From the Fall River (Mass.) Herald News:
Lambert unveils Rx program
Thanks to an agreement between the city and a Canadian company, cheaper prescription drugs will soon be available to Fall River residents and employees.
But the company the city has chosen has been warned about possible violations of federal drug laws by the Food and Drug Administration, an FDA director said Monday, adding that eventually the FDA may take the company to court.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
From the Quad-City (IL) Times
Q-C pharmacists: Savings is not the only issue
The Medicine Shoppe franchise was going to be the RX for Richard Moses’ retirement. Monday he was beginning to wonder if the business can survive until he is ready to retire.
Moses, a pharmacist and owner of the Medicine Shoppe in Rock Island, said the announcement that Illinois will sponsor a program to allow the state’s 13 million residents to purchase their prescription drugs from Canada and Europe, could be terrible news for independent pharmacy owners.
“It will probably put some of us out of business,” Moses said. “Many of us will find it difficult to keep our businesses alive. Yes, I’m worried about my business.
Q-C pharmacists: Savings is not the only issue
The Medicine Shoppe franchise was going to be the RX for Richard Moses’ retirement. Monday he was beginning to wonder if the business can survive until he is ready to retire.
Moses, a pharmacist and owner of the Medicine Shoppe in Rock Island, said the announcement that Illinois will sponsor a program to allow the state’s 13 million residents to purchase their prescription drugs from Canada and Europe, could be terrible news for independent pharmacy owners.
“It will probably put some of us out of business,” Moses said. “Many of us will find it difficult to keep our businesses alive. Yes, I’m worried about my business.
From the Kansas City Star:
Missouri stores already linking people with Canadian drugs
Shannon Lindsay sees herself as public servant. People come to her Springfield store struggling to afford medicine, and she helps them out.
For example: One woman faced the tough choice of taking the seven drugs prescribed by her doctor or paying her bills. Lindsay told the woman her prescription drug costs could be cut by more than half - from $1,300 every three months to $568 - by ordering her medications from Canada.
"When I called to tell her about the savings, she was overwhelmed," Lindsay said Tuesday. "It makes you feel good to be able to help people."
Missouri stores already linking people with Canadian drugs
Shannon Lindsay sees herself as public servant. People come to her Springfield store struggling to afford medicine, and she helps them out.
For example: One woman faced the tough choice of taking the seven drugs prescribed by her doctor or paying her bills. Lindsay told the woman her prescription drug costs could be cut by more than half - from $1,300 every three months to $568 - by ordering her medications from Canada.
"When I called to tell her about the savings, she was overwhelmed," Lindsay said Tuesday. "It makes you feel good to be able to help people."
From the Canadian Press:
Authenticity of online prescriptions raised at doctor disciplinary hearing
A Toronto doctor accused of co-signing thousands of prescriptions for an online pharmacy without diagnosing patients had no way of verifying if the majority of drug orders he handled were authentic, his disciplinary tribunal heard Wednesday.
On the third day of an Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons hearing for Dr. Stanley Gore, 56, the college's lawyer questioned why the doctor did not do more to verify the prescriptions.
Authenticity of online prescriptions raised at doctor disciplinary hearing
A Toronto doctor accused of co-signing thousands of prescriptions for an online pharmacy without diagnosing patients had no way of verifying if the majority of drug orders he handled were authentic, his disciplinary tribunal heard Wednesday.
On the third day of an Ontario College of Physicians and Surgeons hearing for Dr. Stanley Gore, 56, the college's lawyer questioned why the doctor did not do more to verify the prescriptions.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
From the Boston Globe:
Canadian drug vendor wins deals with 2 states
The Canadian pharmacy manager that arranges prescription shipments to Springfield's city employees landed a chunk of new business yesterday, emerging as the sole supplier for a new prescription importation website unveiled by Illinois and Wisconsin.
The pharmacy manager, CanaRx Services Inc., also said that it signed up yet another municipal client: Fall River. In addition to its Massachusetts clients, CanaRx has contracts to provide drugs to city workers in Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vt.
Canadian drug vendor wins deals with 2 states
The Canadian pharmacy manager that arranges prescription shipments to Springfield's city employees landed a chunk of new business yesterday, emerging as the sole supplier for a new prescription importation website unveiled by Illinois and Wisconsin.
The pharmacy manager, CanaRx Services Inc., also said that it signed up yet another municipal client: Fall River. In addition to its Massachusetts clients, CanaRx has contracts to provide drugs to city workers in Portland, Maine, and Burlington, Vt.
From US News and World Report:
The Senate ties itself in knots over cheaper drugs from Canada
Given the odorously partisan nature of the national political climate, it is something of a stunner to find an issue that can live up to any claim of bipartisan support. But after a long-running battle, a surprising consensus has emerged in Congress around a controversial effort to allow individuals and businesses to import prescription drugs from Canada and other countries where they are generally cheaper than in the United States.
What other issue can bring liberals like Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton together with conservatives like Trent Lott and contrarians like John McCain? "The reason this is so popular in Congress is that it is so popular in the country," says Barry Piatt, a top aide to Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan, who is spearheading the effort to legalize drug importation. A recent survey of Medicare recipients showed 79 percent of them supported changing the rules to allow Americans to buy cheaper drugs in other countries, chiefly Canada.
