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.)
Thursday, August 26, 2004
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 prescriptions through the Canadian pharmacy by phone which has saved her a lot of money.
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 prescriptions through the Canadian pharmacy by phone which has saved her a lot of money.
From the Winnipeg Sun:
Medical errors rising: study
A major overhaul of the hospital system is needed to reduce the number of medical errors, or so-called adverse events, that contribute to the deaths of between 9,000 and 24,000 patients a year, the annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association was told yesterday. About one in 13 Canadians admitted to hospital each year experiences an adverse event -- everything from being given the wrong drug to a surgical mistake to falling and breaking a hip, a recent study showed.
Medical errors rising: study
A major overhaul of the hospital system is needed to reduce the number of medical errors, or so-called adverse events, that contribute to the deaths of between 9,000 and 24,000 patients a year, the annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association was told yesterday. About one in 13 Canadians admitted to hospital each year experiences an adverse event -- everything from being given the wrong drug to a surgical mistake to falling and breaking a hip, a recent study showed.
From the Providence (RI) Journal:
R.I. communities eye buying prescription drugs from Canada
Several Rhode Island municipalities are considering buying prescription medicines from Canada, and East Providence's mayor is promising there will be Canadian drug sales in his city, in the wake of a new law allowing state licensing of Canadian pharmacies.
At an event today to celebrate the passage of the law, which would not go into effect before January, East Providence Mayor Rolland Grant said the city would have a storefront for a Canadian pharmacy. Drugs from Canada can be as much as 60 percent cheaper than those bought in the United States.
R.I. communities eye buying prescription drugs from Canada
Several Rhode Island municipalities are considering buying prescription medicines from Canada, and East Providence's mayor is promising there will be Canadian drug sales in his city, in the wake of a new law allowing state licensing of Canadian pharmacies.
At an event today to celebrate the passage of the law, which would not go into effect before January, East Providence Mayor Rolland Grant said the city would have a storefront for a Canadian pharmacy. Drugs from Canada can be as much as 60 percent cheaper than those bought in the United States.
Monday, August 16, 2004
From the Washington Post:
Illinois Governor Launching Program to Reimport Drugs
Despite opposition from a federal agency, Illinois will soon become the nation's first government to help residents buy cheaper drugs not only from Canada but from the United Kingdom and Ireland as well.
In an announcement later today, Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) is scheduled to unveil the program, which will be coordinated and managed for the state by a Canadian pharmacy benefits company.
The move by Blagojevich, who for months has unsuccessfully pressed the federal government for approval to run a pilot drug-reimportation program, significantly escalates the national dispute over the safety and wisdom of buying cheaper prescription drugs from abroad.
Illinois Governor Launching Program to Reimport Drugs
Despite opposition from a federal agency, Illinois will soon become the nation's first government to help residents buy cheaper drugs not only from Canada but from the United Kingdom and Ireland as well.
In an announcement later today, Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) is scheduled to unveil the program, which will be coordinated and managed for the state by a Canadian pharmacy benefits company.
The move by Blagojevich, who for months has unsuccessfully pressed the federal government for approval to run a pilot drug-reimportation program, significantly escalates the national dispute over the safety and wisdom of buying cheaper prescription drugs from abroad.
From NBC5.com (IL):
Blagojevich To Announce Network To Import Prescription Drugs
Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday plans to announce the creation of a network of pharmacies through which Illinois residents can buy certain prescription drugs from Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom -- even though it is illegal to import such drugs to the United States.
Including pharmacies in Ireland and the United Kingdom means Illinois' network will go beyond what other states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin have offered their residents. Those states have created Web sites that help residents buy prescription drugs from Canada only, Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said.
Blagojevich To Announce Network To Import Prescription Drugs
Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Tuesday plans to announce the creation of a network of pharmacies through which Illinois residents can buy certain prescription drugs from Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom -- even though it is illegal to import such drugs to the United States.
Including pharmacies in Ireland and the United Kingdom means Illinois' network will go beyond what other states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin have offered their residents. Those states have created Web sites that help residents buy prescription drugs from Canada only, Blagojevich spokeswoman Abby Ottenhoff said.
From The Globe and Mail:
McGuinty pushes pharmacare plan to MDs
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty challenged Canada's doctors on Monday to support the call by the nation's premiers for a national pharmacare program to be run by the federal government.
"I'm asking you to back this proposal, to urge MPs, the federal cabinet and the Prime Minister to take the time to consider it fully, so they can embrace it completely," Mr. McGuinty said to the annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association in Toronto.
McGuinty pushes pharmacare plan to MDs
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty challenged Canada's doctors on Monday to support the call by the nation's premiers for a national pharmacare program to be run by the federal government.
"I'm asking you to back this proposal, to urge MPs, the federal cabinet and the Prime Minister to take the time to consider it fully, so they can embrace it completely," Mr. McGuinty said to the annual meeting of the Canadian Medical Association in Toronto.
From the Boston Herald:
FDA offers lighter touch on importation of Canadian drugs
Federal drug regulators are taking a ``lighter touch'' in their efforts to stop a growing number of cities and states from importing prescription drugs from Canada, and the city of Boston is taking advantage of that new stance.
Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, in a recent interview with The Associated Press, said the agency will continue to evaluate programs on a case by case basis. But he noted that many cities and states are using the same Canadian pharmacies and Web sites to fill prescriptions.
``As long as they're coming from Canada, and as long as they're from drug stores that we have some experience with, then we would have a lighter touch probably,'' he said. ``But if it escalates and there are other countries, or if there are some events that occur, that could change over night.''
FDA offers lighter touch on importation of Canadian drugs
Federal drug regulators are taking a ``lighter touch'' in their efforts to stop a growing number of cities and states from importing prescription drugs from Canada, and the city of Boston is taking advantage of that new stance.
Acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Lester M. Crawford, in a recent interview with The Associated Press, said the agency will continue to evaluate programs on a case by case basis. But he noted that many cities and states are using the same Canadian pharmacies and Web sites to fill prescriptions.
``As long as they're coming from Canada, and as long as they're from drug stores that we have some experience with, then we would have a lighter touch probably,'' he said. ``But if it escalates and there are other countries, or if there are some events that occur, that could change over night.''
Sunday, August 15, 2004
From Canada East:
Lord says feds can afford drug program
Premier Bernard Lord expressed disappointment Friday that Prime Minister Paul Martin appears to be rejecting a national pharmacare program that would see the federal government take over responsibility for drug coverage.
The premiers proposed the plan at a July meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., in an effort to have the federal government shoulder more of a financial responsibility for health care.
Lord says feds can afford drug program
Premier Bernard Lord expressed disappointment Friday that Prime Minister Paul Martin appears to be rejecting a national pharmacare program that would see the federal government take over responsibility for drug coverage.
The premiers proposed the plan at a July meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., in an effort to have the federal government shoulder more of a financial responsibility for health care.
Saturday, August 14, 2004
From the Winnipeg Sun:
Drug terrorism absurd: Internet group
A suggestion that terrorists may tamper with prescription drugs from Canada destined for the U.S. is "nothing short of absurd," says the head of an Internet pharmacy group. Piece of rhetoric
"This is just one more piece of rhetoric," David MacKay, executive director of the Winnipeg-based Canadian International Pharmacy Association, said yesterday.
"It is a classic scare tactic that comes from the (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). They seem to be running out of objections and this seems to be the last card they're willing to play."
Drug terrorism absurd: Internet group
A suggestion that terrorists may tamper with prescription drugs from Canada destined for the U.S. is "nothing short of absurd," says the head of an Internet pharmacy group. Piece of rhetoric
"This is just one more piece of rhetoric," David MacKay, executive director of the Winnipeg-based Canadian International Pharmacy Association, said yesterday.
"It is a classic scare tactic that comes from the (U.S. Food and Drug Administration). They seem to be running out of objections and this seems to be the last card they're willing to play."
From the Portsmouth (NH) Herald:
FDA's denial of import drugs prompts tri-state meeting
Upset over the Food and Drug Administration’s refusal to allow reimportation of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, government leaders in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont are discussing meeting in September.
"Vermont and Maine have both reached out to us," said Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson’s spokeswoman. Discussions are under way to set a date for the meeting.
FDA's denial of import drugs prompts tri-state meeting
Upset over the Food and Drug Administration’s refusal to allow reimportation of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, government leaders in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont are discussing meeting in September.
"Vermont and Maine have both reached out to us," said Alicia Preston, New Hampshire Gov. Craig Benson’s spokeswoman. Discussions are under way to set a date for the meeting.
From the Montgomery (AL) Advertiser:
Business helps buy Canadian medicine
Larry Coleman believes American consumers, like the city of Montgomery, need a way to get around the exorbitant prices of many prescription drugs in the United States.
The 15-year resident of the Capital City has started his own company, RxUnlimited.net, to help them do that by obtaining cheaper medications from a Canadian pharmacy.
Business helps buy Canadian medicine
Larry Coleman believes American consumers, like the city of Montgomery, need a way to get around the exorbitant prices of many prescription drugs in the United States.
