Millions of Americans turn to international sources for foreign medication, Canadian pharmacies in particular ranking high on the list. They’re close to home, extremely competitive in pricing when it comes to foreign drugs, and have strict safety regulations. However, the federal government for the United States uses plenty of scare tactics in an attempt to make American citizens steer clear of foreign drugs, even going so far as making it illegal to buy drugs from international sources. Because they do not have the official stamp of approval from the Food and Drug Administration, the door is officially closed for consumers in America. However, anyone with savvy and a pinched budget is likely to opt for Canadian pharmacies. The price of prescription medication is skyrocketing in the United States, forcing people to choose an option that is considered illegal to obtain foreign drugs. Very rarely do custom agents actually cause any problems with transactions making their way from Canadian pharmacies to the States. However, the threat of legal action creates a dark shadow hanging over many Americans. In the end, they will either go without vital medications or go with what is affordable. When push comes to shove, many will choose Canada with good reason. It’s a safe alternative and the savings is phenomenal.

The Reason for Road Blocks Between Canadian Pharmacies and the United States

The pharmaceutical industry (PhRMA) means big business in the United States, a major moneymaker that those involved do not want to give up. While medication should be affordable and obtainable for American’s citizens in need, major corporations only see the dollar sign. They have been lobbying Congress for over a decade in an effort to put a stop to the purchase of foreign drugs from outside sources, including Canadian pharmacies. They’ve lumped all Canadian drugs, and others medications supplied from foreign countries, with dangerous, counterfeit drugs. Making such claims is completely false, especially when it comes to Canada. Canadian pharmaceutical companies are carefully regulated, have a rigorous set of standards when it comes to medications, and produce many of the same drugs that are distributed in the United States. Prescriptions may consist of different brands or be generic, but are comparable to American counterparts, produced by licensed pharmacies. When choosing foreign drugs at a fraction of the price of American medications, Canada is one of, if not the, safest alternative. The country provides safe prescriptions that are effective. In many cases, they are the same product as what is produced in American pharmacies with one key difference. Canadian prescriptions will not break the bank.

Canadian Pharmacies and Criminals are Not Created Equal

To suggest that licensed Canadian pharmaceutical companies are in the same league as the criminal element that creates fake or counterfeit medication simply to make a dollar is completely detestable. The Canadians are not out to get people and steal their money. In fact, the producers of Canadian medications are saving people money. Deputy commissioner of the FDA, Howard R. Sklamberg, said that foreign unapproved drugs pose the same health risks as counterfeit drugs. To continue to emphasize that “all imported drugs purchased from online pharmacies are dangerous” will only confuse and scare the consumers and lawmakers — making it more difficult for Americans to get the medications they need at prices they can actually afford.

US Customs is Willing to Destroy Valuable Prescriptions

United States Customs agents have actually been instructed to destroy any prescription drugs that cross the border to America. When such destruction happens, it is hurting no one other than the American citizens who are anxiously awaiting their badly needed medications. When they save as much as eighty percent on carefully screen medications provided from Canadian sources, who can blame them for ordering safe, online medications. In the end, Americans are more likely to go without their prescriptions, putting their health at risk because they simply can’t afford US prescriptions.

Canadian Pharmacies Require Valid Prescriptions

The supposed risks involved in dealing with pharmacies in Canada are completely unfounded. There have been no reports of wrongdoing or harm, including death, based on online purchases from licensed, Canadian providers. Canada takes the responsibility of providing individuals with safe medication as serious business. The nation is committed to producing medication that is safe for its own residents and the world. When individuals need medicine to have a better quality of life, or save their lives, the Canadian government is committed to being a beacon of home in the pharmaceutical industry.

Danger Comes from Counterfeit Sources and Within

Take a close look to unfortunate incidents involving international medications and the fault lies with criminals intent on robbing people of their hard-earned money with no respect for human life. In addition, some international pharmacy sources do not require prescriptions and are more interested in making money than ensuring consumer safety. The most notable instance of deaths from tainted prescriptions was actually caused by medication distributed in America. Between 2007 and 2008, 81 people died after they took heparin that was tainted with faulty Chinese ingredients. Another 64 American citizens died from complications after they used tainted steroids, stricken with fungal meningitis. This time, finger pointing landed on American companies that produced the drugs. The problem actually originated within US borders.