The Senate ties itself in knots over cheaper drugs from Canada
Given the odorously partisan nature of the national political climate, it is something of a stunner to find an issue that can live up to any claim of bipartisan support. But after a long-running battle, a surprising consensus has emerged in Congress around a controversial effort to allow individuals and businesses to import prescription drugs from Canada and other countries where they are generally cheaper than in the United States.
What other issue can bring liberals like Ted Kennedy and Hillary Clinton together with conservatives like Trent Lott and contrarians like John McCain? "The reason this is so popular in Congress is that it is so popular in the country," says Barry Piatt, a top aide to Democratic Sen. Byron Dorgan, who is spearheading the effort to legalize drug importation. A recent survey of Medicare recipients showed 79 percent of them supported changing the rules to allow Americans to buy cheaper drugs in other countries, chiefly Canada.
From the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader:
Good judgment goes a long way
Kentuckians who purchase prescription medications from Canadian pharmacies need not worry about safety, as long as they use good judgment, a University of Kentucky professor said.
"They need to be streetwise," said Donald Perrier, chairman of the Pharmacy Practice and Science Department.
First, he said, consumers should make sure they're dealing with a licensed pharmacy.
Good judgment goes a long way
Kentuckians who purchase prescription medications from Canadian pharmacies need not worry about safety, as long as they use good judgment, a University of Kentucky professor said.
"They need to be streetwise," said Donald Perrier, chairman of the Pharmacy Practice and Science Department.
First, he said, consumers should make sure they're dealing with a licensed pharmacy.
From the Canadian Press:
Merck looking for new arthritis drugs to market after demise of Vioxx
The arthritis medication at the centre of one of the biggest drug recalls in history was associated with dozens of heart problems and strokes - at least four of them fatal - during the study that led to its demise.
Vioxx was pulled off pharmacists' shelves around the world on Thursday after its maker, Merck and Co., withdrew its top-selling anti-inflammatory drug from the market due to safety concerns. Researchers conducting the study found an increased risk of cardiovascular problems with patients taking the drug for at least 18 months.
Merck looking for new arthritis drugs to market after demise of Vioxx
The arthritis medication at the centre of one of the biggest drug recalls in history was associated with dozens of heart problems and strokes - at least four of them fatal - during the study that led to its demise.
Vioxx was pulled off pharmacists' shelves around the world on Thursday after its maker, Merck and Co., withdrew its top-selling anti-inflammatory drug from the market due to safety concerns. Researchers conducting the study found an increased risk of cardiovascular problems with patients taking the drug for at least 18 months.
From the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader:
Buying drugs from Canada?
State employees, pharmacists and the general public are responding with strong opinions to a state auditor's report suggesting that Kentucky could save more than $100 million a year by purchasing prescription drugs from Canada.
Employees, facing a proposed increase in their health plan costs, love the idea, said Charles Wells, executive director of the Kentucky Association of State Employees.
"We agree very much," he said. "Here is an opportunity for the state employees and teachers to save money."
But pharmacists see Canadian drug reimportation as a way for them to lose money.
"There is another side to this," said Rosemary Smith, a pharmacist who owns a chain of nine Kentucky drug stores. "We will completely destroy the pharmacy business" by purchasing medicines from Canada rather than local pharmacies.
Buying drugs from Canada?
State employees, pharmacists and the general public are responding with strong opinions to a state auditor's report suggesting that Kentucky could save more than $100 million a year by purchasing prescription drugs from Canada.
Employees, facing a proposed increase in their health plan costs, love the idea, said Charles Wells, executive director of the Kentucky Association of State Employees.
"We agree very much," he said. "Here is an opportunity for the state employees and teachers to save money."
But pharmacists see Canadian drug reimportation as a way for them to lose money.
"There is another side to this," said Rosemary Smith, a pharmacist who owns a chain of nine Kentucky drug stores. "We will completely destroy the pharmacy business" by purchasing medicines from Canada rather than local pharmacies.
From the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune
Seniors group rethinks tie to Canadian pharmacy
The Minnesota Senior Federation is considering its next move after learning that the owner of a Canadian mail-order pharmacy that contracts with the group violated Ontario's drug -pricing laws.
Peter Wyckoff, the federation's executive director, said the revelation, made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in letters to several members of Congress, "was a complete surprise to us."
In 2002 the federation launched a Web site linking Americans to CanadaRx.net as a way to save on prescription drug costs. About 6,000 federation members use its drug importation program, and most buy from CanadaRx.net by phone, fax or the Internet.
Seniors group rethinks tie to Canadian pharmacy
The Minnesota Senior Federation is considering its next move after learning that the owner of a Canadian mail-order pharmacy that contracts with the group violated Ontario's drug -pricing laws.
Peter Wyckoff, the federation's executive director, said the revelation, made by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in letters to several members of Congress, "was a complete surprise to us."
In 2002 the federation launched a Web site linking Americans to CanadaRx.net as a way to save on prescription drug costs. About 6,000 federation members use its drug importation program, and most buy from CanadaRx.net by phone, fax or the Internet.
From Medical News Today:
Generic drugs not cheap in Canada
Generic prescription drug prices in Canada are 30% higher prices are in eight other industrialized countries, including the United States, according to a Fraser Institute report released in August, the Washington Times reports.