The 15-year resident of the Capital City has started his own company, RxUnlimited.net, to help them do that by obtaining cheaper medications from a Canadian pharmacy.
From the Las Vegas Business Press:
Kerry prescription drug plan could boost local Rx business
In town last week for two and a half days of campaigning, Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry made a myriad of promises in hopes of grabbing the crucial votes of our up-for-grabs state. The most notable promise among senior citizens was the assurance that, if elected president, Kerry would work toward legalizing the importation of Canadian drugs.
Before a gymnasium full of seniors in Henderson, Kerry called on President Bush to "get out of the way of Americans being able to import drugs from Canada at a reasonable price." It is something he said he and other members of Congress, including Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona passed, but Bush stood in the way of because of his allegiance to "his friends" -- the prescription drug manufacturers. Not to worry, Kerry told his audience, "Dr. Kerry is here to cure you all."
Kerry prescription drug plan could boost local Rx business
In town last week for two and a half days of campaigning, Democratic Presidential Candidate John Kerry made a myriad of promises in hopes of grabbing the crucial votes of our up-for-grabs state. The most notable promise among senior citizens was the assurance that, if elected president, Kerry would work toward legalizing the importation of Canadian drugs.
Before a gymnasium full of seniors in Henderson, Kerry called on President Bush to "get out of the way of Americans being able to import drugs from Canada at a reasonable price." It is something he said he and other members of Congress, including Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona passed, but Bush stood in the way of because of his allegiance to "his friends" -- the prescription drug manufacturers. Not to worry, Kerry told his audience, "Dr. Kerry is here to cure you all."
From the National Post:
PM won't support premiers' drug plan
Paul Martin said yesterday he had little interest in a proposal that Ottawa take full responsibility for a national pharmacare program, suggesting the recent idea from the provinces is overly simplistic and ignores such priorities as waiting lists and homecare.
The Prime Minister said his government only talked about a pharmacare plan for "catastrophic" or unaffordable drug bills, not the broader plan proposed by the premiers in July.
PM won't support premiers' drug plan
Paul Martin said yesterday he had little interest in a proposal that Ottawa take full responsibility for a national pharmacare program, suggesting the recent idea from the provinces is overly simplistic and ignores such priorities as waiting lists and homecare.
The Prime Minister said his government only talked about a pharmacare plan for "catastrophic" or unaffordable drug bills, not the broader plan proposed by the premiers in July.
From the Washington Times:
D.C. warned to stop drug link
The D.C. government was told yesterday to stop directing residents looking for low-cost prescriptions to a Minnesota-sponsored plan that helps people buy drugs from Canada.
"Our contracts with the pharmacies in Canada are very specific that they're for Minnesota customers only," said Daniel McElroy, chief of staff for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "Our contract does not permit us to have another government linking to the site."
D.C. warned to stop drug link
The D.C. government was told yesterday to stop directing residents looking for low-cost prescriptions to a Minnesota-sponsored plan that helps people buy drugs from Canada.
"Our contracts with the pharmacies in Canada are very specific that they're for Minnesota customers only," said Daniel McElroy, chief of staff for Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "Our contract does not permit us to have another government linking to the site."
Friday, August 13, 2004
From the Calgary Herald:
Prime minister gives premiers' pharmacare proposal cold shoulder
Prime Minister Paul Martin cold-shouldered the idea of a national pharmacare plan Thursday, suggesting the proposal from Canada's premiers was too costly.
The health system faces too many pressures in various areas for the government to pour all that money into one new program, the prime minister suggested.
The government supports a smaller-scale drug plan but also wants to use available funding to reduce waiting lists by creating a national home-care program and training more doctors, he said.
Prime minister gives premiers' pharmacare proposal cold shoulder
Prime Minister Paul Martin cold-shouldered the idea of a national pharmacare plan Thursday, suggesting the proposal from Canada's premiers was too costly.
The health system faces too many pressures in various areas for the government to pour all that money into one new program, the prime minister suggested.
The government supports a smaller-scale drug plan but also wants to use available funding to reduce waiting lists by creating a national home-care program and training more doctors, he said.
From the Washington Times:
Kerry pushes for Canada drug imports
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry yesterday called for President Bush to disavow his signature Medicare prescription drug program and allow for medicine to be imported from Canada.
"I call on the president to do what he should have done in the first place. I call on the president to get out of the way of Americans being able to import drugs from Canada at a lower price," Mr. Kerry told about 800 elderly Nevadans at a town hall forum.
Kerry pushes for Canada drug imports
Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry yesterday called for President Bush to disavow his signature Medicare prescription drug program and allow for medicine to be imported from Canada.
"I call on the president to do what he should have done in the first place. I call on the president to get out of the way of Americans being able to import drugs from Canada at a lower price," Mr. Kerry told about 800 elderly Nevadans at a town hall forum.
From the Portland (ME) Morning Sentinel:
FDA fears terrorists may alter drugs
Tampering with prescription drugs could be a way for terrorists to launch an attack on Americans, acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Lester M. Crawford said Wednesday.
Crawford said in an interview with The Associated Press that possible action by terrorists was the most serious of his concerns about the increasing efforts of states and cities to import drugs from Canada to save money.
FDA fears terrorists may alter drugs
Tampering with prescription drugs could be a way for terrorists to launch an attack on Americans, acting Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Lester M. Crawford said Wednesday.
Crawford said in an interview with The Associated Press that possible action by terrorists was the most serious of his concerns about the increasing efforts of states and cities to import drugs from Canada to save money.
From the Grand Forks (ND) Herald:
Canadian pharmacies fill U.S. orders overseas
A drugmaker boycott has led some Canadian mail-order pharmacies to forge partnerships with pharmacies in 10 other countries to sell low-cost drugs to customers in the United States.
In the past two months, at least five Canadian firms have arranged to fill U.S. orders for prescription drugs through pharmacies in Israel, Chile, Australia, England, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy, the Star Tribune reported Thursday. The orders usually are shipped directly to customers from one of those countries.
Canadian pharmacies fill U.S. orders overseas
A drugmaker boycott has led some Canadian mail-order pharmacies to forge partnerships with pharmacies in 10 other countries to sell low-cost drugs to customers in the United States.
In the past two months, at least five Canadian firms have arranged to fill U.S. orders for prescription drugs through pharmacies in Israel, Chile, Australia, England, France, Germany, New Zealand, Switzerland, Denmark and Italy, the Star Tribune reported Thursday. The orders usually are shipped directly to customers from one of those countries.
From the Boston Herald:
Vt. will sue over drugs: FDA nixes state's request to buy low-cost medicine from Canada
Vermont leaders plan to pave the way for buying cheaper drugs from Canada by suing federal regulators who refuse to allow the state to set up such a program.
The lawsuit, which officials plan to file this week, charges that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wrongfully denied a waiver to Vermont that would have allowed the state to legally buy drugs.
```The claims on which they've based this denial are, in our view, unsubstantiated and we have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies available,'' said Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas.
Vt. will sue over drugs: FDA nixes state's request to buy low-cost medicine from Canada
Vermont leaders plan to pave the way for buying cheaper drugs from Canada by suing federal regulators who refuse to allow the state to set up such a program.
The lawsuit, which officials plan to file this week, charges that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration wrongfully denied a waiver to Vermont that would have allowed the state to legally buy drugs.
```The claims on which they've based this denial are, in our view, unsubstantiated and we have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies available,'' said Vermont Gov. Jim Douglas.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
From Health Canada:
Health Canada advises of potential adverse effects of SSRIs and other anti-depressants on newborns
Health Canada is advising Canadians that newborns may be adversely affected when pregnant women take Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other newer anti-depressants during the third trimester of pregnancy. This advisory is intended to increase awareness among mothers and physicians of the possible symptoms that may occur in the newborn, so that symptoms can be recognized and addressed quickly.
Health Canada advises of potential adverse effects of SSRIs and other anti-depressants on newborns
Health Canada is advising Canadians that newborns may be adversely affected when pregnant women take Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and other newer anti-depressants during the third trimester of pregnancy. This advisory is intended to increase awareness among mothers and physicians of the possible symptoms that may occur in the newborn, so that symptoms can be recognized and addressed quickly.
From MLive.com (Mich.):
Kerry says Bush is blocking drug imports from Canada
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said President Bush is standing in the way of lower drug prices for cash-strapped seniors by refusing to allow prescription imports from Canada.
Kerry launched a new push for support from senior citizens by trying to persuade them that Bush will hurt their bottom line with his prescription drug policies and efforts to privatize Social Security.
Kerry said Bush is standing in the way of bipartisan efforts in Congress to allow drug imports from Canada. He compared the prices of popular drugs in the United States and Canada, noting they were close to more than twice as expensive stateside.
Kerry says Bush is blocking drug imports from Canada
Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry said President Bush is standing in the way of lower drug prices for cash-strapped seniors by refusing to allow prescription imports from Canada.
