From the Toronto Star:
Pharmacare proposal 'bad public policy': Ottawa
Ottawa would never agree to the kind of national pharmacare program proposed by the premiers because it would cost too much and makes no sense, Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said today.
With the premiers set to meet to plot their next steps in a public showdown with the federal government, Dosanjh issued his strongest rejection yet of the idea, calling it "bad public policy" that would undercut Ottawa's responsibilities.
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
From the New York Times:
Pfizer Ends Drug Cards for Elderly
Pfizer, the nation's largest drug maker, ended its widely used discount card for the elderly yesterday, leaving several hundred thousand low-income Medicare beneficiaries at least temporarily without access to reduced prices for popular medicines like the cholesterol treatment Lipitor.
The company said that it had been warning its 536,000 cardholders for months that it would discontinue the discount program on Aug. 31 and that it had advised them to sign up for various discount cards that became available under a new Medicare program that began in June.
Pfizer Ends Drug Cards for Elderly
Pfizer, the nation's largest drug maker, ended its widely used discount card for the elderly yesterday, leaving several hundred thousand low-income Medicare beneficiaries at least temporarily without access to reduced prices for popular medicines like the cholesterol treatment Lipitor.
The company said that it had been warning its 536,000 cardholders for months that it would discontinue the discount program on Aug. 31 and that it had advised them to sign up for various discount cards that became available under a new Medicare program that began in June.
From the Globe and Mail:
McGuinty tries to heal rift
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty moved yesterday to heal the rift between the federal and provincial governments over fixing medicare, saying a federally funded drug plan may not be essential to a deal.
Mr. McGuinty's comments set the tone for a premiers meeting beginning in Toronto tomorrow at which provincial leaders will plan their strategy for a health summit with Prime Minister Paul Martin. The premiers want Ottawa to develop and pick up the costs of a national pharmacare program.
McGuinty tries to heal rift
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty moved yesterday to heal the rift between the federal and provincial governments over fixing medicare, saying a federally funded drug plan may not be essential to a deal.
Mr. McGuinty's comments set the tone for a premiers meeting beginning in Toronto tomorrow at which provincial leaders will plan their strategy for a health summit with Prime Minister Paul Martin. The premiers want Ottawa to develop and pick up the costs of a national pharmacare program.
From MassLive.com:
Drug-importer change suggested
The Massachusetts Senior Action Council is calling on customers of CanadaRX to buy their drugs from CanaRX, the same drug company used by Springfield city employees.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seized a large shipment of drugs from CanadaRx heading to the United States because the drugs were shipped from the Bahamas, according to William K. Hubbard, associate commissioner of the FDA.
The seizure left many people waiting for their medication, said Isaac BenEzra, president of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council.
Drug-importer change suggested
The Massachusetts Senior Action Council is calling on customers of CanadaRX to buy their drugs from CanaRX, the same drug company used by Springfield city employees.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seized a large shipment of drugs from CanadaRx heading to the United States because the drugs were shipped from the Bahamas, according to William K. Hubbard, associate commissioner of the FDA.
The seizure left many people waiting for their medication, said Isaac BenEzra, president of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council.
From the Los Angeles Times:
Canadian sites look overseas for drug supply
Millions of Americans now buy drugs from Canadian-based Internet pharmacies in an effort to save money. So far, the quantity and quality of the drugs has seemed relatively assured.
But during the last year, U.S. customers using Canadian websites have faced increasing difficulty getting top-selling medications such as Celebrex to treat arthritis and the antidepressant Effexor. That's because several of the world's biggest pharmaceutical makers are restricting supply to online Canadian pharmacies that ship to the U.S., leading to delays of several weeks for many customers. In severe cases, some sites have stopped accepting new clients looking for the hardest-to-get medications.
Canadian sites look overseas for drug supply
Millions of Americans now buy drugs from Canadian-based Internet pharmacies in an effort to save money. So far, the quantity and quality of the drugs has seemed relatively assured.
But during the last year, U.S. customers using Canadian websites have faced increasing difficulty getting top-selling medications such as Celebrex to treat arthritis and the antidepressant Effexor. That's because several of the world's biggest pharmaceutical makers are restricting supply to online Canadian pharmacies that ship to the U.S., leading to delays of several weeks for many customers. In severe cases, some sites have stopped accepting new clients looking for the hardest-to-get medications.
From the Milford (Mass.) Daily News:
U.S. government seizes seniors' prescriptions
U.S. Customs officials seized a large shipment of prescription drugs a month ago, blocking at least five local elderly people from getting their medicine ordered from a Canadian pharmacy, a Marlborough Council on Aging employee said this week.
Janice Long, outreach coordinator for the COA, said she is worried other local people did not get their drugs. She said one Marlborough man whose drug order has been held up had to buy his medicine from a U.S. pharmacy at much higher prices.
U.S. government seizes seniors' prescriptions
U.S. Customs officials seized a large shipment of prescription drugs a month ago, blocking at least five local elderly people from getting their medicine ordered from a Canadian pharmacy, a Marlborough Council on Aging employee said this week.
Janice Long, outreach coordinator for the COA, said she is worried other local people did not get their drugs. She said one Marlborough man whose drug order has been held up had to buy his medicine from a U.S. pharmacy at much higher prices.
Friom American Medical News:
States challenge FDA in fight over drug reimportation
The struggle between the federal government and the states over prescription drug reimportation has heated up on two fronts but cooled down on another.
Within days of each other, Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich unveiled a plan to let residents buy prescription drugs from other nations, and Vermont sued the federal government for the right to reimport prescription medications. But at the same time, the federal government announced what it sees as a victory for patient safety. Two companies with stores and Internet sites agreed to stop helping U.S. citizens buy drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
States challenge FDA in fight over drug reimportation
The struggle between the federal government and the states over prescription drug reimportation has heated up on two fronts but cooled down on another.