Brett Skinner, the study's lead author, examined data from public studies conducted by FDA and Canada's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and found that patients in Britain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, France, New Zealand and Australia also paid less for generic drugs than Canadians.
Generic drugs not cheap in Canada
Generic prescription drug prices in Canada are 30% higher prices are in eight other industrialized countries, including the United States, according to a Fraser Institute report released in August, the Washington Times reports.
Brett Skinner, the study's lead author, examined data from public studies conducted by FDA and Canada's Patented Medicine Prices Review Board and found that patients in Britain, Germany, Italy, Sweden, France, New Zealand and Australia also paid less for generic drugs than Canadians.
From the St. Louis Post Dispatch:
Illinois, Wisconsin launch prescription drug import program
The governors of Illinois and Wisconsin on Monday launched the first state-sponsored program to help residents buy cheaper prescription drugs from both Europe and Canada -- despite federal laws banning prescription drug importation.
The program, called I-SaveRx, works through a Canada-based clearinghouse and claims it can save residents 25 percent to 50 percent off U.S. retail prices on about 100 prescription medications.
Illinois, Wisconsin launch prescription drug import program
The governors of Illinois and Wisconsin on Monday launched the first state-sponsored program to help residents buy cheaper prescription drugs from both Europe and Canada -- despite federal laws banning prescription drug importation.
The program, called I-SaveRx, works through a Canada-based clearinghouse and claims it can save residents 25 percent to 50 percent off U.S. retail prices on about 100 prescription medications.
From Yahoo News:
Official: Canada Drug Buys Save Ky. Money
Lexington retiree Gerry Adams has been buying her prescription medications from Canada for two years. The move, Adams said, saves her money and her doctor doesn't hesitate to write a prescription knowing it will be filled in Canada.
"It's exactly the same medicine. It's packaged in the same containers. I'm not the least worried about contamination or (the pharmacy) sending me the wrong thing," she said.
Official: Canada Drug Buys Save Ky. Money
Lexington retiree Gerry Adams has been buying her prescription medications from Canada for two years. The move, Adams said, saves her money and her doctor doesn't hesitate to write a prescription knowing it will be filled in Canada.
"It's exactly the same medicine. It's packaged in the same containers. I'm not the least worried about contamination or (the pharmacy) sending me the wrong thing," she said.
From Maine Today:
Mainers going to Canada for dental services
Mainers are going across the Canadian border for more than just lower-priced prescription drugs. They´re also going there to visit the dentist.
Christine Labelle of Skowhegan goes to a dentist in Lac Megantic, Quebec. Other Mainers are going there too, she said, getting dental work done for a fraction of the cost.
Mainers going to Canada for dental services
Mainers are going across the Canadian border for more than just lower-priced prescription drugs. They´re also going there to visit the dentist.
Christine Labelle of Skowhegan goes to a dentist in Lac Megantic, Quebec. Other Mainers are going there too, she said, getting dental work done for a fraction of the cost.
From the Kentucky Post:
Canadian drug plan is opposed
Local legislators are not embracing state Auditor Crit Luallen's idea of Kentucky buying prescription drugs in Canada.
Luallen last week released a report suggesting that the state could save nearly $37 million on drugs for state employees and $37 million on drugs for Medicaid patients. State employees could save nearly $34 million they'd normally spend on co-pays, the report said.
But such a move would be illegal, Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park said. In addition, Roeding said it's not safe and Canada doesn't have a big enough supply anyway.
Canadian drug plan is opposed
Local legislators are not embracing state Auditor Crit Luallen's idea of Kentucky buying prescription drugs in Canada.
Luallen last week released a report suggesting that the state could save nearly $37 million on drugs for state employees and $37 million on drugs for Medicaid patients. State employees could save nearly $34 million they'd normally spend on co-pays, the report said.
But such a move would be illegal, Sen. Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park said. In addition, Roeding said it's not safe and Canada doesn't have a big enough supply anyway.
Sunday, October 03, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Maine wants to use Indians to import drugs
Maine's governor says he wants federal permission to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada -- via one of the state's Indian tribes.
Gov. John Baldacci's request is unique in seeking to use an Indian tribe, in this case the Penobscot Indian Nation, as the wholesale distributor of the drugs, the New York Times reported Friday.
Maine wants to use Indians to import drugs
Maine's governor says he wants federal permission to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada -- via one of the state's Indian tribes.
Gov. John Baldacci's request is unique in seeking to use an Indian tribe, in this case the Penobscot Indian Nation, as the wholesale distributor of the drugs, the New York Times reported Friday.
Wednesday, September 29, 2004
From NBC11.com (Calif.):
SF Mayor Fights For Cheaper Prescription Drugs
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom took a bold step in the fight for cheaper prescription drugs this week.
He said the city might use its Web site to show people how to save up to 40 percent by buying prescription drugs from Canada.
SF Mayor Fights For Cheaper Prescription Drugs
San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom took a bold step in the fight for cheaper prescription drugs this week.
He said the city might use its Web site to show people how to save up to 40 percent by buying prescription drugs from Canada.