Kerry launched a new push for support from senior citizens by trying to persuade them that Bush will hurt their bottom line with his prescription drug policies and efforts to privatize Social Security.
Kerry said Bush is standing in the way of bipartisan efforts in Congress to allow drug imports from Canada. He compared the prices of popular drugs in the United States and Canada, noting they were close to more than twice as expensive stateside.
Wednesday, August 11, 2004
From the Washington Times:
City links to Canadian drugs
The D.C. government is directing residents seeking low-cost prescription drugs to a Minnesota-sponsored program that shows them how to buy drugs from Canadian pharmacies — a purchase that violates federal law.
The District recently posted on its Web site (www.dc.gov) an item titled "Get Low Cost Prescription Drugs from Canada," which links to a Minnesota plan called Minnesota RxConnect. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared the program unsafe.
City links to Canadian drugs
The D.C. government is directing residents seeking low-cost prescription drugs to a Minnesota-sponsored program that shows them how to buy drugs from Canadian pharmacies — a purchase that violates federal law.
The District recently posted on its Web site (www.dc.gov) an item titled "Get Low Cost Prescription Drugs from Canada," which links to a Minnesota plan called Minnesota RxConnect. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared the program unsafe.
From the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune:
FDA finds violations by Canadian pharmacies
Three Canadian pharmacies continued to send unauthorized medication to Wisconsin residents even though state officials warned them this spring the shipments violated an agreement to sell discounted drugs through a state Web site, according to federal officials.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has criticized the state Web site that tells consumers how to order from the pharmacies, said in a letter to Gov. Jim Doyle that the violation is further evidence of the health risk imported Canadian drugs pose to Wisconsin residents.
FDA finds violations by Canadian pharmacies
Three Canadian pharmacies continued to send unauthorized medication to Wisconsin residents even though state officials warned them this spring the shipments violated an agreement to sell discounted drugs through a state Web site, according to federal officials.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has criticized the state Web site that tells consumers how to order from the pharmacies, said in a letter to Gov. Jim Doyle that the violation is further evidence of the health risk imported Canadian drugs pose to Wisconsin residents.
From the London Free Press
Pregnant women warned of danger in using anti-depressant medicine
Women who take anti-depressant drugs during late pregnancy may be putting their babies at risk, Health Canada is warning. The department has issued an advisory about the following drugs: bupropion (used for depression or for smoking cessation), citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine. The brand names involved are Zyban, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Remeron, Paxil, Zoloft and Effexor.
Pregnant women warned of danger in using anti-depressant medicine
Women who take anti-depressant drugs during late pregnancy may be putting their babies at risk, Health Canada is warning. The department has issued an advisory about the following drugs: bupropion (used for depression or for smoking cessation), citalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, mirtazapine, paroxetine, sertraline and venlafaxine. The brand names involved are Zyban, Wellbutrin, Celexa, Prozac, Luvox, Remeron, Paxil, Zoloft and Effexor.
From the Bennington (VT) Banner
State to sue feds on meds
Spurned in their request for federal permission to allow importing prescription drugs from Canada, top state officials said Tuesday they plan to sue the Food and Drug Administration.
"Vermont presented a legal and responsible plan to import prescription drugs," Gov. James Douglas said in a statement. He said the FDA's reasons for rejecting the state's request for permission "are unsubstantiated and we have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies available."
State to sue feds on meds
Spurned in their request for federal permission to allow importing prescription drugs from Canada, top state officials said Tuesday they plan to sue the Food and Drug Administration.
"Vermont presented a legal and responsible plan to import prescription drugs," Gov. James Douglas said in a statement. He said the FDA's reasons for rejecting the state's request for permission "are unsubstantiated and we have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies available."
From MSN:
Are prescriptions filled in Canada safe?
It started with modest troops of silver-haired bus-trippers crossing the border into Canada to save 30% or more on Pravachol and Prevacid. Illegal, yes, but who would begrudge Granny's trying to keep her medicines affordable? Now it's escalated into a full-scale election-year war involving people of all ages attempting to save on medicines of all kinds. Seniors’ groups, mayors, governors and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are pressing to legalize what an estimated 1 million Americans are already doing openly -- filling millions of prescriptions a year north of the border.
Are prescriptions filled in Canada safe?
It started with modest troops of silver-haired bus-trippers crossing the border into Canada to save 30% or more on Pravachol and Prevacid. Illegal, yes, but who would begrudge Granny's trying to keep her medicines affordable? Now it's escalated into a full-scale election-year war involving people of all ages attempting to save on medicines of all kinds. Seniors’ groups, mayors, governors and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are pressing to legalize what an estimated 1 million Americans are already doing openly -- filling millions of prescriptions a year north of the border.
From WOKR-TV (NY):
Buying Drugs From Canada Could Save County Millions
Some Monroe County lawmakers think one way to prevent a tax increase (or cuts in services) is by purchasing prescription drugs from Canada where costs are half of what they are in the United States.
On Tuesday, the president of CanaRx--a Canadian drug distribution company--presented a plan to county legislators. While both Democrats and Republicans are convinced that bringing in Canadian prescription drugs can save taxpayers millions, some Republicans challenge the legality of the move.
Buying Drugs From Canada Could Save County Millions
Some Monroe County lawmakers think one way to prevent a tax increase (or cuts in services) is by purchasing prescription drugs from Canada where costs are half of what they are in the United States.
On Tuesday, the president of CanaRx--a Canadian drug distribution company--presented a plan to county legislators. While both Democrats and Republicans are convinced that bringing in Canadian prescription drugs can save taxpayers millions, some Republicans challenge the legality of the move.
From the Canadian Press:
Toronto pharmacy uses Bahamas to export drugs, FedEx alerts U.S. customs
A Toronto pharmacy began sending out new shipments this week to replace prescription drugs seized by U.S. Customs officials in Miami.
CanadaRx, based in Toronto, shipped the drugs valued at $250,000 US about two weeks ago. The drugs seized July 27 came from England, Germany, Switzerland, France, New Zealand and Australia, as well as Canada, and were shipped from Freeport, the Bahamas, in an attempt by CanadaRx to duck Canadian laws prohibiting a pharmacy from importing drugs, then selling them abroad, the Star Tribune reported.
Toronto pharmacy uses Bahamas to export drugs, FedEx alerts U.S. customs
A Toronto pharmacy began sending out new shipments this week to replace prescription drugs seized by U.S. Customs officials in Miami.
CanadaRx, based in Toronto, shipped the drugs valued at $250,000 US about two weeks ago. The drugs seized July 27 came from England, Germany, Switzerland, France, New Zealand and Australia, as well as Canada, and were shipped from Freeport, the Bahamas, in an attempt by CanadaRx to duck Canadian laws prohibiting a pharmacy from importing drugs, then selling them abroad, the Star Tribune reported.
From the Tampa Bay Business Journal:
Rx Processing buys Canada Drugs
Rx Processing Corp. said it has wrapped up its purchase of Canada Drugs of Spring Hill.
Rx Processing issued 5 million shares of common stock for 100 percent control of Canada Drugs. Rx Processing stock is valued at 20 cents a share, according to the OTC Bulletin Board, making the deal worth $1 million.
Rx Processing buys Canada Drugs
Rx Processing Corp. said it has wrapped up its purchase of Canada Drugs of Spring Hill.
Rx Processing issued 5 million shares of common stock for 100 percent control of Canada Drugs. Rx Processing stock is valued at 20 cents a share, according to the OTC Bulletin Board, making the deal worth $1 million.
From the Seattle Post-Intelligencer:
Vermont seeks to import Canada drugs
Vermont says it will become the first state to sue the Food and Drug Administration for denying its request to import prescription drugs from Canada.
"Vermont presented a legal and responsible plan to import prescription drugs," Gov. James Douglas said in a statement Tuesday. He said the FDA's reasons for rejecting the state's request for permission "are unsubstantiated and we have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies available."
Vermont seeks to import Canada drugs
Vermont says it will become the first state to sue the Food and Drug Administration for denying its request to import prescription drugs from Canada.
"Vermont presented a legal and responsible plan to import prescription drugs," Gov. James Douglas said in a statement Tuesday. He said the FDA's reasons for rejecting the state's request for permission "are unsubstantiated and we have no choice but to pursue any and all legal remedies available."
Sunday, August 08, 2004
From the Contra Costa (Calif.) Times:
Group says Canadian drugs safe
Prescription drugs purchased through Canadian Internet pharmacies are safe, members of a legislative fact-finding mission to that country said Wednesday.
At a press conference here, delegation members endorsed the idea of a state-sponsored Web site that would help California residents purchase cheap Canadian drugs. In doing so, they forcefully disputed U.S. Food and Drug Administration assertions that consumers who order drugs through Canada are taking big risks.
Group says Canadian drugs safe
Prescription drugs purchased through Canadian Internet pharmacies are safe, members of a legislative fact-finding mission to that country said Wednesday.
At a press conference here, delegation members endorsed the idea of a state-sponsored Web site that would help California residents purchase cheap Canadian drugs. In doing so, they forcefully disputed U.S. Food and Drug Administration assertions that consumers who order drugs through Canada are taking big risks.
