Online Pharmacy Laws in Canada

Canadian pharmaceuticals typically cost less than American, especially on the Internet, because they don't have to undergo the same federal drug agency scrutiny as drugs in the United States. In the United States, drug development is a rigorous and costly process, while in Canada, the laws, though similar, are much more lax in research and development. Also, Canadian manufacturers can take advantage of the R&D that takes place in the United States. It is technically illegal to purchase drugs from Canada and import them to the United States. The Internet, however, has provided a convenient way around that law.

Canadian regulations

Canada's systems for regulating drugs are similar to those in the United States. At the federal level, the Therapeutic Products Division of Canada, which is an agency of Health Canada that regulates Canada's drug supply and distribution, is Canada's equivalent to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. All drugs sold in Canada must be approved by the Therapeutic Products Division.

Much like in the United States, where pharmacies are state-regulated, pharmacies in Canada are regulated by the provinces. Pharmacies in Canada must be licensed by the provincial pharmacy board, be managed by a licensed pharmacist, and meet standards for the storage and disbursement of medication.

So why the cost difference?

Most new drugs are developed in the United States. Canadian manufacturers don't typically have to undertake the R&D costs associated with drugs, particularly new drugs, that U.S. companies bear. It's almost like reverse-engineering. Once a product in the United States has been developed and tested and received FDA approval, there is nothing preventing companies outside the United States from making a similar product. It doesn't undergo the scrutiny of the FDA, and therein lie the savings.

Canadian law allows drug export

While there is no Canadian law banning the export of its drugs, whether by Internet or personally, there are technically laws in the United States that don't allow drugs not approved by the FDA to enter the country. In practice, however, Americans who import medicine for private use from Canada by either personally bringing them across the border or having them mailed are not typically prevented from doing so or prosecuted. There are some limits, however.

When the law is overlooked

Reality being what it is, the FDA recognizes that monitoring all drug imports is more than it can handle. It even offers guidelines for government officials to use "discretion" to allow a U.S. citizen to bring drugs into this country with a couple of parameters. For purchasing drugs online, imports are usually allowed if the shipment is for personal use only, does not exceed a 90-day supply, and is not a controlled substance under U.S. law. (In other words, no methamphetamine, cocaine and the like.)

Beware of fraud

There are many Internet sites that proclaim their Canadian affiliation, but let the buyer beware--you may not be getting what you think you have ordered. The Canadian International Pharmacy Association has certified bona fide pharmacies to meet medical needs.

The organization has been endorsed by Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Washington state and Wisconsin, whose officials have inspected member facilities and listed them on their websites.  Nevada has even licensed four of the CIPA member pharmacies as Nevada pharmacies.

Since drug regulation in Canada has become so similar to inspection requirements and regulations of the U.S. FDA (with the exception of research and development), not only is buying drugs in Canada acceptable in the United States, it has become endorsed by several states, and many municipal governments are looking at the option as a way to reduce health care costs.

References

• Canadian International Pharmacy Association
• Useful Site with Links and Information
• Pharmaceutical Ecomics and Policy