From the Boston Globe:
FDA warns on drugs from Canada
The US government said yesterday that intercepted drugs purportedly sent from Canada, made and shipped elsewhere, had been subject to Canadian recall and had cheaper generic counterparts in the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration said the 439 packages of prescription drugs were ordered by Americans from the website www.CanadaRx.com.
Customs agents in Miami intercepted the drugs that they said had been shipped from CanadaRx's office in the Bahamas.
FDA warns on drugs from Canada
The US government said yesterday that intercepted drugs purportedly sent from Canada, made and shipped elsewhere, had been subject to Canadian recall and had cheaper generic counterparts in the United States.
The Food and Drug Administration said the 439 packages of prescription drugs were ordered by Americans from the website www.CanadaRx.com.
Customs agents in Miami intercepted the drugs that they said had been shipped from CanadaRx's office in the Bahamas.
From Health Canada:
Important safety information for patients taking LAMICTAL (lamotrigine)
Dear Healthcare Professional,
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), following discussions with Health Canada, would like to inform you of important new safety information concerning the antiepileptic, LAMICTAL® (lamotrigine)....
Important safety information for patients taking LAMICTAL (lamotrigine)
Dear Healthcare Professional,
GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), following discussions with Health Canada, would like to inform you of important new safety information concerning the antiepileptic, LAMICTAL® (lamotrigine)....
From MLive.com (Mich.):
Seniors demand access to lower-cost drugs
Just in case the U.S. Senate, which is mulling a vote on legalizing drug imports, didn't get the message yet, hundreds of Michigan seniors rallied at the state's bridges to Canada, demanding access to cheaper drugs.
Monday's rallies at Detroit, Port Huron and Sault Ste. Marie are designed to pressure Congress to legalize an activity that the federal government has been loath to prosecute as public outrage over drug prices mounts: busloads of seniors getting their prescriptions filled in Canada, where prices are lower. The rallies were organized by Michigan AARP, the state's largest senior citizens group.
Seniors demand access to lower-cost drugs
Just in case the U.S. Senate, which is mulling a vote on legalizing drug imports, didn't get the message yet, hundreds of Michigan seniors rallied at the state's bridges to Canada, demanding access to cheaper drugs.
Monday's rallies at Detroit, Port Huron and Sault Ste. Marie are designed to pressure Congress to legalize an activity that the federal government has been loath to prosecute as public outrage over drug prices mounts: busloads of seniors getting their prescriptions filled in Canada, where prices are lower. The rallies were organized by Michigan AARP, the state's largest senior citizens group.
From the Los Angeles Times:
Drug Import Idea Risky, Exec Says
The chief executive of Orange County's largest biomedical company wants Supervisor Chuck Smith to reconsider his effort to allow county employees to buy discounted prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
David Pyott, president and chief executive of Allergan, told the supervisor in a letter received last week that importing drugs from Canada was dangerous and a threat to the state and local economy.
Drug Import Idea Risky, Exec Says
The chief executive of Orange County's largest biomedical company wants Supervisor Chuck Smith to reconsider his effort to allow county employees to buy discounted prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
David Pyott, president and chief executive of Allergan, told the supervisor in a letter received last week that importing drugs from Canada was dangerous and a threat to the state and local economy.
From The Heartland Institute :
Illinois Governor Defies FDA Rule on Drug Importation
Illinois plans to become the first state to directly help residents buy prescription drugs from Europe. The state plans to launch a Web site for residents to buy name-brand drugs from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) announced plans to create the Web site and a network of overseas pharmacies to fill orders on August 17. He made his announcement with Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Illinois), a former Clinton administration advisor whose congressional district includes part of Blagojevich's former congressional district.
Illinois Governor Defies FDA Rule on Drug Importation
Illinois plans to become the first state to directly help residents buy prescription drugs from Europe. The state plans to launch a Web site for residents to buy name-brand drugs from Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
Gov. Rod Blagojevich (D) announced plans to create the Web site and a network of overseas pharmacies to fill orders on August 17. He made his announcement with Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Illinois), a former Clinton administration advisor whose congressional district includes part of Blagojevich's former congressional district.
Tuesday, September 28, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Tribunal dismisses pharmacies' complaints about Internet crackdown
Canada's competition court has refused to hear a complaint by some Ontario pharmacies who say they're being unfairly targeted by drug companies trying to crack down on the cross-border trade.
The federal Competition Tribunal said the four retail pharmacies failed to make the case that their businesses have been hurt financially by blacklists that have kept them from stocking popular prescription drugs.
Tribunal dismisses pharmacies' complaints about Internet crackdown
Canada's competition court has refused to hear a complaint by some Ontario pharmacies who say they're being unfairly targeted by drug companies trying to crack down on the cross-border trade.
The federal Competition Tribunal said the four retail pharmacies failed to make the case that their businesses have been hurt financially by blacklists that have kept them from stocking popular prescription drugs.
From the Lexington (KY) Herald-Leader:
State auditor urges hearings on buying Canadian drugs
The Kentucky General Assembly should hold public hearings to gather expert testimony about purchasing prescription drugs from Canada, state Auditor of Public Accounts Crit Luallen urged Tuesday morning.
Luallen’s office issued a study that indicates that the state could save $107 million a year if all prescription drugs for state employees and Medicaid recipients were bought from Canada.
