Canadian Pharmacy

[MajorT]

Does anyone use a Canadian Pharmacy to get there prescriptions filled? Lamictal is A Lot cheaper on an online pharmacy that I found. In fact its about 50% less.
The pharmacy is licensed and regulated and the lamictal is not a generic form.

northwestpharmacy.com

[Bernard]

Is it legal?

We discussed the issue before, though not specifically about Canadian pharmacies: GENERIC NEURONTIN FROM INDIA ???

[MajorT]

Yes it is legal. You fax in you prescription and they fill it just like any other pharmacy. I called them and asked the specifics and it is legal to do. As long as you get your prescription to them so they have it on file. I am going to get lamictal and it is name brand. You can also get the generic form in the 100mg dosage. In the U.S. it is currently only available in the 25mg form.

northwestpharmacy.com

[Bernard]

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FOREIGN ONLINE PHARMACIES:

For a growing number of Americans who do not have health insurance, adequate drug coverage, or any drug coverage and seek lower drug prices, and for others looking for medications that are not available domestically, foreign online pharmacies are increasingly popular. As discussed in greater detail in this section, the U.S. government generally allows individuals to import medication for their own use up to a three-month supply, however it is technically illegal.

If you are buying medication from a foreign country, you want to know that the dispensing source is regulated and licensed by the appropriate governing authority. For this reason, PharmacyChecker.com acts to verify the licenses of pharmacies in foreign countries. Just several years ago, most non-U.S. pharmacies selling prescription drugs to Americans were Canadian. Today, pharmacies in other countries, such as Australia, Fiji, India, Israel, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom play a larger role in meeting this demand. To better educate our visitors, many of whom are looking to foreign pharmacies for lower drug prices, below is an overview of the agencies that regulate drugs and pharmacies in some foreign countries.

Prescription products shipped from countries other than Canada have been confiscated by the U.S. government more often than those shipped from a Canada. However, overall there have been very few confiscations since Fall 2006.

CANADA

Drug and Pharmacy Regulation in Canada
Canada’s systems for regulating drug products are very similar to those in the United States. At the federal level, the Therapeutic Products Division - an agency of Health Canada that regulates Canada's drug supply - is Canada's counterpart to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All drug products sold in Canada must be approved by the Therapeutic Products Division. Pharmacies in Canada, on the other hand, are regulated by the provinces; a similar system to the U.S. in which states regulate pharmacies.

To operate a pharmacy in Canada, the premises must be licensed by the provincial pharmacy board, managed by a licensed pharmacist, and meet stringent standards for the storage and disbursement of medication.

Useful links:

• The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA): www.napra.org
• Health Canada: www.health-canada.ca

...

About Online Pharmacies -What You Need To Know

12. Can an American patient get a medication not approved in the U.S. from a foreign dispenser?

As a general matter, it is illegal to import an unapproved drug into the U.S. However, under FDA's personal importation policy, FDA has authorized its inspectors to use their enforcement discretion to allow U.S. residents to import certain products under certain limited conditions. Under this policy, FDA may allow a U.S. resident to bring into this country an unapproved drug for their personal use for a serious condition, if there has been no commercialization or promotion of the drug to U.S. residents.

13. Is it illegal for a foreign pharmacy to ship prescription medicines into the U.S.?

It is illegal for anyone, including a foreign pharmacy, to ship prescription drugs that are not approved by FDA into the U.S. even though the drug may be legal to sell in that pharmacy's country. Under the scheme that Congress established to ensure that drugs are safe and effective, drugs are tested and test results are thoroughly reviewed by FDA scientists. U.S. law also requires that products approved for sale in the United States have their formulation approved by FDA, be made in a plant registered with FDA, and be produced under quality standards enforced by FDA.

Prescription drugs available from a foreign pharmacy that are products that FDA has not approved; products with similar, but not identical formulations as FDA-approved products; products not made under the quality standards required by U.S. law or labeled according to U.S. requirements; or products not stored or distributed under the quality conditions required in the U.S. cannot be legally sold in the U.S.

Buying Medical Products Online - FAQ by FDA

[MajorT]

Thanks Bernard for helping me out with that research. It is much appreciated.