Within days of each other, Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich unveiled a plan to let residents buy prescription drugs from other nations, and Vermont sued the federal government for the right to reimport prescription medications. But at the same time, the federal government announced what it sees as a victory for patient safety. Two companies with stores and Internet sites agreed to stop helping U.S. citizens buy drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
Monday, August 30, 2004
From the Bloomington (IL) Pantagraph:
Rx for confusion
Don't blame Canada.
Older adults wondering where or how to buy their prescription medicines have all sorts of choices. With the rising cost of prescription drugs, no one would argue against competition.
But instead of an era of good feelings, the age of buying drugs from Canada, using Medicare-approved drug discount cards and even a governor's idea to help Illinoisans buy medicine from across the border has proved confusing.
Rx for confusion
Don't blame Canada.
Older adults wondering where or how to buy their prescription medicines have all sorts of choices. With the rising cost of prescription drugs, no one would argue against competition.
But instead of an era of good feelings, the age of buying drugs from Canada, using Medicare-approved drug discount cards and even a governor's idea to help Illinoisans buy medicine from across the border has proved confusing.
From WMUR-TV (NH):
California Eyes New Hampshire Web Site Promoting Canadian Prescription Drugs
California lawmakers want to join New Hampshire in creating a government-sponsored Web site to encourage the purchase of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Federal law prohibits drug imports from other counties, but an estimated one million Americans are having their prescriptions filled at Canadian pharmacies at prices as much as 40 percent less than their American counterparts.
New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson added a link to the state Web site in April that leads to a Canadian pharmacy.
California Eyes New Hampshire Web Site Promoting Canadian Prescription Drugs
California lawmakers want to join New Hampshire in creating a government-sponsored Web site to encourage the purchase of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Federal law prohibits drug imports from other counties, but an estimated one million Americans are having their prescriptions filled at Canadian pharmacies at prices as much as 40 percent less than their American counterparts.
New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson added a link to the state Web site in April that leads to a Canadian pharmacy.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
From the Indianapolis Star:
State won't bless drug imports
With the click of a computer mouse, visitors to government Web sites in four states can fill orders for prescription drugs from private pharmacies in Canada.
It's a controversial Internet option that won't be offered by Indiana anytime soon.
Neither Gov. Joe Kernan nor his Republican challenger Mitch Daniels plans to try to put the state's stamp of approval on north-of-the-border drug buys.
And even if state legislators consider such a service, they would face potent opposition from drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co., Central Indiana's largest private employer.
State won't bless drug imports
With the click of a computer mouse, visitors to government Web sites in four states can fill orders for prescription drugs from private pharmacies in Canada.
It's a controversial Internet option that won't be offered by Indiana anytime soon.
Neither Gov. Joe Kernan nor his Republican challenger Mitch Daniels plans to try to put the state's stamp of approval on north-of-the-border drug buys.
And even if state legislators consider such a service, they would face potent opposition from drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co., Central Indiana's largest private employer.
From the Canadian Press:
Ottawa has money for drug program, provincial finance ministers say
Ottawa has the money to set up and pay for a national pharmacare program despite its insistence to the contrary, provincial finance ministers said Friday.
The ministers argued the federal government consistently cries poor even though it is awash in cash, saying it has underestimated its revenues by about $73 billion over 10 years. "The federal government has the capacity to fund the kind of reforms that we're proposing," Ontario's Greg Sorbara said after meeting his provincial counterparts at a downtown hotel.
Ottawa has money for drug program, provincial finance ministers say
Ottawa has the money to set up and pay for a national pharmacare program despite its insistence to the contrary, provincial finance ministers said Friday.
The ministers argued the federal government consistently cries poor even though it is awash in cash, saying it has underestimated its revenues by about $73 billion over 10 years. "The federal government has the capacity to fund the kind of reforms that we're proposing," Ontario's Greg Sorbara said after meeting his provincial counterparts at a downtown hotel.
From the Duluth (MN) News Tribune:
Calif. Lawmakers OK Canadian Drug Bill
California lawmakers have approved bills that would create government-sponsored Web sites encouraging consumers to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
The measures, which face almost certain vetoes by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, would make California one of just a few states to provide residents similar online information. Others include Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Maine.
Calif. Lawmakers OK Canadian Drug Bill
California lawmakers have approved bills that would create government-sponsored Web sites encouraging consumers to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
The measures, which face almost certain vetoes by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, would make California one of just a few states to provide residents similar online information. Others include Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Maine.
From the Bloomington (IL) Pantagraph:
Savings found across the border
Wayne Cowan is in good health thanks in part to the mix of medicines on a tray on his kitchen table.
"Oh, we get all sorts of medicines," the easygoing 67-year-old LeRoy man said.
There's Altace for high blood pressure; aspirin to reduce risk of heart attack; Bextra for inflammation of the joints; Coreg and Digoxin for the heart; Coumadin to thin the blood, FiberCon to soften stools; folic acid to add nutrients removed by other medicines; Lasix to expel water; methotrexate sodium for arthritis; Plavix to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke; Prednisone to reduce swelling of joints; Zocor to control cholesterol; and Vitamin C and a multivitamin.
Savings found across the border
Wayne Cowan is in good health thanks in part to the mix of medicines on a tray on his kitchen table.
"Oh, we get all sorts of medicines," the easygoing 67-year-old LeRoy man said.
There's Altace for high blood pressure; aspirin to reduce risk of heart attack; Bextra for inflammation of the joints; Coreg and Digoxin for the heart; Coumadin to thin the blood, FiberCon to soften stools; folic acid to add nutrients removed by other medicines; Lasix to expel water; methotrexate sodium for arthritis; Plavix to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke; Prednisone to reduce swelling of joints; Zocor to control cholesterol; and Vitamin C and a multivitamin.