“It’s time we think outside the box,” Luallen said. “We must go after all the savings that we can.”
State auditor urges hearings on buying Canadian drugs
The Kentucky General Assembly should hold public hearings to gather expert testimony about purchasing prescription drugs from Canada, state Auditor of Public Accounts Crit Luallen urged Tuesday morning.
Luallen’s office issued a study that indicates that the state could save $107 million a year if all prescription drugs for state employees and Medicaid recipients were bought from Canada.
“It’s time we think outside the box,” Luallen said. “We must go after all the savings that we can.”
Wednesday, September 22, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Internet pharmacy founder says streamlining is sign of the times for industry
Tough times in the Internet pharmacy industry have prompted one of its biggest players to streamline Canadian operations by moving about 30 high-paying jobs to Calgary from Winnipeg.
Daren Jorgenson says he's confident the move will help Canadadrugs.com in the short term, but he's less certain the industry he helped create can survive crippling supply restrictions by big pharmaceutical companies opposed to the online business.
Internet pharmacy founder says streamlining is sign of the times for industry
Tough times in the Internet pharmacy industry have prompted one of its biggest players to streamline Canadian operations by moving about 30 high-paying jobs to Calgary from Winnipeg.
Daren Jorgenson says he's confident the move will help Canadadrugs.com in the short term, but he's less certain the industry he helped create can survive crippling supply restrictions by big pharmaceutical companies opposed to the online business.
From In Forum (ND):
Winnipeg trip saves on drugs
Betty Olson boarded the RX Express in Fargo Monday with high hopes.
The bus, sponsored by the Minnesota Senior Federation, was bound for Winnipeg, where Olson expected to save money by buying cheaper Canadian prescription drugs.
Olson, who takes medication to treat her blood pressure, thyroid and bone density, wasn't certain how much she'll save in Canada.
Winnipeg trip saves on drugs
Betty Olson boarded the RX Express in Fargo Monday with high hopes.
The bus, sponsored by the Minnesota Senior Federation, was bound for Winnipeg, where Olson expected to save money by buying cheaper Canadian prescription drugs.
Olson, who takes medication to treat her blood pressure, thyroid and bone density, wasn't certain how much she'll save in Canada.
From CBC Ottawa:
Doc takes college to court over pharmacy deals
A Montreal doctor is taking the Quebec College of Physicians to court for allowing doctors to take money and reduced rent to set up office by pharmacies.
"That goes against the spirit of our code of ethics," Dr. Daniel Poulin said Monday.
Poulin decided to blow the whistle on the deals after representatives of the Jean Coutu pharmacy offered him $500,000 and cut-rate rent to move his practice into a new pharmacy.
Doc takes college to court over pharmacy deals
A Montreal doctor is taking the Quebec College of Physicians to court for allowing doctors to take money and reduced rent to set up office by pharmacies.
"That goes against the spirit of our code of ethics," Dr. Daniel Poulin said Monday.
Poulin decided to blow the whistle on the deals after representatives of the Jean Coutu pharmacy offered him $500,000 and cut-rate rent to move his practice into a new pharmacy.
From the Globe and Mail:
Internet hurting pharmacists
Rapid expansion of both Internet and traditional pharmacies has exacerbated the shortage of pharmacists in Manitoba, a new survey says.
Moreover, pharmacists' wages have gone through the roof. The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists polled its members and found their average wage rose from $31.67 per hour in 2001 to $43.69 per hour in 2003, a 38 per cent increase.
Internet hurting pharmacists
Rapid expansion of both Internet and traditional pharmacies has exacerbated the shortage of pharmacists in Manitoba, a new survey says.
Moreover, pharmacists' wages have gone through the roof. The Manitoba Society of Pharmacists polled its members and found their average wage rose from $31.67 per hour in 2001 to $43.69 per hour in 2003, a 38 per cent increase.
Monday, September 20, 2004
From the Washington Post:
Montgomery to Distribute Prescription Drug Discount Cards
Montgomery County plans to distribute drug cards to all residents that can be used for steep discounts on most prescriptions, County Executive Douglas M. Duncan announced yesterday.
The county will be the first in the region to pool the buying power of its residents to give them an average 20 percent discount at 130 participating local pharmacies.
Although they will be distributed to all residents, officials expect that the cards will be used mainly by the 80,000 county residents who don't have insurance coverage for prescriptions.
Montgomery to Distribute Prescription Drug Discount Cards
Montgomery County plans to distribute drug cards to all residents that can be used for steep discounts on most prescriptions, County Executive Douglas M. Duncan announced yesterday.
The county will be the first in the region to pool the buying power of its residents to give them an average 20 percent discount at 130 participating local pharmacies.
Although they will be distributed to all residents, officials expect that the cards will be used mainly by the 80,000 county residents who don't have insurance coverage for prescriptions.
From the Concord (NH) Monitor:
Benson unveils Web site
Gov. Craig Benson announced a new, state-run Internet tool that allows residents to comparison shop for prescription drugs.
The Web page, which can be accessed through the state Web site, contains phonebook-like listings of pharmacies across New Hampshire and prices for hundreds of medications. Consumers can also check out the cost of their prescriptions at state-approved Canadian pharmacies.