Failure to Take Medication Poses the Greatest Crisis

When it comes to getting straight to the point, many Americans are simply not taking their medicine because they can’t afford their prescriptions. However, US drug companies are not willing to lose money to foreign competitors, thereby attempting to band foreign sales. The bottom line should be preserving the health of a nation in the most affordable way. Canadian sources provide low cost imports and should be available to those in need. Prescription medicine is about saving lives, not filling pockets.

How Can I Stop This? What Can I Do?

Now is your chance to do something about getting low-cost prescriptions in the hands of Americans who need it the most. Take Action Right Now and Sign this Petition at Change.org concerning the proposed FDA rules regarding section 708 of the FDA Safety and Innovation Act, regulations that would allow government officials to destroy any foreign medications valued at $2500 or less. These rules could have a major impact on anyone who needs low cost prescriptions from Canada and other countries.

The post Canadian Pharmacies — Setting the Record Strait About Safety appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

We know the cost of prescription drugs is increasing. It seems every time we turn around, one medication or another costs more. However, there are ways you can trim the costs and save money on your prescription drugs. Let’s take a look.

1.) Do Not Trust Discounts

There are many drug manufacturers that will dole out coupons and discounts for their medications. They will supply doctors with these coupons, who hand them out willingly. While these discounts may seem like a good idea, they may not be as appealing as they appear. These coupons will save you money up front, but you might end up paying higher insurance premiums later on.

2.) Shop Around and Compare Drug Prices

Many people may not realize that you need to do comparison shopping for prescription medications, just as you need to do it for any other commodity, such as coffee and toilet paper. Talk to your doctor about different brand name and generic versions of a drug. You can even visit the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) website to find generic equivalents to the drugs you take. There might be some brand names that cost less than others and the generic version will cost less than the brand name. Consider heart medications. The price of the popular beta blocker Sectral is higher in price than its generic equivalent, Acebutolol.

3.) Hit Mass Market and Online Pharmacies

Remember that prescription drugs are sold at different prices depending on where you shop. The larger the supply, the lower the costs. Check out your local mass market pharmacies and especially licensed online Canadian pharmacies, to find medications at a much lower cost — up to 90% in some cases and 70% on average. Online pharmacies have far lower overhead costs, no government price restrictions and serve a larger market, so they can sell for much less. You can freely use eDrugSearch.com to safely compare drug prices from licensed online pharmacies.

4.) Know the Dates on Patent Expiration

This has to do specifically with generic vs. brand name. While your doctor is a great source of information, he or she may not be aware of what is going on in the world of prescription drug patents and will still prescribe the brand name when a generic or over-the-counter equivalent is available. It would be wise to take the time to look at the drugs you take and the date of patent expiration. If you find an alternative to the brand name, ask your doctor to prescribe that for you.

5.) Consider Over-the-Counter Options

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications generally cost less and many medications that were once only attainable via prescription are now available OTC. Nicorette gum, the stop-smoking aid, was once only available via prescription, but became available OTC in 1996. In 2002, the patent on non-sedating antihistamines expired and Claritin went from being a prescription drug to being an OTC drug. More recently, the acid reflux medication Nexium became available OTC. Other drugs that have switched from prescription to OTC over the past few years include Alli, Prilosec, Zantac, and Zyrtec. Just remember that drug companies will do everything they can to ensure the prices of their drugs stay high as long as possible. They will go to court to delay the expiration of a patent long enough to create a similar drug they can patent to take the old drug’s place. If you see a medication you are taking is about to go OTC, then you may have to wait six months or so before it comes down in price, but your patience will pay off.

Be diligent and do your homework — you can easily find cheaper ways to save money on your prescription drug costs. Your doctor may or may not be able to help, by consulting the FDA website for finding cheaper generic equivalents and performing drug price comparisons from eDrugSearch.com, this will definitely help you find cheaper alternatives, guaranteed.

The post 5 Little Known Ways to Save Money on Your Prescription Drugs appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

According to a new report, the cost of prescription medications may be higher under the Affordable Care Act. Individuals expected to be affected the most will be patients who have the Obamacare Silver Plan and may be required to pay more than twice as much out of pocket for their prescription drugs.

Those under the Obamacare Silver Plan and who have high insurance deductibles already need to pay 100 percent of their care costs out-of-pocket until they reach their deductible amount. This amount can be as much as $2,000 in some cases, and the overall expense will surpass that of some traditional health insurance plans offered by employers.

