With health care costs, as well the price of prescription drugs skyrocketing, some Americans are looking at Canadian pharmacies as an alternative for purchasing medication. In fact, a report prepared for Congressman Henry Waxman of California indicated that even drug prices offered to Medicare recipients were 60 percent higher than prices offered at Canadian pharmacies. While the practice of purchasing drugs from Canada is illegal, the Food and Drug Administration does not prosecute anyone for doing so. In fact, you can take up to a three-month supply of medications across the Canadian border without fear of prosecution. Some people, however, are uncomfortable with this practice, even though it would provide them with substantial savings. Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., is a champion for their cause. In September 2009 he proposed an amendment to the health reform bill that would make it legal for Americans to purchase prescription medication from Canada. The status of the bill has not yet been confirmed.
Step 1
Obtain a prescription from your doctor. Make a photocopy for your records.
Step 2
Visit the Canadian International Pharmacy Association website to look for legitimate Canadian pharmacies. Search for pharmacies that carry the medications you need, and make sure that they are members of this organization. Select a pharmacy that is either convenient to where you live or is located in a Canadian destination you plan to visit.
Step 3
Verify the address, phone number, license number, and province of the chosen pharmacy. Avoid any pharmacy that does not clearly display this information.
Step 4
Check the DIN or drug identification number of the desired medication. The DIN is an eight digit number assigned by Health Canada, which lets the patient know that the drug has passed a review of its safety. Avoid purchasing any drug that does not have a DIN.
Step 5
Contact the pharmacy and inquire about their hours of operation. Make travel arrangements to visit the pharmacy. Bring both the original and the photocopy of your prescription with you to Canada.
Step 6
Visit the pharmacy and fill out the medical questionnaire in its entirety. Determine the desired quantity and dosage for the medication.
Step 7
Make a copy of your receipt.
Tips and Warnings
- US patients should have access to a Canadian pharmacist for the purpose of drug consultation.
- Be sure to check the Canadian International Pharmacy Association list of fraudulent sites. Avoid Canadian pharmacies that offer to fill orders without a prescription. In 2005, the FDA reported a bait and switch operation. Medications that supposedly came from a Canadian company actually came from India and Costa Rica. Some were counterfeit. The Homeland Security website states that only medications legally prescribed in the United States may be imported for personal use. You will need to declare any medications you purchased in Canada to U.S. customs. Be sure to show a copy of the prescription.
Things You'll Need
- Prescription for your medication