Benson unveils Web site
Gov. Craig Benson announced a new, state-run Internet tool that allows residents to comparison shop for prescription drugs.
The Web page, which can be accessed through the state Web site, contains phonebook-like listings of pharmacies across New Hampshire and prices for hundreds of medications. Consumers can also check out the cost of their prescriptions at state-approved Canadian pharmacies.
Sunday, September 19, 2004
From WTOP (MD):
Montgomery County Looks North for Prescription Drugs
An electrician with the Montgomery County public schools, Jonathan Bishop is mostly satisfied with the prescription drug coverage he gets through the county.
Even so, co-payments and extra costs for particular drugs mean Bishop, 53, and his wife spend about $3,000 each year for about 20 prescription drugs. The 32-year veteran of the school system worries how he will pay for his pills for diabetes, arthritis and other medical conditions when he retires.
Montgomery County Looks North for Prescription Drugs
An electrician with the Montgomery County public schools, Jonathan Bishop is mostly satisfied with the prescription drug coverage he gets through the county.
Even so, co-payments and extra costs for particular drugs mean Bishop, 53, and his wife spend about $3,000 each year for about 20 prescription drugs. The 32-year veteran of the school system worries how he will pay for his pills for diabetes, arthritis and other medical conditions when he retires.
From New York Newsday:
Prescription trips
Early one recent Wednesday, Werner and Marlies Kress steered their 1998 Buick Le Sabre into one of the many strip malls on Hempstead Turnpike and parked in front of a small storefront, Discount Drugs From Canada. In an envelope, they carried prescriptions for Werner's blood thinner, Plavix, and Marlies' osteoporosis drug, Actonel.
Inside the austere Levittown office, there's no aspirin for sale, or beauty supplies, or shampoo. There aren't even any drugs.
Like many elderly people without coverage for brand-name medication, the Kresses, both retirees on fixed incomes, save a bundle by ordering their drugs from Canada. And David Feinsod, who sits behind a computer terminal, is their portal to a growing $1 billion mail-order drug industry that has sparked controversy around the world.
Prescription trips
Early one recent Wednesday, Werner and Marlies Kress steered their 1998 Buick Le Sabre into one of the many strip malls on Hempstead Turnpike and parked in front of a small storefront, Discount Drugs From Canada. In an envelope, they carried prescriptions for Werner's blood thinner, Plavix, and Marlies' osteoporosis drug, Actonel.
Inside the austere Levittown office, there's no aspirin for sale, or beauty supplies, or shampoo. There aren't even any drugs.
Like many elderly people without coverage for brand-name medication, the Kresses, both retirees on fixed incomes, save a bundle by ordering their drugs from Canada. And David Feinsod, who sits behind a computer terminal, is their portal to a growing $1 billion mail-order drug industry that has sparked controversy around the world.
Saturday, September 18, 2004
From the (Nashville) Tennessean:
Frist doubts Congress will deal with imported drugs
With more cities, counties and states flouting the law to help their residents buy drugs from cheaper Canadian pharmacies, pressure has been building on Congress to make it legal.
Yet, Congress is scheduled to adjourn in less than a month, and congressional leaders say it's not going to happen.
''I don't think we can address it adequately in the next 17 days,'' Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said Tuesday.
Frist doubts Congress will deal with imported drugs
With more cities, counties and states flouting the law to help their residents buy drugs from cheaper Canadian pharmacies, pressure has been building on Congress to make it legal.
Yet, Congress is scheduled to adjourn in less than a month, and congressional leaders say it's not going to happen.
''I don't think we can address it adequately in the next 17 days,'' Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist said Tuesday.
From the Bangor (Maine) Daily News:
Health care symposium addresses Canadian drugs
Solving the prescription drug crisis facing older and uninsured residents of Maine is not as simple as looking to Canada for relief, a group of analysts said at a health care symposium.
But in states like Maine, where a graying population and proximity to Canada make it enticing to cross the border for cheaper drugs, reimporting Canadian drugs has become a hot issue in the presidential election.
Federal officials said bypassing the U.S. system puts people at risk of receiving improper dosages or possibly the wrong drugs altogether.
Health care symposium addresses Canadian drugs
Solving the prescription drug crisis facing older and uninsured residents of Maine is not as simple as looking to Canada for relief, a group of analysts said at a health care symposium.
But in states like Maine, where a graying population and proximity to Canada make it enticing to cross the border for cheaper drugs, reimporting Canadian drugs has become a hot issue in the presidential election.
Federal officials said bypassing the U.S. system puts people at risk of receiving improper dosages or possibly the wrong drugs altogether.
From USA Today:
Drugs from Canada seized
Hundreds of people in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Vermont had their Canadian prescription-drug orders seized and thousands more had their shipments delayed after about 450 packages arriving in Miami from the Bahamas were seized by U.S. Customs in July.
The seizure was the first large-scale effort by U.S. Customs and the Food and Drug Administration to halt prescription shipments from Canadian pharmacies, although individual packages have been halted in the past.
Drugs from Canada seized
Hundreds of people in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Vermont had their Canadian prescription-drug orders seized and thousands more had their shipments delayed after about 450 packages arriving in Miami from the Bahamas were seized by U.S. Customs in July.
