BUYING DRUGS FROM CANADIAN PHARMACIES CAN SAVE MONEY

by Richard Smith Health Fitness Specialist

Branded medications are comparatively expensive in the US as compared to Canada and other countries. As Canada is a neighbor of the US, Americans prefer buying medications from Canadian pharmacies. Before buying prescription drugs, it is recommended to understand the legal and safety measures.

Why are the drugs available in Canada economical?

Canada, as well as many other countries, have National and Universal Health care. This may be a reason that allows the government to negotiate the prices and keep the cost low of medications.

On the contrary, the prices of medications sold in the US have no control. So, the manufacturers pass the cost of research, developing and advertising to the consumers. The company can allot the price range as per their needs. The consumer finds benefits in buying the generic medication. The prices are low as a result of competition and are less expensive compared to foreign manufacturers.

Canadian drugs may be expensive:

Purchasing medications online from Canadian pharmacy may sometimes prove to be costly inclusive of the shipping charges. The medications are quoted in Canadian dollars instead of American dollars and it may fluctuate every day.

Is buying drugs from Online pharmacy legal?

Certainly, it is known to be illegal to import medications in the US unless you are the manufacturer as per US law. To protect consumers, a law was established that restrict the consumers to bring the medication to the US if you have purchased from other countries.

Is It Legal?

Under US law, it is not legal to import prescription drugs into the United States unless you are the manufacturer. This includes drugs manufactured in the United States and shipped to other countries. You aren’t allowed to purchase them in that country and bring them back into the U.S. These laws were established to protect consumers.

A regulatory body of US-issued regulations for consumers. The law permitted to import a 3 month supply of prescription medications or medical devices if they followed certain conditions:

If there is no treatment available in the US and the medications must treat a serious condition.
The medications must not be sold or promoted in any conditions in the US.
It should not have an unreasonable risk.
A declaration must be given station that it is for personal use.
The quantity must not be more than a 3 month supply and must include the information of the licensed US doctor. He will be responsible for the treatment and must carry proof of the continued treatment in a foreign country.

Safety Measures:

There are some safety measures to be followed while buying foreign drugs:

The online pharmacies that are approved by the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) and Pharmacy Checker follow the regulations formulated.

As CIPA ensures to sell quality medications at an affordable price, the online pharmacies listed on their website can be trusted as they follow the CIPA regulations.

Pharmacy Checker verifies that the online pharmacies listed under them, send medications by reviewing it from a licensed Canadian practitioner.

Before buying from foreign online pharmacies

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy may not be aware of any Canadian pharmacies that dispense Health Canada approved medications to US consumers. It becomes difficult to find safe online pharmacy even if one follows the general guidelines to purchase safe medications.

One must be careful about the recommendations that regulatory bodies expect and require. There are certain websites that you may check to find secured online pharmacies:

VIPPS, Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site.
Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA)
Pharmacy Checker

Before you buy medications from Canada

It becomes necessary to be aware of the illegal regulations as long as one follows the parameters set by the regulatory bodies. Buying medications from street vendors must be avoided.

Keep the doctor’s prescription in hand as you will be giving a copy to the Canadian pharmacist. It is recommended to carry an extra copy as well to show it to the US customs. It may be recommended to check the online pharmacy is approved by CIPA or Pharmacy Checker. The online pharmacies that are approved by them are verified, licensed and are trusted to buy medications. The pharmacies listed under these organizations are available on their official website of CIPA and Pharmacy Checker.