From NBC5.com (IL):
Irish Drug Wholesalers Not In Line With Governor's Plan
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's discount prescription drug plan could be in trouble, after Ireland's major wholesalers there said they were never contacted by the governor's office.
Blagojevich wants to import drugs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Canada, but published reports say Irish wholesalers are balking at the plan. The reports state that two of Ireland's biggest distributors say they wouldn't participate if they were asked.
Irish Drug Wholesalers Not In Line With Governor's Plan
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's discount prescription drug plan could be in trouble, after Ireland's major wholesalers there said they were never contacted by the governor's office.
Blagojevich wants to import drugs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Canada, but published reports say Irish wholesalers are balking at the plan. The reports state that two of Ireland's biggest distributors say they wouldn't participate if they were asked.
From Bloomberg:
California Lawmakers Pass Canadian Drug Bills, L.A. Times Says
The California state Legislature approved a package of bills allowing the importation of less expensive drugs from Canada, the Los Angeles Times reported today.
The drug-import legislation was opposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was called a ``political ploy'' by his aides because the federal government restricts drugs from other countries coming into the U.S., the Times said.
California Lawmakers Pass Canadian Drug Bills, L.A. Times Says
The California state Legislature approved a package of bills allowing the importation of less expensive drugs from Canada, the Los Angeles Times reported today.
The drug-import legislation was opposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was called a ``political ploy'' by his aides because the federal government restricts drugs from other countries coming into the U.S., the Times said.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
From the Canadian Press:
Train brings Americans to Canada seeking lower-cost prescription drugs
Carla Coco-Boutte of Santa Barbara, Calif., stepped off an Amtrak train here Wednesday for a brief Canadian excursion, but her souvenirs of the trip won't be aboriginal carvings or smoked salmon.
The 51-year-old former airline employee is hoping to go back with an armload of prescription drugs, bought at a fraction of the price she'd pay in the United States. "It's the only way I can survive," says Coco-Boutte, who estimates her monthly drug costs at around $1,000 US. "I'm on a limited income. Without benefits, I would have to keep doing this."
Train brings Americans to Canada seeking lower-cost prescription drugs
Carla Coco-Boutte of Santa Barbara, Calif., stepped off an Amtrak train here Wednesday for a brief Canadian excursion, but her souvenirs of the trip won't be aboriginal carvings or smoked salmon.
The 51-year-old former airline employee is hoping to go back with an armload of prescription drugs, bought at a fraction of the price she'd pay in the United States. "It's the only way I can survive," says Coco-Boutte, who estimates her monthly drug costs at around $1,000 US. "I'm on a limited income. Without benefits, I would have to keep doing this."
From The (Columbia, SC) State:
Mayor's Web link to Canada drug outlets sparks debate
Two years ago, Northeast Richland retiree Richard Astrella received his order of Coumadin — a heart medication — in the mail and looked it over.
The little round pill looked just like what he previously had bought from a local pharmacy, but it was shipped to his house from Canada, and it was $30 cheaper for a 90-day supply.
Astrella, 72, has been buying most of his medication — Pravachol, Diovan, Altace and Coumadin — from Canadian pharmacies for two years, saving a combined $275 on the orders. He says he has had no problems with them.
Mayor's Web link to Canada drug outlets sparks debate
Two years ago, Northeast Richland retiree Richard Astrella received his order of Coumadin — a heart medication — in the mail and looked it over.
The little round pill looked just like what he previously had bought from a local pharmacy, but it was shipped to his house from Canada, and it was $30 cheaper for a 90-day supply.
Astrella, 72, has been buying most of his medication — Pravachol, Diovan, Altace and Coumadin — from Canadian pharmacies for two years, saving a combined $275 on the orders. He says he has had no problems with them.
From the Boston Globe:
Drug firms sued over prices
Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, and 14 other pharmaceutical companies were accused by a group of California drugstores in a lawsuit of conspiring to keep lower-priced medicines from Canada out of the US market.
The lawsuit filed here by 14 independent pharmacies says the manufacturers use anticompetitive tactics to inflate drug prices. The pharmacies claim they pay four times more for prescription drugs than retailers in other countries.
Some drug makers limit sales to Canadian pharmacies as more than 1 million Americans use the Internet to order drugs from Canada, where medicines are as much as 77 percent cheaper. Pfizer, Eli Lilly & Co., and AstraZeneca PLC are reducing sales to Canada, in some cases cutting off retailers, to limit supplies available to send to US customers.
Drug firms sued over prices
Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, and 14 other pharmaceutical companies were accused by a group of California drugstores in a lawsuit of conspiring to keep lower-priced medicines from Canada out of the US market.
The lawsuit filed here by 14 independent pharmacies says the manufacturers use anticompetitive tactics to inflate drug prices. The pharmacies claim they pay four times more for prescription drugs than retailers in other countries.
Some drug makers limit sales to Canadian pharmacies as more than 1 million Americans use the Internet to order drugs from Canada, where medicines are as much as 77 percent cheaper. Pfizer, Eli Lilly & Co., and AstraZeneca PLC are reducing sales to Canada, in some cases cutting off retailers, to limit supplies available to send to US customers.
From the St. Louis Business Journal:
Blagojevich asks Pfizer to allow export of drugs from U.K.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is asking Pfizer Inc. to stop its plans to prevent British pharmaceutical wholesalers from providing drugs outside of the United Kingdom.
Blagojevich said this week Pfizer changed its supply procedures for the United Kingdom, now supplying only wholesalers who do business with patients or health-care professionals in the U.K. Pfizer previously made a similar move in Canada, which was followed by four other major drug companies.
Blagojevich asks Pfizer to allow export of drugs from U.K.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is asking Pfizer Inc. to stop its plans to prevent British pharmaceutical wholesalers from providing drugs outside of the United Kingdom.