The seizure was the first large-scale effort by U.S. Customs and the Food and Drug Administration to halt prescription shipments from Canadian pharmacies, although individual packages have been halted in the past.
Thursday, September 16, 2004
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Oak Creek mayor vetoes Canadian drug proposal
Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender on Wednesday vetoed a Canadian prescription drug plan approved by aldermen last week, saying that if the Common Council overrides his decision, it is choosing to break the law.
"I believe it is improper to support breaking the law because there is disagreement with the law," Bolender wrote in his veto. The six-member council would need four votes to override the veto on Tuesday.
The mayor noted, along with his concerns over the legality of the plan, that there has been no formal legal assessment of the city's liability exposure.
Oak Creek mayor vetoes Canadian drug proposal
Oak Creek Mayor Dick Bolender on Wednesday vetoed a Canadian prescription drug plan approved by aldermen last week, saying that if the Common Council overrides his decision, it is choosing to break the law.
"I believe it is improper to support breaking the law because there is disagreement with the law," Bolender wrote in his veto. The six-member council would need four votes to override the veto on Tuesday.
The mayor noted, along with his concerns over the legality of the plan, that there has been no formal legal assessment of the city's liability exposure.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Pfizer exec supports drug importation
A top executive at Pfizer has disagreed publicly with his employer in supporting a Maryland county's bid to import Canadian drugs, a report said Tuesday.
Peter Rost, vice president of marketing for the pharmaceutical giant, said he supports a proposal before the Montgomery County Council to let county employees buy cheaper Canadian prescription drugs, the Washington Post reported.
"This has been proven to be safe in Europe," said Rost, who cautioned he was not speaking on behalf of Pfizer. "The real concern about safety is about people who do not take drugs because they cannot afford it. The safety issue is a made-up story."
Pfizer exec supports drug importation
A top executive at Pfizer has disagreed publicly with his employer in supporting a Maryland county's bid to import Canadian drugs, a report said Tuesday.
Peter Rost, vice president of marketing for the pharmaceutical giant, said he supports a proposal before the Montgomery County Council to let county employees buy cheaper Canadian prescription drugs, the Washington Post reported.
"This has been proven to be safe in Europe," said Rost, who cautioned he was not speaking on behalf of Pfizer. "The real concern about safety is about people who do not take drugs because they cannot afford it. The safety issue is a made-up story."
From Medical News Today (UK):
Pfizer Official Expresses Support for Prescription Drug Reimportation
Peter Rost, vice president of marketing for endocrine care at Pfizer, on Friday advocated the reimportation of lower-cost prescription drugs from abroad, the AP/Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Rost, who spoke as a private citizen and not as a Pfizer official, said that higher-income nations in Europe often reimport prescription drugs from nations such as Italy, Greece and Spain, where there are lower prices.
Pfizer Official Expresses Support for Prescription Drug Reimportation
Peter Rost, vice president of marketing for endocrine care at Pfizer, on Friday advocated the reimportation of lower-cost prescription drugs from abroad, the AP/Philadelphia Inquirer reports.
Rost, who spoke as a private citizen and not as a Pfizer official, said that higher-income nations in Europe often reimport prescription drugs from nations such as Italy, Greece and Spain, where there are lower prices.
From the Los Angeles Times:
Ordering Drugs From Canada Is Unsafe, Bush Says
President Bush on Monday repeated his opposition to allowing seniors to buy U.S.-made prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies as a way to save money, calling it unsafe for consumers.
"It's an interesting idea, but remember, my job is to protect you as best I can," Bush told about 500 supporters at a campaign event designed to contrast his views on healthcare with that of his Democratic challenger, Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts. "What we don't want to do is have a system where it sounds like a pharmaceutical may be coming in from Canada, but, in fact, it is manufactured in another country."
Ordering Drugs From Canada Is Unsafe, Bush Says
President Bush on Monday repeated his opposition to allowing seniors to buy U.S.-made prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies as a way to save money, calling it unsafe for consumers.
"It's an interesting idea, but remember, my job is to protect you as best I can," Bush told about 500 supporters at a campaign event designed to contrast his views on healthcare with that of his Democratic challenger, Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts. "What we don't want to do is have a system where it sounds like a pharmaceutical may be coming in from Canada, but, in fact, it is manufactured in another country."
From CBS News:
The Issues: Rx Drug Imports
Jim Morrison, an accountant in his fifties, a conservative family man, is a very unlikely kind of outlaw – but just ask him about his prescription drugs
"I take Pravachol for my cholesterol, and this is glucophage," he says.
He admits he imports his drugs from Canada, and he doesn't care if it's against the law.
The Issues: Rx Drug Imports
Jim Morrison, an accountant in his fifties, a conservative family man, is a very unlikely kind of outlaw – but just ask him about his prescription drugs
"I take Pravachol for my cholesterol, and this is glucophage," he says.
He admits he imports his drugs from Canada, and he doesn't care if it's against the law.
From the Fort Wayne (IN) News Sentinel:
Carter starts a prescription drug Web site
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter has launched a Web page that brings together a variety of resources on prescription drug costs and programs available to defray those expenses.
Carter also announced Thursday that he plans to initiate a review of the legal issues involved in reimporting cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Gov. Joe Kernan said last week he would support a state plan to reimport prescription drugs if no other measures are implemented to keep the skyrocketing costs in check. The proposal was part of the Democrat incumbent’s new campaign plan, “Action Indiana.”