Benefits to the Affordable Care Act

The new health insurance set-up under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is not completely negative. One of the plan’s best attributes is the increased accessibility to preventative care, which can make a big difference for some people who may otherwise face a serious health problem in the future. In many instances, preventative care does not cost anything out of pocket under the ACA. For some individuals, these procedures and check-ups can avoid them the need for prescription medication all together.

Those Who Rely On Medications Will Be Burdened the Most

The main issue with prescription costs under the ACA is that people who depend on medicine for chronic health problems will end up with the highest bills. Unexpected illnesses or injuries could also burden anyone with these more expensive prescription medication costs. The original goals of the Affordable Care Act have been to make health care more accessible to much more of the American population without sending anyone into financial ruin because of a single illness. With the current plan in place, those who rely on prescription medicines will be burdened the most due to inadequate pharmacy benefits. Some of the latest available information also reveals that many aspects of the Silver Plan are more expensive than the average employer-sponsored health care insurance plan.

Many people faced with this situation may be uncertain what to do as a measure of keeping prescription costs down. When opting for generic medicines does not make much of a cost difference, reputable and licensed online and mail-order pharmacies are a viable option. Many of these pharmacies now require a verified prescription and offer only medications that have been thoroughly tested for safety. In some cases of verified international online pharmacies, buyers can save up to 90 percent on the cost of the same medications they need for chronic conditions. Payments are also processed through a secure and encrypted system.

To find a safe and affordable licensed online pharmacy, site visitors are encouraged to visit our complete Canadian pharmacy directory on eDrugSearch.com.

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It is important to keep you and your loved ones safe when it comes to prescription drugs. There are some simple yet effective prescription drug safety tips that you can take to prevent complications and other problems that may arise. Learn how to protect your family and yourself from possible interactions, abuses, and other problems.

1. Know the Source

Many people look to save money by using an online pharmacy. This can be a very safe way to save money on some common prescriptions — as long as the company is reputable. There are some unscrupulous sites know as “rogue” online pharmacies that will sell you counterfeit drugs. These are very dangerous, as most are made with toxic ingredients. Do your research and make sure you are purchasing from safe and licensed online and mail-order pharmacies.

2. Know the Purpose

It is important to know why you are taking the prescriptions your doctor has given you. Feel comfortable talking to your doctor and understanding the purpose of each drug. This is especially true for people who are taking multiple medications.

3. Communicate with Your Pharmacist

A pharmacist is very knowledgable about medications and how they may interact with one another. If you are unsure about any of the interactions, side effects, or other aspects of the drugs, make sure you ask. Your pharmacist can also clear up any confusion or questions you may have about the drugs.

4. Make a List

Keep a list of your current medications and the dosages. Most doctors will request that you do this. Even things like eye drops or specialty lotions should be included. Make sure the list is kept up to date.

5. Know the Side Effects

Review each of the possible side effects listed on your medications. Most of the time, a reaction will occur when the prescription has just been started, but this is not always the case. Sometimes there will be a reaction after you have been taking the medication for awhile or when a new one is added. Understanding the side effects will help you know what to expect. If you experienced side effects that are not listed or that seem unusual, make sure you contact your doctor right away.

6. No Sharing

Never share your medication with others. While it might seem harmless to give your friend a pill if they are on the same prescription, this is not a good idea. Your doctor has given you that set amount of medication and expects you to take the full amount. Sharing is not only illegal, but it can also provide your doctor with inaccurate information about your dosages.

7. Out with the Old

Do not keep medications that are expired or no longer needed. Go through and clean out your cabinets to make sure any old medications are disposed of. While it used to be common practice to flush them, this is no longer recommended. Check your community for medication collection and disposal days. Most cities and towns will now take this old medication from you and dispose of it safely and properly.

8. Guard Your Prescriptions

Prescription drug abuse is very common. If you have commonly abused drugs, such as pain killers or anti-anxiety medications, it is a good idea to keep them secure. Consider locking them up. Keep a count of how many pills are in each bottle so you will know if any are missing.

9. Communicate

Maintain a good relationship with your doctor. Talk to him or her about any concerns you have about your prescriptions. Never feel rushed or embarrassed when talking about your health. Your body and health are extremely important, so take whatever time you need in order to have all your questions and concerns addressed.

