Canadian pharmacy

[Gary RVRoamer]

The possible alternative to Canadian or Mexican pharmacies is to get a US Medicare Part D drug insurance plan. Many drugs, at least the generic equivalent ones, drop 70% or more in price vs retail when purchased via an insurer plan. There are even pharmacy plans that essentially pay no benefits and exist only to get the insurer discounts that pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and Walmart offer as a matter of course. You should also shop around for your drugs - often there is a substantial difference in the price.

But some drugs are just plain expensive no matter where you buy them, probably due to the manufacturer's pricing. Still usually cheaper from outside the USA, though. Malpractice suits are part of that, but there are other reasons as well.

We buy a few items from Mexican or Canadian sources, even though they are no longer prescription drugs in the USA. The price is still 50-75% lower in other countries. They are labeled and package much like the US versions, the ingredients listed are exactly the same, and they work fine for us.

[Magic]

First of all, let me say that I buy most of my prescription drugs in Mexico and have for the last 12 years.
I've done the same thing for Dental care.
I've given up on trying to convince anyone to go or not to go there for the services. I've heard all kinds of stories about getting "sugar" pills instead of Cholesterol pills. Believe what you want and try it if you think it's ok. I'm convinced the difference is in advertising and research and we(USA) pay the most.

Just a thought, I also while in the States use an APP called GOODRX, might want to check them too

[WorldCat25]

Originally Posted by Gary RVRoamer

The possible alternative to Canadian or Mexican pharmacies is to get a US Medicare Part D drug insurance plan. Many drugs, at least the generic equivalent ones, drop 70% or more in price vs retail when purchased via an insurer plan. There are even pharmacy plans that essentially pay no benefits and exist only to get the insurer discounts that pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens and Walmart offer as a matter of course. You should also shop around for your drugs - often there is a substantial difference in the price.

New to Medicare Part D plan. I have found that buying drugs for cash is much less expensive than using my plan. For example, At Sam's Club, 40 prednisone pills was $43 copay when using my insurance. After complaining about cost, they charged me $13 on my Sam's Club plus membership.

That's what's wrong with healthcare.

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by WorldCat25

That's what's wrong with healthcare.

You mean the greed? I have 2 stories

I have to give myself B-12 shots monthly. I was paying $1.79 for 10 syringes until my city passed an ordinance requiring a prescription. Overnight the price went to $12.95.

I have been taking Cymbalta for about 12 years. When I first started they were about $2.75/capsule. When I retired in 2011 and lost my health insurance they were $5.35/cap. Before going generic Eli Lilly had boosted the cost so high that the pharmacy was charging $8.08/cap. I bought them thru a Canadian pharmacy for 75 cents each.

I feel it's criminal what the drug manufacturers are allowed to charge and the games they are allowed to play to stall the roll-out of generics. Cymbalta was delayed 6 months so they could test the drug in children, which never happened.

[Gordon Dewald]

Originally Posted by okmunky

I also used a Canadian pharmacy and the generic that I ordered was shipped from India. At the time my Rx was $8 each in the US, but only 75 cents each when ordered from Canada. I used Big Mountain pharmacy. My body didn't know the difference.

I later discovered that I could buy most drugs when I visited Mexico without a prescription. Just south of Yuma, AZ is Los Algondones and there are pharmacies across the street from the border crossing. I winter in southern AZ and usually make at least 2 trips south of the border.

I pick up meds for my DD, her dog and my diabetic monkey. A 10 ml vial of brand name Lantus sells for $35. The cheapest I've found it for in the US is $285/vial and it requires a prescription.

You will need a passport to return to the US after visiting Mexico.

Prices of drugs are cheaper in Canada but substantially cheaper in Mexico. We have been going to Algodones for about 10 years. Drug prices are inching up there but still well below Canadian prices.

Some drugs are restricted at the border but if you have a prescription you may be able to bring them across. I understand policy is such that you should be able to bring a 6 month supply back. I would check to make sure both of these statements are correct if you are going to try.

There are a lot of people who come to Yuma to take advantage of the great prices in drugs as well as dental care.

If you need much of either it may pay you to take a vacation or trip to visit Yuma.

[nothermark]

Don't confuse "Canadian Pharmacies" the rip off from pharmacies in Canada. I live closed to that border so I know folks going there for their meds. Their government works to hold the costs down. Check out what ours does.

[azpete]

nothermark has it right. there is a difference between a real canadian pharmacy and
the canadian pharmacy that calls you on the phone very day. they have called me so often, and after requesting to have them stop, i have made a gsme of it.
temember vthe old cheech and chong thing, "daves not here?"
i use that for about two minutes, and they ha g up. other times i just keep repeating i dont know. that gets them to hang up. other sthicks are im homlless and living under a bridge. they wont stgop, so i just have fun with it.

[Mr_D]

And of course no one ever counterfeits drug labels, packaging, or contents!

[Tom N]

These "Canadian" pharmacies that advertise mail order use a Canadian mail drop. The drugs actually come for counties such as India, Mexico, etc. Beware and use caution. Ask your doctor.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by nothermark

Don't confuse "Canadian Pharmacies" the rip off from pharmacies in Canada. I live closed to that border so I know folks going there for their meds. Their government works to hold the costs down. Check out what ours does.

Agreed. Canadian pharmacies are very safe. Where do you think those healthy Canadians get their drugs? We worked in a popular U.S. pharmaceutical company. They are safe.

The folks that are in fear that some drugs may come from India.... if you buy many in the U.S. they will also be manufactured in India... and many other countries. The U.S. companies have plants in other countries. You're not getting U.S. made drugs.

Our internist even has cards sitting at the sign-in desk for a Canadian pharmacy. He realizes the upped costs with U.S. pharmacies!! We've also gotten some drugs in Mexico along with excellent dental care.

[Peto]

Originally Posted by Skip426

Caution !! Although you can purchase drugs in Mexico , certain drugs you won't be able to carry back into the USA. ( narcotics ) and not declaring all your drugs is smuggling .

Correct so have your doctor write you a script for the narcotics and all is good.

[Tom N]

The original poster mentioned "Canadian pharmacies shipping the same drugs to US residents at substantial discounts".


Don't confuse purchasing drugs at a Canadian drug store with mail order drugs from a company using a Canadian address. Most use "Canadian drugs" in their mailing address. These are nothing but mail drops.


Actually driving to Canada and visiting a pharmacy is completely different.

[twogypsies]

Originally Posted by Tom N

Don't confuse purchasing drugs at a Canadian drug store with mail order drugs from a company using a Canadian address. Most use "Canadian drugs" in their mailing address. These are nothing but mail drops.

I wasn't mixing the two. Mail order is a very good way to get good-priced drugs as are drive up pharmacies in Canada.

[brialin]

My wife has been using canadapharmacy.com for years. They will price match. She checks other canadian pharmacies for cheaper pricing and then orders from
canadapharmacy because shipping is cheaper. It is cheaper to buy the inhaler from them than to pay the copay here in the states.