to save money. Canada and many other nations have price controls on prescription drugs and restrict what companies can charge for medicine. Often, the cost of prescription drugs can run 50% less in Canada than what American companies sell them for in the United States.
FDA Guidance Importing Foreign Prescriptions
It’s illegal to import the drugs bought from foreign websites. There is a high risk of getting ripped off, and there is very little that the United States government can do to help you if a site takes advantage of you.
Under current law, it is illegal to import or receive a shipment of unapproved new drugs that you don’t have a prescription from an American physician to purchase. Most foreign produced versions of U.S. approved prescription drugs haven’t received FDA approval. Those prescription drugs haven’t demonstrated that they meet the stringent guidelines for safety and effectiveness. The FDA may decide refused entry or seize drugs that are illegally purchased overseas, from the internet, or even Canada.
Declaring Prescription Drugs at the Border
You should not assume that any medications you’re purchased overseas, in Canada, or online are approved and legal in the U.S. Some medications are sold over the counter in foreign countries that are only available by prescription in the United States. These drugs are still illegal to bring back into America. Also, some prescription drugs may be counterfeits even though they that appear to be made in the United States.
It is typically a violation of federal or state law to possess prescription drugs without a prescription from a licensed American doctor. You must also properly declare to U.S. Customs any imported medications that you bring into the country. When the Customs service is suspicious of imported prescriptions, their inspectors may contact the FDA or Drug Enforcement Administration to determine whether to release or detain the prescription drugs in question.
How to Save on Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs are expensive. But, there here are a few tips that you can use to help you save money on prescription drugs.
Talk to you doctor
Saving money on prescription drugs starts with having an open and honest conversation with your doctor. Almost 20% of all new prescriptions that doctors write for patients are never filled because patients can’t afford them. So if there’s you are considering skipping filling your prescription because of money trouble, talk to your doctor. Let him or her know your situation so you can work on solutions together.
Think about preventative care
It’s often cliché to think that preventative care can save you money on prescription drugs in the long run, but it’s true. Preventive services like annual check ups, mammograms, colonoscopies, vaccines, and others test can help you stave off illness before you need medication. You should also try and lose weight. Obesity raises your medical costs and can lead to chronic conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes, which often require expensive prescription drugs to treat. Even a modest weight loss can improve your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.
Compare prices at pharmacies
There are several places that you can fill a prescription. You should compare the prices for your prescription drugs at pharmacies in supermarkets, retail stores, online, and through mail order. You can also often receive discounts by ordering a 30 or 90-day supply of your medicine.
Look at your drug’s strength
You might want to consider and talk with your doctor about having a larger dose that you cut in half. When you double a medicine’s strength, it doesn’t always double in price.
Ask about generic drugs
Using generic versions of a prescription drug instead of the name brand version is still a tried and true way to save money. Be sure to ask your doctor if there’s a generic version of the medication he or she prescribes.
Try samples
If you doctor is prescribing a name brand drug, he or she probably has samples that you can try before you fill your prescription. Trying samples not only saves you money, but it also can help you know if you can tolerate the drug. Be sure to ask your doctor if he or she has a 10 or 14 day supply that you can try it before you fill your prescription.
Find out which versions your insurance covers
Some insurance companies cover one prescription drug instead of a competitor for the same aliment. Your copayments for two similar drugs that do almost the same thing such as Zocor or Crestor to treat cholesterol may be vastly different. Talk to your health insurance company to find out your copay for each drug, and then discuss with your doctor.
Check out the pharmaceutical companies
Many pharmaceutical manufacturers have assistance programs for patients that can help uninsured and low-income consumers that can afford to pay full price for a prescription drug. Check out Rx Assist for a list of assistance program for patients from the large pharmaceutical companies.
The cost of prescription drugs in the United States in high and continues to grow each year. But, the price shouldn’t stop you from seeking the care that you need. There are options for patients to help you save money on prescription drugs instead of ordering them from Canada or getting them elsewhere illegally.