There are many ways to keep you and your family safe with prescription drugs. It is important to be knowledgable about your medications and to understand how they can affect you. Follow these prescription drug safety tips and stay smart about your medication!

The post 9 Sure-Fire Prescription Drug Safety Tips That Work appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Did you know that the cost of dozens of prescription medications has doubled since 2007? The rising cost of prescription drugs is a frightening thought, isn’t it? With many cancer drugs exceeding a cost of more than $10,000 per month and one cystic fibrosis medication costing over $300,000 per year, you might be happy if you don’t need those medications. However, more commonly-prescribed medications for everyday ailments have also increased in price significantly over the last few years.

Why Prices Are So High

You might wonder why drug prices are going up so drastically. After all, these aren’t necessarily new drugs and they haven’t made improvements to them. They are the same old drugs you’ve been taking for years. Take a drug like Lipitor, which is prescribed to help treat high cholesterol. Lipitor prices have climbed considerably over the past few years, even though the drug itself has not changed. Even the price of generic drugs is climbing. For instance, in 2013 antibiotic Doxycycline prices increased, as did blood pressure medication Irbesartan prices. Even cancer drug Gleevec prices have increased, despite the fact that it is among the most competitively priced on the market.

There are a number of reasons why drug prices continue to climb. Probably the biggest of these is the loss of patent protection on many drugs that have been on the market for a long time. As the patents expire, generic equivalents flood the market and the drug companies increase prices to make up for the loss in sales. In addition, there have been many acquisitions in the pharmaceutical industry, meaning fewer companies selling drugs and creating less competition. As we know, a lack of competition drives prices up.

Even New Medications are Becoming More Pricey

The customers of the pharmaceutical industry are not the patients or the physicians. Instead, the customers are the government and the insurance companies. Because they have the money to pay higher prices, pharmaceutical companies charge higher prices, far higher than individuals can afford. In addition, prescription drugs are considered to be “price inelastic,” which is a fancy way of saying that the price can go up, but the sales will not go down because the drug is needed and there is no alternative.

What Can Patients Do?

The rising cost of prescription drugs is vast and difficult to navigate, particularly for the patient that does not have a high income or adequate insurance coverage. Fortunately, there are some ways patients can get around the increasing drug costs. Taking advantage of accredited online pharmacies, such as eDrugSearch.com, can save you considerable money on your prescription drugs. Unfortunately, not all specialized drugs are available online. The Federal Drug Administration offers the following options to help save money on prescription medications:

• Taking the generic version of the drug
• Discussing options with your doctor
• Using Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
• Compare drug prices between the U.S. and Canada
• Taking advantage of generic price differences between the U.S. and Canada
• Getting help from the pharmaceutical companies

This last one, help from a pharmaceutical company, might be a surprise to you. However, many pharmaceutical companies offer assistance to low-income patients. This assistance comes in the form of a discount drug card or Prescription drug Assistance Programs (PAPs), which allows low-income people to get their medication for free or at a very low cost. So rejoice in the fact that you can get around the high cost of prescription drugs much of the time, once you know your options.

The post Are You Prepared for the Rising Cost of Prescription Drugs? appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

 

Is it worth paying more for the name brand?  That’s a question people are always asking themselves.  Should I buy the name brand toilet paper or is a no-name brand just fine?  There are times when spending more on the name brand means you will receive a higher quality product.  There are also times when it doesn’t matter one way or the other.  After all, a plain white cotton t-shirt is a plain white cotton t-shirt, right?  So where do prescription and over-the-counter medications fall into this brand name vs generic drugs debate?  Fortunately, you will get the same quality in a generic version of a medication as you get with the brand name.

Rigorous Testing

Prescription and over-the-counter drugs cannot be sold to the public unless they have been approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA).  Period.  Whether it is a brand name or a generic version of a drug, the FDA must make sure it is both safe and effective.  This means that generic drugs include the same active ingredients, quality, and strength as their brand name counterparts.  However, since they cost less, we tend to perceive them as lower quality.