From the Tri-Valley Herald (Calif.):
Senators aim to lower drug costs
Due to the recent state budget battle, East Bay Democratic senators Don Perata and Liz Figueroa missed a legislative trek to Canada -- but that didn't stop them from renewing their controversial call Wednesday for importing less costly prescription drugs from that country.
The move was part of strategy by majority Democrats to make the issue one of their top priorities for August, the last month of the 2004 legislative session.
Senators aim to lower drug costs
Due to the recent state budget battle, East Bay Democratic senators Don Perata and Liz Figueroa missed a legislative trek to Canada -- but that didn't stop them from renewing their controversial call Wednesday for importing less costly prescription drugs from that country.
The move was part of strategy by majority Democrats to make the issue one of their top priorities for August, the last month of the 2004 legislative session.
From WIS-TV (SC):
DeMint supports buying cheaper drugs from Canada, Tenenbaum agrees
Republican Senate candidate Jim DeMint says he supports allowing people to buy cheaper prescription drugs in Canada.
The three-term congressman says he wants to open US markets to prescription drug sales from Canada, the European Union and other nations. He sponsored a bill in the House last year, but it stalled in the Senate.
DeMint supports buying cheaper drugs from Canada, Tenenbaum agrees
Republican Senate candidate Jim DeMint says he supports allowing people to buy cheaper prescription drugs in Canada.
The three-term congressman says he wants to open US markets to prescription drug sales from Canada, the European Union and other nations. He sponsored a bill in the House last year, but it stalled in the Senate.
From the Toronto Star:
Drug plan's future?
Earlier this year, the Ontario government dipped its toes in treacherous political waters when it issued a pre-budget discussion paper that hinted at ending the free prescription drug program for higher income seniors.
The newly elected Liberal government was grappling with a budget deficit that would top out at about $6 billion and was desperately searching for ways to save money.
Prescription drugs for anyone over 65 in Ontario are virtually free after a $100 deductible and a small dispensing fee are paid by the user. Seniors with incomes of less than $16,000 do not pay any deductible.
Drug plan's future?
Earlier this year, the Ontario government dipped its toes in treacherous political waters when it issued a pre-budget discussion paper that hinted at ending the free prescription drug program for higher income seniors.
The newly elected Liberal government was grappling with a budget deficit that would top out at about $6 billion and was desperately searching for ways to save money.
Prescription drugs for anyone over 65 in Ontario are virtually free after a $100 deductible and a small dispensing fee are paid by the user. Seniors with incomes of less than $16,000 do not pay any deductible.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Senators push for bill to allow drug imports
To cut soaring prescription drug costs, particularly for senior citizens, Wisconsin's two Democratic U.S. Senators called Friday for approval of a Senate bill that would legalize the importation of cheaper drugs from Canada.
Speaking at the Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, before a crowd of 100 that included many AARP members sporting red T-shirts with slogans supporting importation, the senators said sales of cheaper Canadian drugs would force pharmaceutical companies to lower domestic prices.
Senators push for bill to allow drug imports
To cut soaring prescription drug costs, particularly for senior citizens, Wisconsin's two Democratic U.S. Senators called Friday for approval of a Senate bill that would legalize the importation of cheaper drugs from Canada.
Speaking at the Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, before a crowd of 100 that included many AARP members sporting red T-shirts with slogans supporting importation, the senators said sales of cheaper Canadian drugs would force pharmaceutical companies to lower domestic prices.
From WOKR-TV (NY):
County Dems Investigate Buying Drugs From Canada
Democrats in the Monroe County legislature are investigating the possibility of buying prescription drugs through Canada in hopes of closing the county's budget gap.
They've scheduled a meeting for Tuesday with the head of a Canadian drug distribution company, CanaRx, who will present information on how they can save money by buying Canadian drugs.
County Dems Investigate Buying Drugs From Canada
Democrats in the Monroe County legislature are investigating the possibility of buying prescription drugs through Canada in hopes of closing the county's budget gap.
They've scheduled a meeting for Tuesday with the head of a Canadian drug distribution company, CanaRx, who will present information on how they can save money by buying Canadian drugs.
From the Globe and Mail:
Economist calls for national pharmacare plan
Canada could reap huge savings by adopting a national pharmacare plan, a prominent health economist says.
“We are idiots to be dealing with [drug purchasing] the way we are in this country,” Armine Yalnizyan, research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said in an interview.
Economist calls for national pharmacare plan
Canada could reap huge savings by adopting a national pharmacare plan, a prominent health economist says.
“We are idiots to be dealing with [drug purchasing] the way we are in this country,” Armine Yalnizyan, research associate with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, said in an interview.
From the New Orleans Times Picayune:
Canadian drug firm is banned
A state court has ordered NorthCareDrugs.com, a company that helps customers order drugs from Canada, to stop doing business in Louisiana.
Judge Robert Murphy of the 24th Judicial District issued an injunction against NorthCare on Friday that prohibits the company from practicing pharmacy in the state until it has obtained the necessary license, registration and permit.
The injunction is the latest development in a months-long effort by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to shut down kiosks and storefronts selling cheap Canadian pharmaceuticals.
Canadian drug firm is banned
A state court has ordered NorthCareDrugs.com, a company that helps customers order drugs from Canada, to stop doing business in Louisiana.
Judge Robert Murphy of the 24th Judicial District issued an injunction against NorthCare on Friday that prohibits the company from practicing pharmacy in the state until it has obtained the necessary license, registration and permit.
The injunction is the latest development in a months-long effort by the Louisiana Board of Pharmacy to shut down kiosks and storefronts selling cheap Canadian pharmaceuticals.
From KELOLAND (SD):
Business Still Up At Canada Drug
Four months ago, when Canada Drug in Sioux Falls opened it's doors there was plenty of interest in it's promise of cheaper prescriptions through Canada. There were also plenty of questions about whether the business was even legal. But those doors are still open and business is booming. And that fact, it's owner says, should erase any questions still lingering about Canada Drug and the legality of its operation.
Business Still Up At Canada Drug
Four months ago, when Canada Drug in Sioux Falls opened it's doors there was plenty of interest in it's promise of cheaper prescriptions through Canada. There were also plenty of questions about whether the business was even legal. But those doors are still open and business is booming. And that fact, it's owner says, should erase any questions still lingering about Canada Drug and the legality of its operation.
Saturday, August 07, 2004
From the Boston Herald:
FDA's warning doesn't bother Boston: Canadian pharmacy has city's confidence
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and city officials shrugged off yesterday the latest FDA warning about the safety of importing and distributing drugs from Canada.
More than 840 applications to join Menino's Canadian drug-buying program have been handed out, city officials said.
In a letter detailed in yesterday's Herald, the federal Food and Drug Administration told Menino that the Canadian pharmacy set to supply Boston has broken similar agreements with Wisconsin.
FDA's warning doesn't bother Boston: Canadian pharmacy has city's confidence
Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and city officials shrugged off yesterday the latest FDA warning about the safety of importing and distributing drugs from Canada.
More than 840 applications to join Menino's Canadian drug-buying program have been handed out, city officials said.
In a letter detailed in yesterday's Herald, the federal Food and Drug Administration told Menino that the Canadian pharmacy set to supply Boston has broken similar agreements with Wisconsin.
From the Calgary Sun:
U.S. fights local pharmacy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has pointed the finger at a Calgary-based Internet pharmacy in its fight against the cross-border prescription drug industry. But the Alberta Pharmacists Association spokesperson who has toured Total Care Pharmacy's site said there's nothing wrong with its practices.
"I saw dedicated pharmacists that enjoyed practising in a different setting and were committed to patient care," said Peggy Berndt.
She said what's led to Internet pharmacies is elevated drug prices in the U.S. -- and that's an American responsibility.
U.S. fights local pharmacy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has pointed the finger at a Calgary-based Internet pharmacy in its fight against the cross-border prescription drug industry. But the Alberta Pharmacists Association spokesperson who has toured Total Care Pharmacy's site said there's nothing wrong with its practices.
"I saw dedicated pharmacists that enjoyed practising in a different setting and were committed to patient care," said Peggy Berndt.
She said what's led to Internet pharmacies is elevated drug prices in the U.S. -- and that's an American responsibility.
From the Sarasota (FL) Herald Tribune:
Board wins order against business selling Canadian drugs
The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy obtained a temporary injunction Friday banning the Canadian owners of a suburban New Orleans store from selling inexpensive prescription drugs.
The board went after NorthCareDrugs.com, claiming that the company's Kenner store is acting as a pharmacy without the proper state permit.
But the company said the store is acting as a broker between individuals and pharmacies and is itself not a pharmacy.
Board wins order against business selling Canadian drugs
The Louisiana Board of Pharmacy obtained a temporary injunction Friday banning the Canadian owners of a suburban New Orleans store from selling inexpensive prescription drugs.
The board went after NorthCareDrugs.com, claiming that the company's Kenner store is acting as a pharmacy without the proper state permit.
