Buying Prescription Drugs Online

Q: I've read that many people are now obtaining prescription drugs outside of the United States. How are they doing this?
Beginning in the 1990s, many seniors and others living in border states started crossing the border to fill their prescription at Canadian and Mexican pharmacies for as much as 70 percent less than the prices charged by U.S. companies. Today an estimated 1 million Americans use the Internet to import prescription drugs by mail order.

Q: Why do prescription drugs cost so much less in other countries?
Pharmaceutical prices are usually (but not always) much lower in Canada than here, even for drugs manufactured in the United States. This is mainly because Canada, like many other Western governments, regulates drug prices, while we don't. In addition, patent laws in Canada are different, and some lower-cost generic versions of brand-name drugs come to the market more quickly.

Q: How many Internet sites offer this type of service?
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) estimates that there are 80 to 90 Internet sites that sell prescription drugs at lower Canadian prices. But a higher number of fraudulent Web sites also are operating.

Q: Why are there so few legitimate online distributors?
The federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1987 makes it illegal to import prescription drugs, whether they are made in the United States or not. The U.S. government cannot guarantee the performance of drugs imported from other countries and, as such, cannot assist if health problems occur with the imported pharmaceuticals. Employers or groups that "aid and abet" the importation of prescription drugs can be found criminally liable.

Q: If it's illegal, then why do so many people take the risk to buy online?
The cost of prescription drugs in the United States is prohibitively expensive, especially for retirees on fixed budgets. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says it has the right to pursue individuals who import prescription drugs, it also says "our highest enforcement priority would not be actions against consumers."

Q: What should I do?
The FDA offers these tips to consumers who buy health products online:

• Check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy to determine if the site is a licensed pharmacy in good standing (www.nabp.net; 847-698-6227).
• Don't buy from sites that offer to prescribe a prescription drug for the first time without a physical exam, sell a prescription drug without a prescription, or sell drugs not approved by the FDA. Also, avoid sites that advertise a "new cure" for a serious disorder or that claim the government, the medical profession, or research scientists have conspired to suppress a product.
• Talk to your health care professional before using any medication for the first time.

--Doug Terwilliger
NEA Member Benefits

Quick Tips

Consider the Source
Check with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (www.nabp.net) to determine if an online source for prescription drugs is a licensed pharmacy in good standing.

Avoid Suspicious Sites
Steer clear of sites that offer to prescribe a drug without first requiring a physical exam. Also avoid sites that promise a "new cure" for a serious disorder or make other suspicious marketing claims.

Consult a Doctor
Be sure to talk to your health care professional before using any medication for the first time.