Blagojevich said this week Pfizer changed its supply procedures for the United Kingdom, now supplying only wholesalers who do business with patients or health-care professionals in the U.K. Pfizer previously made a similar move in Canada, which was followed by four other major drug companies.
Friday, August 27, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
From CBC News:
Rx train seniors rail against drug prices
A group of U.S. seniors in search of cheaper prescription drugs pulled into Vancouver Wednesday, after a trip from southern California aboard the Rx Express train.
The pensioners made the three-day trip as part of a protest against high drug prices in the United States.
A group called the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has paid for the train. It wants the U.S. federal government to reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs to Medicare patients and others by allowing a national bulk-purchasing program.
Rx train seniors rail against drug prices
A group of U.S. seniors in search of cheaper prescription drugs pulled into Vancouver Wednesday, after a trip from southern California aboard the Rx Express train.
The pensioners made the three-day trip as part of a protest against high drug prices in the United States.
A group called the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has paid for the train. It wants the U.S. federal government to reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs to Medicare patients and others by allowing a national bulk-purchasing program.
From Investor's Business Daily
FDA may sue states over drug imports
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon take legal action against states that insist on importing prescription drugs from foreign drug retailers, a senior agency official says.
"We may end up having to go to court with them and we think we would prevail," FDA Associate Commissioner William Hubbard said in an interview. "So far, we've chosen not to pick a fight at this point."
FDA may sue states over drug imports
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon take legal action against states that insist on importing prescription drugs from foreign drug retailers, a senior agency official says.
"We may end up having to go to court with them and we think we would prevail," FDA Associate Commissioner William Hubbard said in an interview. "So far, we've chosen not to pick a fight at this point."
From WOI-TV (IA):
Vilsack pushes prescription drug plan to buy from Canada
Governor Tom Vilsack says he is fighting to lower prescription drug costs as he kicked off a campaign today (Wednesday) in Des Moines for a consumer rights group.
Vilsack kicked off a prescription drug campaign for the Iowa Citizen Action Network Education Foundation. The group is asking state officials to get more involved in lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Iowans.
Vilsack pushes prescription drug plan to buy from Canada
Governor Tom Vilsack says he is fighting to lower prescription drug costs as he kicked off a campaign today (Wednesday) in Des Moines for a consumer rights group.
Vilsack kicked off a prescription drug campaign for the Iowa Citizen Action Network Education Foundation. The group is asking state officials to get more involved in lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Iowans.
From USA Today:
Risks are too high by William Hubbard -- associate commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
At the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), our primary job is to ensure the safety of medicines sold in the U.S. We are on the front line in policing the drug supply to prevent bad medicine from reaching patients.
Unfortunately, unapproved drugs are illegally arriving in the United States at an unprecedented rate, as people are turning to alternative sources and transforming the traffic in drug imports from one that was composed almost entirely of commercial bulk shipments to one that includes millions of personal packages of unapproved drugs.
(Editor's note: Usually we do not include opinion pieces or editorials here, but since this was written by the best-known person against international pharmacy at the FDA, we thought it was notable enough to include.)
Risks are too high by William Hubbard -- associate commissioner of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
At the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), our primary job is to ensure the safety of medicines sold in the U.S. We are on the front line in policing the drug supply to prevent bad medicine from reaching patients.
Unfortunately, unapproved drugs are illegally arriving in the United States at an unprecedented rate, as people are turning to alternative sources and transforming the traffic in drug imports from one that was composed almost entirely of commercial bulk shipments to one that includes millions of personal packages of unapproved drugs.
(Editor's note: Usually we do not include opinion pieces or editorials here, but since this was written by the best-known person against international pharmacy at the FDA, we thought it was notable enough to include.)
From the New Britain (CT) Herald:
Larson shares Rx drug study results
Gladys Kitchens, 81, said her question might just run her out of town, but she hoped U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-1) could answer it.
"I want to know how many people have died in Canada," Kitchens said.
Kitchens was referring to the warning issued by state pharmacies and federal regulators about the risk of importing drugs.
Larson told her more people get food poisoning where there is ongoing FDA (Federal Drug Administration) inspection.
Larson shares Rx drug study results
Gladys Kitchens, 81, said her question might just run her out of town, but she hoped U.S. Rep. John Larson (D-1) could answer it.
"I want to know how many people have died in Canada," Kitchens said.
Kitchens was referring to the warning issued by state pharmacies and federal regulators about the risk of importing drugs.
Larson told her more people get food poisoning where there is ongoing FDA (Federal Drug Administration) inspection.
From KXTV-TV (CA):
Seniors Use Train Ride to Dramatize Need for Cheaper Drugs
Seniors and others who hope to buy cheaper prescription medication in Canada are boarding a train that is making its way up northward from Los Angeles.
Sponsored by the the Foundation for Taxpayers and Consumer Rights, the train is stopping in dozens of West Coast cities on its way to Canada. The train trip is meant to dramatize the plight of seniors who can't afford to pay for medications in the U.S.
Seniors Use Train Ride to Dramatize Need for Cheaper Drugs
Seniors and others who hope to buy cheaper prescription medication in Canada are boarding a train that is making its way up northward from Los Angeles.
Sponsored by the the Foundation for Taxpayers and Consumer Rights, the train is stopping in dozens of West Coast cities on its way to Canada. The train trip is meant to dramatize the plight of seniors who can't afford to pay for medications in the U.S.
From the (Portland) Oregonian:
Rx Express heads north for drug buy
The caboose end of a Canada-bound Amtrak train hosted a protest against high prescription drug prices Tuesday on its way through Oregon.
California-based organizers chartered two privately owned rail cars and added them to Amtrak's regularly scheduled Coast Starlight train. They nicknamed it the Rx Express to draw attention to Canada's bulk purchasing of drugs -- an approach they say would bring Americans big discounts if the U.S. government would copy it.