But the company said the store is acting as a broker between individuals and pharmacies and is itself not a pharmacy.
Thursday, August 05, 2004
Freom the Globe and Mail:
Theft alarms Net drug buyers
The theft and attempted sale of private patient information from a Manitoba Internet pharmacy has sparked calls for more regulation and monitoring.
"Peoples' confidence is getting shaken," said Marilyn Aulson, who runs a business in Massachusetts that connects seniors to Internet pharmacies in Canada. People need to feel safe or they won't do this."
Last week, a letter was sent to pharmacies around Manitoba in which a Florida-based company solicits buyers for the names and drug information of 32,600 U.S. patients. All bought prescription drugs on-line through a Winnipeg Internet company called CanadaDrugs.com.
Theft alarms Net drug buyers
The theft and attempted sale of private patient information from a Manitoba Internet pharmacy has sparked calls for more regulation and monitoring.
"Peoples' confidence is getting shaken," said Marilyn Aulson, who runs a business in Massachusetts that connects seniors to Internet pharmacies in Canada. People need to feel safe or they won't do this."
Last week, a letter was sent to pharmacies around Manitoba in which a Florida-based company solicits buyers for the names and drug information of 32,600 U.S. patients. All bought prescription drugs on-line through a Winnipeg Internet company called CanadaDrugs.com.
From the Miami Herald:
Canada feels squeeze from drug makers
Because of strong resistance from major pharmaceutical manufacturers, presidential candidate's John Kerry's plan to enable Americans to buy cheaper drugs abroad may not be as easy as he envisions.
The reason is that many of the large manufacturers, led by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, have cut off a huge chunk of the international traffic by reducing supplies to Canada.
That has left Canadian pharmacies looking around the world to find drugs, adding a third party to what is already a complicated international transaction.
Canada feels squeeze from drug makers
Because of strong resistance from major pharmaceutical manufacturers, presidential candidate's John Kerry's plan to enable Americans to buy cheaper drugs abroad may not be as easy as he envisions.
The reason is that many of the large manufacturers, led by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline, have cut off a huge chunk of the international traffic by reducing supplies to Canada.
That has left Canadian pharmacies looking around the world to find drugs, adding a third party to what is already a complicated international transaction.
From the Boston Herald:
FDA ``troubled'' over Boston program to buy prescription drugs from Canada
Federal regulators told Mayor Thomas Menino they are ``troubled'' by Boston's decision to join the list of cities allowing city workers and retirees to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
The Food and Drug Administration, reiterating concerns it raised late last year, sent Menino a letter Wednesday reiterating concerns that the program could put citizens at risk from drugs of unknown origin and quantity.
The letter, from William K. Hubbard, the agency's associate commissioner for policy and planning, said, ``We are troubled that you would actively promote such unproven and unregulated drugs to your employees and retirees.''
FDA ``troubled'' over Boston program to buy prescription drugs from Canada
Federal regulators told Mayor Thomas Menino they are ``troubled'' by Boston's decision to join the list of cities allowing city workers and retirees to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
The Food and Drug Administration, reiterating concerns it raised late last year, sent Menino a letter Wednesday reiterating concerns that the program could put citizens at risk from drugs of unknown origin and quantity.
The letter, from William K. Hubbard, the agency's associate commissioner for policy and planning, said, ``We are troubled that you would actively promote such unproven and unregulated drugs to your employees and retirees.''
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
From the Globe and Mail:
Proposal may speed drug approvals, group says
Canada's generic drug makers say a proposal to put pharmacare in federal hands could streamline the process of bringing their products to market, reducing pharmaceutical costs.
Jim Keon, president of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, said there are obvious financial incentives for Ottawa to get cheaper generic drugs on the shelves faster if it is paying the bill.
Proposal may speed drug approvals, group says
Canada's generic drug makers say a proposal to put pharmacare in federal hands could streamline the process of bringing their products to market, reducing pharmaceutical costs.
Jim Keon, president of the Canadian Generic Pharmaceutical Association, said there are obvious financial incentives for Ottawa to get cheaper generic drugs on the shelves faster if it is paying the bill.
From CNEWS:
Provinces asked Ottawa for more pharmacare than promised, McGuinty admits
The national pharmacare program Canada's premiers are urging on Ottawa goes beyond what the federal Liberals promised during the recent election campaign, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty conceded Tuesday.
"I think in fairness to them, they did not commit to a full scope, national pharmacare program of the scope that we have proposed as premiers," McGuinty said. "But they certainly took a very big step in that direction."
Provinces asked Ottawa for more pharmacare than promised, McGuinty admits
The national pharmacare program Canada's premiers are urging on Ottawa goes beyond what the federal Liberals promised during the recent election campaign, Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty conceded Tuesday.
"I think in fairness to them, they did not commit to a full scope, national pharmacare program of the scope that we have proposed as premiers," McGuinty said. "But they certainly took a very big step in that direction."
From the Canadian Press:
Nfld. report recommends release police access health info to combat drug abuse
Police should have access to the confidential health information of drug addicts suspected of illegally obtaining prescription drugs, says a Newfoundland task force on the abuse of the powerful painkiller OxyContin.
In a report released in St. John's on Tuesday, the task force recommended the provincial cabinet authorize health officials to release to police information on individuals suspected of criminal activity to feed their drug habit. "Currently the police are limited in their ability to initiate investigations and access information," said Justice Minister Tom Marshall.
Nfld. report recommends release police access health info to combat drug abuse
Police should have access to the confidential health information of drug addicts suspected of illegally obtaining prescription drugs, says a Newfoundland task force on the abuse of the powerful painkiller OxyContin.
In a report released in St. John's on Tuesday, the task force recommended the provincial cabinet authorize health officials to release to police information on individuals suspected of criminal activity to feed their drug habit. "Currently the police are limited in their ability to initiate investigations and access information," said Justice Minister Tom Marshall.
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
From GlobeSt.com:
Canadian Firm Picks Up 1,549 Drug Stores
The locally based international drugstore chain the Jean Coutu Group Inc. has completed the acquisition of approximately 1,549 Eckerd drugstores and support facilities in the Eastern US for about $2.5 billion (including $112 million in closing costs). The seller was JCPenney Co. Inc., which concurrently closed on the sale of another 1,260 Eckerd stores to CVS Corp. for $2.1 billion.
Canadian Firm Picks Up 1,549 Drug Stores
The locally based international drugstore chain the Jean Coutu Group Inc. has completed the acquisition of approximately 1,549 Eckerd drugstores and support facilities in the Eastern US for about $2.5 billion (including $112 million in closing costs). The seller was JCPenney Co. Inc., which concurrently closed on the sale of another 1,260 Eckerd stores to CVS Corp. for $2.1 billion.
Sunday, August 01, 2004
From the Montreal Gazette:
Pharmacare leaves patients vulnerable, rights group says
The premiers' demands for a federal pharmacare program to replace the existing provincial drug plans were met with a weary disdain by a local patients' rights group yesterday.
Paul Brunet of the Conseil pour la protection des malades accused the premiers of engaging in political ego-stroking instead of concrete action.
Pharmacare leaves patients vulnerable, rights group says
The premiers' demands for a federal pharmacare program to replace the existing provincial drug plans were met with a weary disdain by a local patients' rights group yesterday.
Paul Brunet of the Conseil pour la protection des malades accused the premiers of engaging in political ego-stroking instead of concrete action.
From the Toronto Star:
Premiers push national drug plan
Canada's premiers are proposing a national pharmacare program they say is a "visionary" attempt to improve medicare for future generations.
At the conclusion of their annual meeting here yesterday, the premiers and territorial leaders called on the federal government to assume control of billions of dollars' worth of prescription drugs with the creation of a national program to pay drug costs for seniors and welfare recipients as well as people facing so-called "catastrophic" drug bills.
Premiers push national drug plan
Canada's premiers are proposing a national pharmacare program they say is a "visionary" attempt to improve medicare for future generations.
At the conclusion of their annual meeting here yesterday, the premiers and territorial leaders called on the federal government to assume control of billions of dollars' worth of prescription drugs with the creation of a national program to pay drug costs for seniors and welfare recipients as well as people facing so-called "catastrophic" drug bills.
From the Globe and Mail:
Drug makers unlikely to embrace new proposal
A proposal for a national pharmacare program will not win immediate endorsement from drug companies, a leading health expert says.
Michael Dector, chairman of the newly formed Health Council of Canada, said a national prescription drug program could limit points of access for Canadian pharmaceutical companies to have their drugs approved and funded.
Drug makers unlikely to embrace new proposal
A proposal for a national pharmacare program will not win immediate endorsement from drug companies, a leading health expert says.
Michael Dector, chairman of the newly formed Health Council of Canada, said a national prescription drug program could limit points of access for Canadian pharmaceutical companies to have their drugs approved and funded.
From the Globe and Mail:
Drug plan fraught with pitfalls, Alberta health-policy experts say
A proposal for the biggest expansion in public health care in decades met a cool response yesterday in Alberta, where private-sector involvement is at the top of government plans for reform.