Consider blood pressure medications, which were among the most-prescribed in 2013 according to Dr. Timothy Lesar, pharmacy director at the Albany Medical Center.  When comparing online pharmacy prices, the generic Lisinopril 5mg price for 112 5mg pills is $39.00 and the brand name equivalent Zestril 5mg price for 100 is $114.00.  It’s hard to believe the generic is as high quality with a price difference like that.  The same could be said when comparing the generic Aripiprazole 10mg price for 100 pills is $38.25 against the brand name Abilify 10mg price for 84 is $288. It’s also a relief to find out the quality is as high, given the amount of money to be saved.  Even when it comes to common over-the-counter pain medications there is a difference.  The Ibuprofen 600mg price for the generic brand is $24.00 for 100 tablets and the Advil 400mg price for 100 tablets is $26.00.  That’s $2.00 more for less potency when you buy the brand name.

Why Do Doctors Push Brand Names?

Physicians tend to push the brand names of the drugs they prescribe.  Why is this the case if the generic drugs are less costly and of the same quality?  Part of the reason is that prescribing the brand name is simply what doctors are used to because when a drug first becomes available there are no generic versions for about eight years.  Part of the reason may also be due to the intense advertising campaigns put out by the drug companies to sell their brand name medications.

Are There Any Problems with Generic?

All medications have both active (medicinal) ingredients and inactive (filler) ingredients.  Generic medications may have different inactive ingredients, to which a person’s body may react differently.  However, some people may fare better on generic drugs vs brand name.  The only other potential problem with generic drugs is that the generic companies may not always be up-to-date on the latest side effects of medications and may not have them properly listed.  Whenever going on a new generic drug, it is wise to check the current list of potential side effects from the brand name equivalent.

Go Generic

If you feel comfortable with it and want to save money, there is no reason why you can’t go with the generic brand of your medications.  This goes for the generic over-the-counter medications, such as pain killers and cold medications, as well prescription medications.  Saving money is important, especially in this day and age, and fortunately you don’t have to sacrifice your health to do it.

The post Brand Name vs Generic Drugs: Which Is Better? appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

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As the cost of prescription medication continues to rise in the United States, individuals and families on a tight budget are looking for other options. Many turn to Canadian pharmacies for their lower price tag and relaxed rules. However, before you can obtain your medication you must ask yourself, “Do you need a prescription for online Canadian pharmacies?”

Do you need a prescription for online Canadian pharmacies?
Individuals wondering do you need a prescription for online Canadian pharmacies are under a common misconception that they can legally order any drug online from Canadian pharmacies without a valid doctor’s prescription. This, however, is not true and any legitimate pharmacy must have a valid prescription before filling the prescription. However, legitimate Canadian pharmacies can legally sell medication that does not require a prescription. For example, Alli is a weight loss drug that can be purchased from an online Canadian pharmacy without a prescription because he is considered an over-the-counter medication.

Performing a search online will yield many online “pharmacies” offering medication without a valid prescription. These so-called “pharmacies” are either nothing more than a scam or are illegally selling medication without a prescription. These fraudulent pharmacies do not follow the strict laws and guidelines set by Canada, and there is no guarantee that the drugs you are purchasing are the ones you actually ordered.

Laws and Online Pharmacies
Purchasing prescription medication from a foreign country is not illegal in the United States of America and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not intercept packages containing prescription medication from Canada as long as the medication meets the following three criteria:

• Not a controlled substance
• For personal use only
• 90-day supply or less

However, it is illegal to purchase prescriptions that are not approved by the FDA even if they are approved by Health Canada.

Keep in mind that U.S. Customs randomly screens shipments coming into the U.S. to prevent bogus medications or drugs containing unapproved or dangerous ingredients from harming individuals. The FDA may make an exception in certain instances. For example, if the medication is used to treat a serious medical condition and said treatment isn’t available in the U.S. or the pharmacy prescribing the medication doesn’t produce the medication for U.S. consumers than the FDA may allow an exception.

Considerations
No matter where you decide to purchase your medication, always thoroughly research the online pharmacy before ordering. Furthermore, speak to the pharmacist at the online pharmacy to ensure you are receiving the exact medication that your doctor indicated on the prescription. When asking yourself “do you need a prescription for online Canadian pharmacies”, keep in mind that dealing with a pharmacy that doesn’t follow Canadian law you can be held accountable for obtaining the medications. Penalties can include fines and jail time.

Thankfully, www.DrugSearch.com is your source for obtaining affordable medications legally and safely from U.S. and Canadian pharmacies. The resources and tools available at eDrugSearch.com helps consumers make informed choices when ordering prescription medications online.