Rx Express heads north for drug buy
The caboose end of a Canada-bound Amtrak train hosted a protest against high prescription drug prices Tuesday on its way through Oregon.
California-based organizers chartered two privately owned rail cars and added them to Amtrak's regularly scheduled Coast Starlight train. They nicknamed it the Rx Express to draw attention to Canada's bulk purchasing of drugs -- an approach they say would bring Americans big discounts if the U.S. government would copy it.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
From the Portland (OR) Business Journal:
Prescription drug train stops in Portland
The Rx Express, a chartered train taking 20 seniors and other patients to Canada to buy lower cost prescription drugs, planned a stop in Portland Tuesday to pick up passengers and to draw attention to the potential savings of bulk drug purchases.
The train, which will reach Vancouver, British Columbia, on Aug. 25, is picking up passengers in Portland at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Prescription drugs are available in Canada, England and Ireland at 30 percent to 60 percent less than in the United States because those countries control drug prices and negotiate rates on behalf of all patients -- a move that drug companies have blocked in the United States, according to the Foundation For Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization based in Santa Monica, Calif., and the sponsor of the Rx Express.
Prescription drug train stops in Portland
The Rx Express, a chartered train taking 20 seniors and other patients to Canada to buy lower cost prescription drugs, planned a stop in Portland Tuesday to pick up passengers and to draw attention to the potential savings of bulk drug purchases.
The train, which will reach Vancouver, British Columbia, on Aug. 25, is picking up passengers in Portland at 5 p.m. Tuesday. Prescription drugs are available in Canada, England and Ireland at 30 percent to 60 percent less than in the United States because those countries control drug prices and negotiate rates on behalf of all patients -- a move that drug companies have blocked in the United States, according to the Foundation For Taxpayer and Consumer Rights, a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization based in Santa Monica, Calif., and the sponsor of the Rx Express.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
From CBS-11 (TX):
Prescriptions And Profit
There are two recent developments in the continuing battle over the price of prescription drugs: Illinois announced it will help its residents buy drugs from Canada, and Vermont announced it's going to sue the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the right of its citizens to buy drugs in Canada.
It may come as no surprise that the pharmaceutical industry is the most profitable business in the country. American drug prices are the highest in the world, so more than a million Americans now buy their medications in Canada.
From the Modesto (CA) Bee:
Train trip protests Canadian-drug ban
On Monday, retirees Bill and Sonja Clarke, of Placerville, boarded a midnight train to Canada.
They're riding the rails to protest a federal ban on prescription drug imports and to pressure Gov. Schwarzenegger to reconsider his opposition to legislation that would help patients buy medications from Canada.
Their 36-hour journey up the Pacific coast to a Vancouver pharmacy in the waning days of the legislative session is part of a quest by consumer groups and advocates for seniors to win passage for several Canadian drug bills despite a veto threat from the Schwarzenegger administration.
From the (Columbia, SC) State:
Coble offers help getting medicine from Canada
Columbia Mayor Bob Coble is using his personal Web site to direct local consumers to Canadian pharmacies for low-cost prescription drugs, which is against federal drug importation policy.
Coble’s action — which he wants the city to endorse — follows several other cities and states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Boston and Washington D.C., which provide Web links to selected Canadian pharmacies.
It marks the first action by an S.C. elected official to introduce Canadian drugs here, local experts say.
Prescriptions And Profit
There are two recent developments in the continuing battle over the price of prescription drugs: Illinois announced it will help its residents buy drugs from Canada, and Vermont announced it's going to sue the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the right of its citizens to buy drugs in Canada.
It may come as no surprise that the pharmaceutical industry is the most profitable business in the country. American drug prices are the highest in the world, so more than a million Americans now buy their medications in Canada.
From the Modesto (CA) Bee:
Train trip protests Canadian-drug ban
On Monday, retirees Bill and Sonja Clarke, of Placerville, boarded a midnight train to Canada.
They're riding the rails to protest a federal ban on prescription drug imports and to pressure Gov. Schwarzenegger to reconsider his opposition to legislation that would help patients buy medications from Canada.
Their 36-hour journey up the Pacific coast to a Vancouver pharmacy in the waning days of the legislative session is part of a quest by consumer groups and advocates for seniors to win passage for several Canadian drug bills despite a veto threat from the Schwarzenegger administration.
From the (Columbia, SC) State:
Coble offers help getting medicine from Canada
Columbia Mayor Bob Coble is using his personal Web site to direct local consumers to Canadian pharmacies for low-cost prescription drugs, which is against federal drug importation policy.
Coble’s action — which he wants the city to endorse — follows several other cities and states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Rhode Island, Boston and Washington D.C., which provide Web links to selected Canadian pharmacies.
It marks the first action by an S.C. elected official to introduce Canadian drugs here, local experts say.
From CBC.ca:
Generic drugs cost too much: study
Consumers are paying too much for many prescription drugs because of federal government policies, says a report released on Monday by the Fraser Institute.
The study, titled Generic Drugopoly, argues that a small number of companies have a near-monopoly on generic drugs.
That means that prices for generic drugs are higher in Canada than in the United States or many other countries.
Generic drugs cost too much: study
Consumers are paying too much for many prescription drugs because of federal government policies, says a report released on Monday by the Fraser Institute.
The study, titled Generic Drugopoly, argues that a small number of companies have a near-monopoly on generic drugs.
That means that prices for generic drugs are higher in Canada than in the United States or many other countries.
Monday, August 23, 2004
From the Lawrence (KS) Journal World:
State may offer help to obtain Canadian drugs
Kansas isn't ready to provide inexpensive -- but illegal -- prescription drugs from Canada despite a growing movement by other states to do so.
But officials in Topeka said last week they might be willing to enable Kansans to make an end run around federal law by setting up a Web site that would show people how to independently obtain such drugs.