A call by the premiers, including Alberta's Ralph Klein, for a national pharmacare program would only add confusion to the system, health-policy experts said.
Drug plan fraught with pitfalls, Alberta health-policy experts say
A proposal for the biggest expansion in public health care in decades met a cool response yesterday in Alberta, where private-sector involvement is at the top of government plans for reform.
A call by the premiers, including Alberta's Ralph Klein, for a national pharmacare program would only add confusion to the system, health-policy experts said.
From the Naples (FL) News:
Halsteds fight state over Canadian prescription business
We are not a pharmacy or a drugstore," states the answering machine at the business that was once called Canadian/RX Prescription Services.
The declaration has become a crucial one for the Halsted family. One June 19, the Florida Department of Health served a cease and desist order to the family's business at 4267 Bonita Beach Road. Eleven other stores also got notices. All engaged in the same line of work: connecting Floridians to Canadian pharmacies.
Halsteds fight state over Canadian prescription business
We are not a pharmacy or a drugstore," states the answering machine at the business that was once called Canadian/RX Prescription Services.
The declaration has become a crucial one for the Halsted family. One June 19, the Florida Department of Health served a cease and desist order to the family's business at 4267 Bonita Beach Road. Eleven other stores also got notices. All engaged in the same line of work: connecting Floridians to Canadian pharmacies.
From CBC.ca:
Premiers propose drug plan paid for by Ottawa
Canada's premiers and territorial leaders have unanimously agreed to create a national pharmacare program – but they want Ottawa to pay for it.
The leaders say they'll also ask Ottawa to increase its share of all other health-care spending to 25 per cent of the total at the federal-provincial health-care summit in September.
Ottawa now pays for about 16 per cent of health-care costs.
Premiers propose drug plan paid for by Ottawa
Canada's premiers and territorial leaders have unanimously agreed to create a national pharmacare program – but they want Ottawa to pay for it.
The leaders say they'll also ask Ottawa to increase its share of all other health-care spending to 25 per cent of the total at the federal-provincial health-care summit in September.
Ottawa now pays for about 16 per cent of health-care costs.
From CBC Manitoba:
Doer praises national pharmacare idea
Premier Gary Doer is calling the idea of a national pharmacare program both visionary and sensible.
Canada's premiers and territorial leaders ended their annual meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario by announcing they want the federal government to start paying their prescription drug bills.
Manitoba's premier says Ottawa already does a lot of the work in regulating prescription drugs.
Doer praises national pharmacare idea
Premier Gary Doer is calling the idea of a national pharmacare program both visionary and sensible.
Canada's premiers and territorial leaders ended their annual meeting in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario by announcing they want the federal government to start paying their prescription drug bills.
Manitoba's premier says Ottawa already does a lot of the work in regulating prescription drugs.
From the Globe and Mail:
How the door to national pharmacare swung open
This was no precooked communiqué. The electrifying decision by Canada's premiers to ask the federal government to establish a national pharmacare program was not even on the agenda when provincial and territorial leaders first met on Thursday morning.
The idea had occurred earlier to several of the leaders. British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell raised the subject with Ontario's Dalton McGuinty in a meeting a week ago in Vancouver. But it was only an ill-defined germ of an idea when the Ontario Premier convened the annual premiers conference two days ago in the elegant Queen's Landing Inn overlooking the Niagara River.
How the door to national pharmacare swung open
This was no precooked communiqué. The electrifying decision by Canada's premiers to ask the federal government to establish a national pharmacare program was not even on the agenda when provincial and territorial leaders first met on Thursday morning.
The idea had occurred earlier to several of the leaders. British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell raised the subject with Ontario's Dalton McGuinty in a meeting a week ago in Vancouver. But it was only an ill-defined germ of an idea when the Ontario Premier convened the annual premiers conference two days ago in the elegant Queen's Landing Inn overlooking the Niagara River.
From the Berkshire (Mass.) Eagle:
Canadian drug program starts slowly in Pittsfield
The city's foray into Canada in search of cheaper prescription drugs is off to a slow start, hindered by the delayed release of information to the eligible employees and retirees.
As of July 1, the first day of this fiscal year, every city employee and retiree covered by Pittsfield's health plan has been able to order many brand-name prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy, CanAm Health Source of Montreal.
Canadian drug program starts slowly in Pittsfield
The city's foray into Canada in search of cheaper prescription drugs is off to a slow start, hindered by the delayed release of information to the eligible employees and retirees.
As of July 1, the first day of this fiscal year, every city employee and retiree covered by Pittsfield's health plan has been able to order many brand-name prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy, CanAm Health Source of Montreal.
Friday, July 30, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Internet pharmacy association to study issue of large U.S. contracts
The association representing Canada's Internet pharmacies will spend the next two months revisiting its opposition to large contracts with U.S. cities and states before deciding whether the much-publicized policy should stand.
The outcome could have sweeping implications for the Canadian International Pharmacy Association and the course it charts in its ongoing struggle to defend its industry against criticism it will drain the Canadian drug supply.
Internet pharmacy association to study issue of large U.S. contracts
The association representing Canada's Internet pharmacies will spend the next two months revisiting its opposition to large contracts with U.S. cities and states before deciding whether the much-publicized policy should stand.
The outcome could have sweeping implications for the Canadian International Pharmacy Association and the course it charts in its ongoing struggle to defend its industry against criticism it will drain the Canadian drug supply.
From CBC Manitoba:
California officials visit Manitoba's Internet pharmacies
A delegation of California legislators and health officials are in Winnipeg to look at the safety of Manitoba's Internet pharmacies.
The online pharmacies are doing a booming business and David MacKay wants to keep it that way.
He's the head of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association and host of the tour.
California officials visit Manitoba's Internet pharmacies
A delegation of California legislators and health officials are in Winnipeg to look at the safety of Manitoba's Internet pharmacies.
The online pharmacies are doing a booming business and David MacKay wants to keep it that way.
He's the head of the Canadian International Pharmacy Association and host of the tour.
From the Winnipeg Sun:
Californians like our Net pharmacies
A group of California lobbyists and policy-makers says the Canadian Internet pharmacies they've seen first-hand in Manitoba are safe for Americans to use. "I've been extremely satisfied with what I've seen so far," Keith Carson, a district supervisor with the Alameda, Calf., County Board of Supervisors, told reporters yesterday following a tour of Universal Drug Store on Notre Dame Avenue.
Carson is part of a delegation of Californians in Winnipeg touring several Internet pharmacies. They head to Vancouver today.
Californians like our Net pharmacies
A group of California lobbyists and policy-makers says the Canadian Internet pharmacies they've seen first-hand in Manitoba are safe for Americans to use. "I've been extremely satisfied with what I've seen so far," Keith Carson, a district supervisor with the Alameda, Calf., County Board of Supervisors, told reporters yesterday following a tour of Universal Drug Store on Notre Dame Avenue.
Carson is part of a delegation of Californians in Winnipeg touring several Internet pharmacies. They head to Vancouver today.
From the Globe and Mail:
Kerry would legalize import of Canadian prescription drugs
Democratic presidential contender John Kerry is promising to legalize the growing trend by Americans to purchase prescription drugs from Canada as part of a platform that proclaims health care is a "right and not a privilege."
Mr. Kerry's election blueprint has something for just about everybody. It promises military strength, and even unilateral action if necessary, while committing to global co-operation on the war on terror and international development.
Kerry would legalize import of Canadian prescription drugs
Democratic presidential contender John Kerry is promising to legalize the growing trend by Americans to purchase prescription drugs from Canada as part of a platform that proclaims health care is a "right and not a privilege."
Mr. Kerry's election blueprint has something for just about everybody. It promises military strength, and even unilateral action if necessary, while committing to global co-operation on the war on terror and international development.
From CBS Marketwatch:
Prescription savings via Canada -- or the generic route
Run to Canada to save on drug costs, that is.
As part of efforts to respond to the ongoing rise in drug costs -- three times the rate of inflation during the first quarter of 2004, according to a study by AARP -- Boston recently became the largest city in the nation to offer prescription drugs from Canada.
The city's 14,000 workers and retirees eligible to participate in Boston's program are among the millions of Americans, especially the uninsured or underinsured, who are seeking ways to reduce their out-of-pocket medication expenses.
Prescription savings via Canada -- or the generic route
Run to Canada to save on drug costs, that is.
As part of efforts to respond to the ongoing rise in drug costs -- three times the rate of inflation during the first quarter of 2004, according to a study by AARP -- Boston recently became the largest city in the nation to offer prescription drugs from Canada.
The city's 14,000 workers and retirees eligible to participate in Boston's program are among the millions of Americans, especially the uninsured or underinsured, who are seeking ways to reduce their out-of-pocket medication expenses.
From the Washington Post:
Montgomery Drug Plan Has the Votes, but Could Rouse the FDA
A majority of the Montgomery County Council is on record supporting a program that would probably involve importing lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada for county employees and retirees.
