Have you ever considered buying medications from online Canadian or other international pharmacies? While most people donʼt really understand the details or benefits, each year a million Americans use trusted international pharmacies to fill essential prescriptions at a fraction of the cost of their U.S. counterparts.
Pricing is the main reason that Americans turn to online drug importation for their prescriptions. The harsh economic climate in the U.S. makes it difficult for patients to afford their needed medications. Seniors on fixed incomes and the millions of Americans who lack health insurance are especially affected. Additionally, the much anticipated heath care reform legislation does not adequately address the high cost of medications. Many Americans simply go without their prescriptions, or choose to stretch out their prescribed dosages to save a little money each month, unwittingly putting their health at risk.
Convenience is another important factor. Canadian and other international online pharmacies offer competitive pricing searches and deliver through the U.S. postal service.
Unfortunately, another reason some consumers turn to non-traditional pharmacies is to acquire prescription drugs, often a controlled substance, without a doctorʼs prescription. A report from 2007 issued by the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Rogue Online Pharmacies: The Growing Problem of Internet Drug Trafficking found a significant increase in unscrupulous Internet dealers and a corresponding number of cases of prescription drug abuse. Fortunately, there are protocols in place to protect the customer. Regulated and licensed international pharmacies require written, signed doctor prescriptions that are reviewed by licensed pharmacists.
International online pharmacies are a logical choice for American consumers. Many countries have pharmacy regulations that meet or even exceed the standards imposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Additionally, medicines and pharmaceuticals from international pharmacies cost 50-80 percent less than the exact same products found in American pharmacies.
Unfortunately, many fake pharmacies have popped up to capitalize on the unaware consumer. Consumers must be careful when purchasing medication online to avoid rogue online pharmacies. There are a few options for verifying licensed pharmacies to avoid rogue sites.
Consumers can import their medications through pharmacies that are verified or accredited by some of the RxRights Coalition members, including PharmacyChecker.com, Pharmacy Accreditation Services, and the Canadian International Pharmacy Association.
These accreditors help consumers to distinguish between the “good guys”—the licensed, legitimate pharmacies that require a doctor’s prescription to order medicine—and the “bad guys”—the rogues who sell everything from diluted or counterfeit medicine to narcotics.
Consumers should also make certain that the pharmacy is licensed in its country of origin and features a legitimate street address on its website. Just like a local pharmacy, one should verify that the pharmacy has a licensed pharmacist reviewing orders and is available for consultation. The pharmacy should require an original copy of a written and signed prescription from the patientʼs doctor. Most importantly, patients should verify that the pharmacy is dispensing name-brand pharmaceuticals from known manufacturers. These are all requirements that consumers expect from a local U.S. pharmacy, and should demand from any international online pharmacy as well.