"I think we're considering that," said Bob Day, an adviser helping Gov. Kathleen Sebelius develop a policy to address the high cost of prescription drugs. "We just have to look at how that's set up."
Imports worry Lawrence pharmacist
Canadian prescription drugs might seem like the cure for what ails the pocketbook, but Tom Wilcox isn't so sure.
Wilcox, owner of Round Corner Drug, 801 Mass., said he was frustrated that the federal government wasn't doing more to block illegal importation of prescription drugs.
"I've had patients import controlled substances from Pakistan," Wilcox said. "There's very little done to regulate importation from a foreign country."
Wilcox trained for six years to become a pharmacist. By contrast, he said, a relative in Iowa with a high school education has set up a lucrative business importing Canadian drugs.
"The FDA has no control in these countries. We lose control of how the drugs are handled," Wilcox said.
"They're probably safe, but the portal is open, and the more we use drugs from other countries, the more we lose control over the process," he said. "I think there's potential down the road for problems to exist."
Online pharmacies full of risks, rewards
If you need a prescription filled, be careful before ordering from an online pharmacy.
We all know that the price of prescription drugs is enough to give you a headache, but don't be so eager to get a price break that you end up with counterfeit drugs, advises the National Consumers League.
According to a survey recently released by NCL, most consumers purchasing prescription drugs by using the Internet don't know how to tell whether the drugs they get are legitimate. The online survey of 1,013 adults ages 18 and older, conducted by Opinion Research Corp. in May, found that more than half of those surveyed believe there is no way to tell if a prescription drug sold online is real or counterfeit.
State may offer help to obtain Canadian drugs
Kansas isn't ready to provide inexpensive -- but illegal -- prescription drugs from Canada despite a growing movement by other states to do so.
But officials in Topeka said last week they might be willing to enable Kansans to make an end run around federal law by setting up a Web site that would show people how to independently obtain such drugs.
"I think we're considering that," said Bob Day, an adviser helping Gov. Kathleen Sebelius develop a policy to address the high cost of prescription drugs. "We just have to look at how that's set up."
Imports worry Lawrence pharmacist
Canadian prescription drugs might seem like the cure for what ails the pocketbook, but Tom Wilcox isn't so sure.
Wilcox, owner of Round Corner Drug, 801 Mass., said he was frustrated that the federal government wasn't doing more to block illegal importation of prescription drugs.
"I've had patients import controlled substances from Pakistan," Wilcox said. "There's very little done to regulate importation from a foreign country."
Wilcox trained for six years to become a pharmacist. By contrast, he said, a relative in Iowa with a high school education has set up a lucrative business importing Canadian drugs.
"The FDA has no control in these countries. We lose control of how the drugs are handled," Wilcox said.
"They're probably safe, but the portal is open, and the more we use drugs from other countries, the more we lose control over the process," he said. "I think there's potential down the road for problems to exist."
Online pharmacies full of risks, rewards
If you need a prescription filled, be careful before ordering from an online pharmacy.
We all know that the price of prescription drugs is enough to give you a headache, but don't be so eager to get a price break that you end up with counterfeit drugs, advises the National Consumers League.
According to a survey recently released by NCL, most consumers purchasing prescription drugs by using the Internet don't know how to tell whether the drugs they get are legitimate. The online survey of 1,013 adults ages 18 and older, conducted by Opinion Research Corp. in May, found that more than half of those surveyed believe there is no way to tell if a prescription drug sold online is real or counterfeit.
From the Charlotte (NC) Observer:
Canadian drugs save county cash
Caldwell County's Canadian drug program is on track to save the county about 26 percent of its annual prescription drug bill, officials said last week.
About 10 percent of the county's workforce of 525 has signed up to receive prescription medications from Canadian pharmacies, said Human Resources Director David Hill.
From the Ironton (OH) Tribune:
Importing medication topic of debate
To import or not to import medicines? That is the legal question.
Importation of prescription drugs has become a hot topic this election year, but the debate over the legality of the issue has now hit a little closer to home.
Two local men opened Canadian Med Connection, 509 State St., Proctorville, to help provide people with a choice for cheaper prescription medicines. However, pharmacists and governmental agencies remain adamant that these types of businesses are operating illegally.
Canadian drugs save county cash
Caldwell County's Canadian drug program is on track to save the county about 26 percent of its annual prescription drug bill, officials said last week.
About 10 percent of the county's workforce of 525 has signed up to receive prescription medications from Canadian pharmacies, said Human Resources Director David Hill.
From the Ironton (OH) Tribune:
Importing medication topic of debate
To import or not to import medicines? That is the legal question.
Importation of prescription drugs has become a hot topic this election year, but the debate over the legality of the issue has now hit a little closer to home.
Two local men opened Canadian Med Connection, 509 State St., Proctorville, to help provide people with a choice for cheaper prescription medicines. However, pharmacists and governmental agencies remain adamant that these types of businesses are operating illegally.
From the San Diego Union Tribune:
Drug discount plan seen as ploy to derail import bills
Legislators and consumer advocates criticized Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's drug discount plan yesterday as a decoy intended to thwart their efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs by opening access to Canadian pharmaceuticals.
"Is it a savings? Yes. Is it the best we can do? No," said Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Los Angeles, who is sponsoring a bill to set up a state Web site for consumers to buy low-cost Canadian drugs.
From the Canadian Press:
Vermont sues FDA for refusing to allow imports of Canadian drugs
Vermont has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, charging the agency's refusal of the state's petition to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada was "arbitrary and capricious and otherwise unreasonable."
By filing the suit, Vermont has become the first state to take on the U.S. government's stance against so-called drug-reimportation schemes. In such arrangements, state and local governments set up mechanisms by which people can buy name-brand prescriptions from Canadian pharmacies at prices that are often 40 per cent less than they are in the United States.