That doesn't mean the skeptics in the minority are going to go along without a fight.
Montgomery Drug Plan Has the Votes, but Could Rouse the FDA
A majority of the Montgomery County Council is on record supporting a program that would probably involve importing lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada for county employees and retirees.
That doesn't mean the skeptics in the minority are going to go along without a fight.
From CBC Manitoba:
Canada to become prescription drug pipeline?
A group of California legislators and health officials were in Winnipeg on Tuesday to investigate the safety of internet pharmacies.
High drug costs south of the border have forced many states to buy cheaper Canadian drugs.
California has a population larger than Canada's and a huge pool of prescription drug buyers.
Canada to become prescription drug pipeline?
A group of California legislators and health officials were in Winnipeg on Tuesday to investigate the safety of internet pharmacies.
High drug costs south of the border have forced many states to buy cheaper Canadian drugs.
California has a population larger than Canada's and a huge pool of prescription drug buyers.
From the Globe and Mail:
Canadian drugs 'dangerous'
As some U.S. states welcome Canadian Internet pharmacies and the cheaper prescription drugs they sell, Florida Governor Jeb Bush says they're making his residents sick, and he's not sold on them.
"In Florida, we have asked [Internet drug companies] to license themselves as pharmacies," said Mr. Bush, who was in Ottawa on a trade mission Thursday.
Canadian drugs 'dangerous'
As some U.S. states welcome Canadian Internet pharmacies and the cheaper prescription drugs they sell, Florida Governor Jeb Bush says they're making his residents sick, and he's not sold on them.
"In Florida, we have asked [Internet drug companies] to license themselves as pharmacies," said Mr. Bush, who was in Ottawa on a trade mission Thursday.
From Pulse of the Twin Cities (Minn.):
Minnesotans take on Big Pharma
Americans have long lamented the escalating prices of medicine and Big Pharma’s near-monopoly on the industry. But a group of Minnesotans is challenging this national problem, alleging that nine pharmaceutical giants are colluding to keep us under the thumb of high prices.
The suit, filed May 19 on behalf of the Minnesota Senior Federation, may be awarded federal class-action status, depending approval by federal Judge John Tunheim. If Tunheim allows the suit to go federal, said lead attorney Marvin Miller, all Americans who have purchased brand-name pharmaceuticals that could have been more cheaply purchased in Canada would be eligible.
Minnesotans take on Big Pharma
Americans have long lamented the escalating prices of medicine and Big Pharma’s near-monopoly on the industry. But a group of Minnesotans is challenging this national problem, alleging that nine pharmaceutical giants are colluding to keep us under the thumb of high prices.
The suit, filed May 19 on behalf of the Minnesota Senior Federation, may be awarded federal class-action status, depending approval by federal Judge John Tunheim. If Tunheim allows the suit to go federal, said lead attorney Marvin Miller, all Americans who have purchased brand-name pharmaceuticals that could have been more cheaply purchased in Canada would be eligible.
From E-Commerce News:
Online Pharmacies: Is the Tide Finally Turning?
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, recently introduced the Safe Importing of Medical Products and Rx Therapies Act, a bill that will allow for importation of prescription drugs from Canada and a number of Western European countries. The Act is designed to combat the high cost of prescription drugs. If signed into law, it would allow individuals, pharmacies and wholesalers to safely import cheaper Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription drugs from these countries.
Online Pharmacies: Is the Tide Finally Turning?
U.S. Sen. Judd Gregg, chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, recently introduced the Safe Importing of Medical Products and Rx Therapies Act, a bill that will allow for importation of prescription drugs from Canada and a number of Western European countries. The Act is designed to combat the high cost of prescription drugs. If signed into law, it would allow individuals, pharmacies and wholesalers to safely import cheaper Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved prescription drugs from these countries.
From CBC Calgary:
Local Internet pharmacy to supply U.S. city
There are concerns that a Calgary-based Internet pharmacy's unusual deal with an American city could set a dangerous precedent.
Total Care Pharmacy recently signed a contract with the City of Boston to supply as many as 14,000 employees and retirees with cheap drugs.
Boston is the largest city in the United States to sign such a deal. Mark Reynolds, a city spokesman, says the project will save Boston about $1 million a year in drug costs.
Already, Reynolds says, the deal is attracting attention. "There is a certain amount of interest and we've had other cities and states call us and ask us for information."
Local Internet pharmacy to supply U.S. city
There are concerns that a Calgary-based Internet pharmacy's unusual deal with an American city could set a dangerous precedent.
Total Care Pharmacy recently signed a contract with the City of Boston to supply as many as 14,000 employees and retirees with cheap drugs.
Boston is the largest city in the United States to sign such a deal. Mark Reynolds, a city spokesman, says the project will save Boston about $1 million a year in drug costs.
Already, Reynolds says, the deal is attracting attention. "There is a certain amount of interest and we've had other cities and states call us and ask us for information."
From the Montgomery County (MD) Sentinel:
County courts Canadian drug answers
A majority of members of the Montgomery County Council are positioned to buck the federal government and the state's pharmacists and vote on September 14 in favor of a plan that would allow the importation of prescription drugs from Canada.
The approval would conflict with warnings against the plan issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA).
Patrick Lacefield, spokesman for the Council said that currently council members Tom Perez, Phil Andrews, Marilyn Praisner, Howard Denis, and George Leventhal would likely vote to allow the drugs. The approval could save the county $15 million a year on drug costs for county employees and their families according to a report prepared for the Council in April.
County courts Canadian drug answers
A majority of members of the Montgomery County Council are positioned to buck the federal government and the state's pharmacists and vote on September 14 in favor of a plan that would allow the importation of prescription drugs from Canada.
The approval would conflict with warnings against the plan issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Maryland Pharmacists Association (MPhA).
Patrick Lacefield, spokesman for the Council said that currently council members Tom Perez, Phil Andrews, Marilyn Praisner, Howard Denis, and George Leventhal would likely vote to allow the drugs. The approval could save the county $15 million a year on drug costs for county employees and their families according to a report prepared for the Council in April.
From the Register (UK):
US online pharmacies take fight to Canadians
The trade in discounted prescription drugs between Canada and the US has elicited considerable controversy on both sides of the border. Yet recent figures show that sales of drugs via Canadian pharmacies have not been as great as some had predicted. However, as Datamonitor's David Deon explains, pharmaceutical companies could go further by driving the expansion of online prescribing in the US.
Minnesota and Wisconsin have generated about $545,000 in sales in the first five months of their state-sponsored websites offering Canadian drugs, according to figures made public last week. These are the first public accounting figures showing how much residents are using the websites, which were created by the governors of the two states. Yet the level of sales recorded represents a fraction of the cross-border business done by private and non-profit websites.
US online pharmacies take fight to Canadians
The trade in discounted prescription drugs between Canada and the US has elicited considerable controversy on both sides of the border. Yet recent figures show that sales of drugs via Canadian pharmacies have not been as great as some had predicted. However, as Datamonitor's David Deon explains, pharmaceutical companies could go further by driving the expansion of online prescribing in the US.
Minnesota and Wisconsin have generated about $545,000 in sales in the first five months of their state-sponsored websites offering Canadian drugs, according to figures made public last week. These are the first public accounting figures showing how much residents are using the websites, which were created by the governors of the two states. Yet the level of sales recorded represents a fraction of the cross-border business done by private and non-profit websites.
From WCPO-TV (OH):
Owners Of Canadian Discount Drug Company Say They Are Legal
By next month, a new Silverton storefront says Cincinnati residents won't have to go all the way to Canada to get cheaper prices on prescription drugs.
They may be able to go to a local storefront and use Internet computers to order drugs from a large Canadian pharmacy.
A mother and daughter from Wyoming hope to open their "Discount Drugs from Canada" storefront on Montgomery Road early next month.
Owners Of Canadian Discount Drug Company Say They Are Legal
By next month, a new Silverton storefront says Cincinnati residents won't have to go all the way to Canada to get cheaper prices on prescription drugs.
They may be able to go to a local storefront and use Internet computers to order drugs from a large Canadian pharmacy.
A mother and daughter from Wyoming hope to open their "Discount Drugs from Canada" storefront on Montgomery Road early next month.
Monday, July 26, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Merck, Schering-Plough launch new, combination cholesterol pill
Vytorin, the first pill to lower cholesterol in two ways, should hit pharmacy shelves within weeks, the makers said Monday as they promised heavy marketing and a discounted price to battle the top-selling competition.
A joint venture between pharmaceutical companies Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. won Food and Drug Administration approval late Friday for Vytorin as a supplement to dieting - an approval crucial for both companies.
Merck, Schering-Plough launch new, combination cholesterol pill
Vytorin, the first pill to lower cholesterol in two ways, should hit pharmacy shelves within weeks, the makers said Monday as they promised heavy marketing and a discounted price to battle the top-selling competition.
A joint venture between pharmaceutical companies Merck & Co. and Schering-Plough Corp. won Food and Drug Administration approval late Friday for Vytorin as a supplement to dieting - an approval crucial for both companies.