About this Angie’s List Expert: Cary Byrd is the president and founder of eDrugSearch.com. Based in San Antonio, eDrugSearch.com is a free cost comparison engine that helps consumers get safe access to affordable medications and advocates licensed online pharmacies as a widely accepted alternative. 

The post Do You Need a Prescription for Online Canadian Pharmacies? appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Last week, Vitter — a Republican — took some heat from liberals by explaining at a town hall meeting that he hoped to de-stabilize pricing in Canada and other countries with “socialized medicine” by legalizing reimportation.

The Daily Kos ripped Vitter, saying:

His reason for supporting re-importation is solely predicated on the notion that if enough Americans partake, it might wreck Canada’s system … Despite the lack of plausibility in his “logic”, Vitter now claims the clubhouse lead for worst rationale for a policy position ever.

No, not exactly.

What Vitter is really talking about is using the global free market to rationalize prices worldwide. And to that I say, Amen!

As Vitter explains:

I believe re-importation will cause the pricing system world-wide that the big drug companies exploit to collapse. Right now the big drug companies are able to charge very different prices in different countries, and of course we pay the highest price of all. If they did that, like they do now, but then we can write off to Canada, and pass certain safety provisions, and get drugs from there – guess what? That system implodes. That system can’t survive. So my ultimate goal, in terms of re-importation, is causing that system to collapse, so there’s a true, world-wide price for a drug. And that might – wouldn’t might – that would increase the cost in Canada, that would dramatically decrease the cost in the US.

Sounds good to me. How about you?

Some analysts say that if drug reimportation were legalized and it led to a run on Canadian pharmacies by Americans, the Canadian government would simply restrict supplies of exports so as not to distort its pricing system.

I’m not sure exactly how things would unfold. But the most important consequence would be that the cat would be out of the bag, once and for all, on prescription drug prices. Once Americans were legally able to buy drugs at the much-lower prices charged in every other industrialized nation, they would never go back to accepting the outrageous prices that drug companies are allowed to charge in the United States.

Would prices in Canada rise, as Vitter suggests? It’s possible, I suppose. But frankly, I doubt it.

Guess what? Drug companies sell their drugs in Canada because they make money doing it. It’s not charity work. If Canada’s so-called “price controls” prevented Big Pharma from making a profit, they would simply pull out of the Canadian market.

The reality is, the prices that Canadians (and Europeans, Australians, Japanese, etc.) pay for their medications are enough to keep the pharmaceutical industry fat and happy.

I think the only real impact of a free global market in pharmaceuticals is that drug prices in the United States would drop by 25 to 40 percent — and would not continue to rise at three times the rate of inflation, as they’ve been doing for years.

And Big Pharma would do just fine. It would simply have to settle for something less than the 30 percent profit margins to which it has become accustomed.

The post Honestly, David Vitter, we like your thinking appeared first on eDrugSearch Blog.

Why do you support allowing Americans to buy drugs from Canada? Reimportation would … inject a tiny measure of freedom into our increasingly regulated health care system. No American should ever enjoy less freedom by virtue of living in the U.S., and no American should be forced to pay higher prices for drugs that are available more cheaply overseas. The ban on reimportation is unconscionable, and most Americans know it despite the best efforts of the pharmaceutical companies and their mouthpieces. What about concerns that reimportation would hurt the pharmaceutical industry? Some [advocacy groups have] made the outrageous argument that reimportation will threaten the pharmaceutical industry’s profits, as though it is the job of government to ensure the profitability of any industry. The arguments against reimportation amount to simple protectionism. Opponents of reimportation want to preserve artificially high drug prices in America at the expense of drug consumers. They rely on two tired and demonstrably false claims: namely, that the free market does not work when it comes to health care, and that there is no “level playing field” because other countries impose price controls on drugs. These protectionist arguments are used as justification for imposing higher costs on Americans by limiting their consumer choices. What about those who say Canadian drugs are only lower in cost because of price controls? It does not matter if the Canadians or Germans employ price controls. Their drug prices may be artificially low, while ours may be artificially high. This simply shows that both the U.S. and other countries interfere in the market. It is not a justification for further intervention in the market by prohibiting reimportation. American consumers should not be punished simply because other governments have foolish economic policies.

Ah, common sense. It’s refreshing, isn’t it?

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