From the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser:
Pharmacists target import drug company
The Alabama Pharmacy Association has filed a letter of complaint with the U.S. Attorney's Office against a Montgomery man who has started a company to facilitate the purchase of low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
In a letter dated Aug. 16, William S. Eley II, executive director of the APA, a professional society representing pharmacists, states that Coleman and his company are "promoting the illegal re-importation of Canadian drugs" and asks the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate.
Drug discount plan seen as ploy to derail import bills
Legislators and consumer advocates criticized Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's drug discount plan yesterday as a decoy intended to thwart their efforts to lower the cost of prescription drugs by opening access to Canadian pharmaceuticals.
"Is it a savings? Yes. Is it the best we can do? No," said Assemblyman Dario Frommer, D-Los Angeles, who is sponsoring a bill to set up a state Web site for consumers to buy low-cost Canadian drugs.
From the Canadian Press:
Vermont sues FDA for refusing to allow imports of Canadian drugs
Vermont has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, charging the agency's refusal of the state's petition to import cheaper prescription drugs from Canada was "arbitrary and capricious and otherwise unreasonable."
By filing the suit, Vermont has become the first state to take on the U.S. government's stance against so-called drug-reimportation schemes. In such arrangements, state and local governments set up mechanisms by which people can buy name-brand prescriptions from Canadian pharmacies at prices that are often 40 per cent less than they are in the United States.
From the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser:
Pharmacists target import drug company
The Alabama Pharmacy Association has filed a letter of complaint with the U.S. Attorney's Office against a Montgomery man who has started a company to facilitate the purchase of low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
In a letter dated Aug. 16, William S. Eley II, executive director of the APA, a professional society representing pharmacists, states that Coleman and his company are "promoting the illegal re-importation of Canadian drugs" and asks the U.S. Attorney's Office to investigate.
From the Medford (OR) Mail Tribune:
Oregon plan taps drugs from Canada
Gov. Ted Kulongoski unveiled a plan Thursday in Medford that would allow Oregonians to buy drugs from Canada.
The Pioneer Prescription Drug Project would use the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to certify that Canadian drugs meet the same standards of purity and safety that are required for drugs sold in the United States.
At a press conference in the Central Library, Kulongoski said he has sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson requesting a waiver from the federal law that prevents states from importing drugs that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
From the Washington Times:
FDA admonishes city on link to Canadian drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday sent a letter to D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams that criticizes an item on the official D.C. government Web site that directs residents to buy low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
I want to express our dismay that the government of the nation's capital would initiate a program to import prescription drugs from Canada, in violation of longstanding drug laws," wrote William K. Hubbard, the FDA's associate commissioner for planning and policy.
Oregon plan taps drugs from Canada
Gov. Ted Kulongoski unveiled a plan Thursday in Medford that would allow Oregonians to buy drugs from Canada.
The Pioneer Prescription Drug Project would use the Oregon Board of Pharmacy to certify that Canadian drugs meet the same standards of purity and safety that are required for drugs sold in the United States.
At a press conference in the Central Library, Kulongoski said he has sent a letter to U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson requesting a waiver from the federal law that prevents states from importing drugs that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
From the Washington Times:
FDA admonishes city on link to Canadian drugs
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration yesterday sent a letter to D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams that criticizes an item on the official D.C. government Web site that directs residents to buy low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
I want to express our dismay that the government of the nation's capital would initiate a program to import prescription drugs from Canada, in violation of longstanding drug laws," wrote William K. Hubbard, the FDA's associate commissioner for planning and policy.
From the Canadian Press:
Abuse of painkiller puts legitimate use in jeopardy: health group
Widespread publicity on the abuse of prescription drugs such as OxyContin could have devastating results for those who rely on the medication to control crippling pain, says the Canadian Pain Society.
The focus on the illegal use of oxycodone-based drugs is unfairly demonizing the drug, the Toronto-based society said in a news release issued Friday. "Certainly there have been cases of abuse of the drug. But we're worried about throwing the baby out with the bath water," said Gary Rollman, society president, in an interview.
From the Sacramento Bee:
New hurdle for Canadian drug import legislation
A senior Schwarzenegger administration official announced her opposition Thursday to pending state legislation that would help California residents buy prescription drugs from Canada, where price controls make medications up to 80 percent cheaper.
In a letter distributed to several key legislative leaders, Kim Belshé, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, said she opposed the efforts to facilitate Canadian drug purchases because the practice violates a federal ban on such imports.
Abuse of painkiller puts legitimate use in jeopardy: health group
Widespread publicity on the abuse of prescription drugs such as OxyContin could have devastating results for those who rely on the medication to control crippling pain, says the Canadian Pain Society.
The focus on the illegal use of oxycodone-based drugs is unfairly demonizing the drug, the Toronto-based society said in a news release issued Friday. "Certainly there have been cases of abuse of the drug. But we're worried about throwing the baby out with the bath water," said Gary Rollman, society president, in an interview.
From the Sacramento Bee:
New hurdle for Canadian drug import legislation
A senior Schwarzenegger administration official announced her opposition Thursday to pending state legislation that would help California residents buy prescription drugs from Canada, where price controls make medications up to 80 percent cheaper.
In a letter distributed to several key legislative leaders, Kim Belshé, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency, said she opposed the efforts to facilitate Canadian drug purchases because the practice violates a federal ban on such imports.
From Reuters:
Firm Agrees to Stop Aiding Prescription Imports
Drug store chain Rx Depot Inc. has promised to abandon its business helping Americans import prescription drugs from Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The company "extremely reluctantly" signed a legally binding agreement that forbids it and two company officers from helping Americans obtain cheaper medicines from abroad, attorney Fred Stoops said.
The FDA had gone to court to stop Rx Depot from operating its stores, which sent Americans' prescriptions to a Canadian pharmacy to be filled. The agency says the practice is risky.