From the Tallahassee (FL) Democrat:
FDA warning upsets some nursing moms
Doreen Fisher eats organic food, doesn't touch red meat and tries to avoid taking medication. But when it comes to breast-feeding her son, she makes an exception.
"I don't even take an aspirin," says Fisher, 36. "But that's how passionate I feel about breast-feeding my child."
Because of a hormonal condition that limits her natural milk production, Fisher takes domperidone, which she says has enabled her to breast-feed her 8-month-old son, Stone.
"It's worked wonderfully, and I've never seen any side effects," says Fisher, who orders the drug from a pharmacy overseas. "I don't know what I would do without it."
FDA warning upsets some nursing moms
Doreen Fisher eats organic food, doesn't touch red meat and tries to avoid taking medication. But when it comes to breast-feeding her son, she makes an exception.
"I don't even take an aspirin," says Fisher, 36. "But that's how passionate I feel about breast-feeding my child."
Because of a hormonal condition that limits her natural milk production, Fisher takes domperidone, which she says has enabled her to breast-feed her 8-month-old son, Stone.
"It's worked wonderfully, and I've never seen any side effects," says Fisher, who orders the drug from a pharmacy overseas. "I don't know what I would do without it."
From the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune:
FDA says Montgomery County should scrap Canadian drug plan
The Food and Drug Administration and pharmacists asked Montgomery County on Monday to reject a plan that would make it the first jurisdiction in Maryland to import prescription drugs from Canada, saying it is illegal and would put patients at risk of receiving bogus and unsafe drugs.
Drugs sold outside the United States, often through Internet sites, are outside federal regulatory and safety control, said Thomas McGinnis, director of pharmacy affairs at the FDA. Some of those drugs are knockoffs that are made in other countries, not Canada, he said.
FDA says Montgomery County should scrap Canadian drug plan
The Food and Drug Administration and pharmacists asked Montgomery County on Monday to reject a plan that would make it the first jurisdiction in Maryland to import prescription drugs from Canada, saying it is illegal and would put patients at risk of receiving bogus and unsafe drugs.
Drugs sold outside the United States, often through Internet sites, are outside federal regulatory and safety control, said Thomas McGinnis, director of pharmacy affairs at the FDA. Some of those drugs are knockoffs that are made in other countries, not Canada, he said.
Sunday, July 25, 2004
From HealthTalk.ca:
Boston Launches Pilot Program To Purchase Meds From Canada
The city of Boston has launched a pilot program that will enable current and retired employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage to purchase prescription medications from a Canadian mail-order pharmacy.
"People who use this program will pay no co-payment for the medicines from this service," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino in a statement on the city's Web site.
Boston Launches Pilot Program To Purchase Meds From Canada
The city of Boston has launched a pilot program that will enable current and retired employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage to purchase prescription medications from a Canadian mail-order pharmacy.
"People who use this program will pay no co-payment for the medicines from this service," said Mayor Thomas M. Menino in a statement on the city's Web site.
From the San Mateo County (CA) Times:
Officials look to Canada for medicine
Bay Area officials embark Monday on a three-day trip to Canada to tour mail-order pharmacies that may supply prescription drugs to Californians.
Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Santa Clara County health officials, representatives of AARP and chief of staff for state Sen. Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont, are among those on the trip.
Figueroa and state Sen. Deborah Ortiz, D-Sacramento, were scheduled to lead the delegation but had to cancel because of the state budget impasse.
Officials look to Canada for medicine
Bay Area officials embark Monday on a three-day trip to Canada to tour mail-order pharmacies that may supply prescription drugs to Californians.
Alameda County Supervisor Keith Carson, Santa Clara County health officials, representatives of AARP and chief of staff for state Sen. Liz Figueroa, D-Fremont, are among those on the trip.
Figueroa and state Sen. Deborah Ortiz, D-Sacramento, were scheduled to lead the delegation but had to cancel because of the state budget impasse.
Saturday, July 24, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Pharmaceutical group files complaint against firm for ordering Canadian drugs
A Puerto Rican pharmaceutical association has filed a complaint against a local company for ordering prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy.
The Association of Community Pharmacies accused Farmacan PR, Inc. of violating federal regulations by ordering prescription drugs from Fort Garry Pharmacy, based in Winnipeg, the local newspaper El Nuevo Dia reported Thursday. The association filed the complaint July 2 in Puerto Rico's Health Department, which gave Farmacan until July 28 to respond.
Pharmaceutical group files complaint against firm for ordering Canadian drugs
A Puerto Rican pharmaceutical association has filed a complaint against a local company for ordering prescription drugs from a Canadian pharmacy.
The Association of Community Pharmacies accused Farmacan PR, Inc. of violating federal regulations by ordering prescription drugs from Fort Garry Pharmacy, based in Winnipeg, the local newspaper El Nuevo Dia reported Thursday. The association filed the complaint July 2 in Puerto Rico's Health Department, which gave Farmacan until July 28 to respond.
From Tampa Bay 10:
Canadian drug storefronts still at odds with state health department
Retired engineer Robert Heinrich pedals to the Discount Medicine of Canada store every three months. He saves about two thousand dollars a year ordering prescription drugs from Canada.
Heinrich says he can’t understand why the state health department wants to license order-processing businesses, as pharmacies.
Canadian drug storefronts still at odds with state health department
Retired engineer Robert Heinrich pedals to the Discount Medicine of Canada store every three months. He saves about two thousand dollars a year ordering prescription drugs from Canada.
Heinrich says he can’t understand why the state health department wants to license order-processing businesses, as pharmacies.
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
From the Lakeland (FL) Ledger:
Boston OKs Canada Prescription-Drug Plan
Boston on Wednesday became the largest city in the nation to offer prescription drugs from Canada in a move expected to save about $1 million in its first year.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino backed the pilot program despite a federal prohibition on the practice and urging from Food and Drug Administration officials to drop the idea over concerns about the safety of the drugs.
Boston OKs Canada Prescription-Drug Plan
Boston on Wednesday became the largest city in the nation to offer prescription drugs from Canada in a move expected to save about $1 million in its first year.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino backed the pilot program despite a federal prohibition on the practice and urging from Food and Drug Administration officials to drop the idea over concerns about the safety of the drugs.
From the Boston Herald:
Boston announces deal to buy prescription drugs from Canada
The city on Wednesday joined a short list of Massachusetts cities that allow city employees and retirees to buy prescription drugs from Canada, a move officials predict will save about $1 million in its first year.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino went ahead with the plan despite a federal prohibition on the practice and despite a meeting late last year during which Food and Drug Administration officials urged him to drop the proposal.
Boston announces deal to buy prescription drugs from Canada
The city on Wednesday joined a short list of Massachusetts cities that allow city employees and retirees to buy prescription drugs from Canada, a move officials predict will save about $1 million in its first year.
Mayor Thomas M. Menino went ahead with the plan despite a federal prohibition on the practice and despite a meeting late last year during which Food and Drug Administration officials urged him to drop the proposal.
From the Minneapolis Star Tribune:
Modest start for state drug sites
Minnesota and Wisconsin, the first states offering Canadian drugs through state-sponsored Web sites, have generated about $545,000 in sales in the first five months -- a fraction of the cross-border business done by private and nonprofit Internet sites.
Together, residents of the two states have ordered about 4,500 prescriptions through the Internet programs this year.
In Minnesota, low-cost Canadian drugs worth about $387,000 have been purchased in five months through the state-sponsored Minnesota RxConnect program launched Jan. 30, and a companion program for state employees begun in February. Wisconsin's program had $158,000 in sales in three months.
Modest start for state drug sites
Minnesota and Wisconsin, the first states offering Canadian drugs through state-sponsored Web sites, have generated about $545,000 in sales in the first five months -- a fraction of the cross-border business done by private and nonprofit Internet sites.
Together, residents of the two states have ordered about 4,500 prescriptions through the Internet programs this year.
In Minnesota, low-cost Canadian drugs worth about $387,000 have been purchased in five months through the state-sponsored Minnesota RxConnect program launched Jan. 30, and a companion program for state employees begun in February. Wisconsin's program had $158,000 in sales in three months.
From the Pittsburgh Tribune Review:
FDA: Canada Drug Service illegal
Federal government officials Wednesday said a newly opened Hempfield Township storefront pharmacy is illegal.
Canada Drug Service, with a small ground-floor office on Rugh Street, bills itself as a "middleman" in bringing cheaper prescription drugs to local consumers. But according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, such businesses violate laws prohibiting anyone other than manufacturers in this country from importing drugs from Canada or other countries.
FDA: Canada Drug Service illegal
Federal government officials Wednesday said a newly opened Hempfield Township storefront pharmacy is illegal.
Canada Drug Service, with a small ground-floor office on Rugh Street, bills itself as a "middleman" in bringing cheaper prescription drugs to local consumers. But according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, such businesses violate laws prohibiting anyone other than manufacturers in this country from importing drugs from Canada or other countries.
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