From CNN.com:
Blagojevich's prescription for a winning issue
Defying the federal government is risky for a politician. But if it's the right cause, it can make you look like a hero -- and even get you the political Play of the Week.
This week, Illinois Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich took on the feds over the issue of prescription drug imports.
"Unfortunately, the federal government has failed to act. So it's time we do," he declared Tuesday.
Firm Agrees to Stop Aiding Prescription Imports
Drug store chain Rx Depot Inc. has promised to abandon its business helping Americans import prescription drugs from Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The company "extremely reluctantly" signed a legally binding agreement that forbids it and two company officers from helping Americans obtain cheaper medicines from abroad, attorney Fred Stoops said.
The FDA had gone to court to stop Rx Depot from operating its stores, which sent Americans' prescriptions to a Canadian pharmacy to be filled. The agency says the practice is risky.
From CNN.com:
Blagojevich's prescription for a winning issue
Defying the federal government is risky for a politician. But if it's the right cause, it can make you look like a hero -- and even get you the political Play of the Week.
This week, Illinois Democratic Gov. Rod Blagojevich took on the feds over the issue of prescription drug imports.
"Unfortunately, the federal government has failed to act. So it's time we do," he declared Tuesday.
From the San Jose Mercury News:
Drug bills are threatened with veto
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration threatened late Thursday that he would veto four bills designed to help Californians buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada unless the measures are amended.
The signal was the administration's first public stance on the populist measures, which have pitted doctors, labor interests and senior citizens against business groups and pharmacists, who are among the governor's top backers.
From the Henderson (KY) Gleaner:
Rhode Island moves ahead on Canadian prescriptions
Rhode Island, acting under a first-in-the-nation state law, is preparing to license Canadian pharmacies to sell prescription drugs.
Rhode Island's new law is the only one in the country that requires the licensing of Canadian pharmacies in the same way mail-order pharmacies located in the United States are licensed.
Drug bills are threatened with veto
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration threatened late Thursday that he would veto four bills designed to help Californians buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada unless the measures are amended.
The signal was the administration's first public stance on the populist measures, which have pitted doctors, labor interests and senior citizens against business groups and pharmacists, who are among the governor's top backers.
From the Henderson (KY) Gleaner:
Rhode Island moves ahead on Canadian prescriptions
Rhode Island, acting under a first-in-the-nation state law, is preparing to license Canadian pharmacies to sell prescription drugs.
Rhode Island's new law is the only one in the country that requires the licensing of Canadian pharmacies in the same way mail-order pharmacies located in the United States are licensed.
From the (Portland) Oregonian:
Plan seeks access to Canadian medicines
Uninsured Oregonians would be able to buy low-cost Canadian drugs under a proposal unveiled Thursday by Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
If approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program would allow Oregon pharmacies to buy certain drugs from Canadian wholesalers and sell them to Oregonians who lack insurance and would have to pay for them out of their own pockets.
Kulongoski said Thursday that the plan would be administered by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, which would decide on a list of 50 to 60 drugs that are particularly expensive in this country and can be bought more cheaply in Canada.
Plan seeks access to Canadian medicines
Uninsured Oregonians would be able to buy low-cost Canadian drugs under a proposal unveiled Thursday by Gov. Ted Kulongoski.
If approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program would allow Oregon pharmacies to buy certain drugs from Canadian wholesalers and sell them to Oregonians who lack insurance and would have to pay for them out of their own pockets.
Kulongoski said Thursday that the plan would be administered by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy, which would decide on a list of 50 to 60 drugs that are particularly expensive in this country and can be bought more cheaply in Canada.
From the Canadian Press:
U.S. company gives up legal battle over right to help Americans buy drugs
A U.S. company that once helped Americans buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada has agreed to stop operating.
Rx Depot, an Oklahoma firm shut last November by a U.S. federal judge, had been trying to appeal the decision and resume business. But the privately held company agreed to sign a consent decree to permanently cease facilitating drug imports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.
U.S. company gives up legal battle over right to help Americans buy drugs
A U.S. company that once helped Americans buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada has agreed to stop operating.
Rx Depot, an Oklahoma firm shut last November by a U.S. federal judge, had been trying to appeal the decision and resume business. But the privately held company agreed to sign a consent decree to permanently cease facilitating drug imports, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said Friday.
Tuesday, August 17, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Illinois expands drug suppliers beyond Canada in nod to availability problems
In a nod to the reality that Canada can't begin to provide all the cheaper prescription drugs Americans want, Illinois is adding European suppliers.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday that he'll help consumers save money through a state-run website offering drugs from the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as Canada. "We can't keep asking people to spend more money than they have just to afford the medicine they need," Blagojevich said in a statement.
Illinois expands drug suppliers beyond Canada in nod to availability problems
In a nod to the reality that Canada can't begin to provide all the cheaper prescription drugs Americans want, Illinois is adding European suppliers.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday that he'll help consumers save money through a state-run website offering drugs from the United Kingdom and Ireland as well as Canada. "We can't keep asking people to spend more money than they have just to afford the medicine they need," Blagojevich said in a statement.
From WTVO-TV (IL):
One Woman Has Saved a Ton Ordering Rx's From Canada
Since Rockford resident Arlene Hathaway hopped on a bus to Canada to buy her prescription drugs earlier this year her life has changed dramatically.
"It's allowed me to save money to go on little trips which I couldn't do before there was just no way I just got back from Arkansas visiting my sister it's a big help," says Hathaway.
She now refills her 11 pres
One Woman Has Saved a Ton Ordering Rx's From Canada
Since Rockford resident Arlene Hathaway hopped on a bus to Canada to buy her prescription drugs earlier this year her life has changed dramatically.
"It's allowed me to save money to go on little trips which I couldn't do before there was just no way I just got back from Arkansas visiting my sister it's a big help," says Hathaway.
She now refills her 11 pres