Kernan’s Republican opponent, Mitch Daniels, a former senior vice president
Carter starts a prescription drug Web site
Indiana Attorney General Steve Carter has launched a Web page that brings together a variety of resources on prescription drug costs and programs available to defray those expenses.
Carter also announced Thursday that he plans to initiate a review of the legal issues involved in reimporting cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Gov. Joe Kernan said last week he would support a state plan to reimport prescription drugs if no other measures are implemented to keep the skyrocketing costs in check. The proposal was part of the Democrat incumbent’s new campaign plan, “Action Indiana.”
Kernan’s Republican opponent, Mitch Daniels, a former senior vice president
From the Seattle Times:
Oregon Democrats seek OK for Canada drug plan
Five Democratic lawmakers sent a letter yesterday asking Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson to approve Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski's plan to give state residents access to cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
"Oregonians desperately need relief from the debilitating costs of pharmaceutical drugs," said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., one of the lawmakers who signed the letter.
Oregon Democrats seek OK for Canada drug plan
Five Democratic lawmakers sent a letter yesterday asking Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson to approve Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski's plan to give state residents access to cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
"Oregonians desperately need relief from the debilitating costs of pharmaceutical drugs," said Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., one of the lawmakers who signed the letter.
From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
State questions FDA drug seizures
Wisconsin's two U.S. senators and Gov. Jim Doyle want to know why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been intercepting prescription medications ordered by Wisconsin residents from Canadian mail order pharmacies.
In a letter to the FDA, Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, both Democrats, said they had received "dozens of complaints from Wisconsin residents" that the FDA had intercepted their orders of prescription drugs.
The senators said they were "concerned that the FDA's actions could pose health risks to American consumers."
State questions FDA drug seizures
Wisconsin's two U.S. senators and Gov. Jim Doyle want to know why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been intercepting prescription medications ordered by Wisconsin residents from Canadian mail order pharmacies.
In a letter to the FDA, Sens. Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, both Democrats, said they had received "dozens of complaints from Wisconsin residents" that the FDA had intercepted their orders of prescription drugs.
The senators said they were "concerned that the FDA's actions could pose health risks to American consumers."
Monday, September 13, 2004
From the (Vancouver, Wash.) Columbian:
Cheaper Drugs are Lure
Across from Wal-Mart on Highway 99 sits a tiny store offering prices that even the retail giant can't touch.
A big yellow sign outside a tiny building near Northeast 88th Street reads Canada Drug Supply, and owner Jason Allen says he can help patients get prescription drugs at half the American price from a Canadian pharmacy.
Allen maintains his business is legal and safe, but officials from the federal Food and Drug Administration disagree.
Cheaper Drugs are Lure
Across from Wal-Mart on Highway 99 sits a tiny store offering prices that even the retail giant can't touch.
A big yellow sign outside a tiny building near Northeast 88th Street reads Canada Drug Supply, and owner Jason Allen says he can help patients get prescription drugs at half the American price from a Canadian pharmacy.
Allen maintains his business is legal and safe, but officials from the federal Food and Drug Administration disagree.
From the Los Angeles Times:
O.C. Eyes Canadian Drugs
Orange County officials say they could save more than $2 million annually by allowing county workers to buy prescription medication from Canadian pharmacies and are pushing to become the first county in California to give workers such an option.
Last month, the county sent a Health Care Agency executive to Canada to study pharmacies that export drugs to the United States, a practice that provides considerable savings to U.S. consumers but is banned by the federal government. County officials also have been in talks with a Texas company that could help Orange County employees buy discounted drugs from Canadian pharmacists.
O.C. Eyes Canadian Drugs
Orange County officials say they could save more than $2 million annually by allowing county workers to buy prescription medication from Canadian pharmacies and are pushing to become the first county in California to give workers such an option.
Last month, the county sent a Health Care Agency executive to Canada to study pharmacies that export drugs to the United States, a practice that provides considerable savings to U.S. consumers but is banned by the federal government. County officials also have been in talks with a Texas company that could help Orange County employees buy discounted drugs from Canadian pharmacists.
From the Washington Post:
A Window on the Controversy Over Importing Drugs
As Montgomery County prepares to join a growing number of state and local governments endorsing the purchase of lower-cost medicines from Canada, opponents are clearly distressed.
The Maryland Pharmacists Association on Thursday brought a member of former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's consulting firm and the head of a Florida AIDS advocacy group to a Rockville hotel banquet room to warn the council off the move.
"It's amazing to me that people are willing to take risks with their health and that the County Council is willing to take risks with its citizens' health," said Cynthia Boyle, president of the Maryland Pharmacists Association, referring to the millions of Americans who purchase medicines from Canada.
A Window on the Controversy Over Importing Drugs
As Montgomery County prepares to join a growing number of state and local governments endorsing the purchase of lower-cost medicines from Canada, opponents are clearly distressed.
The Maryland Pharmacists Association on Thursday brought a member of former New York mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani's consulting firm and the head of a Florida AIDS advocacy group to a Rockville hotel banquet room to warn the council off the move.
"It's amazing to me that people are willing to take risks with their health and that the County Council is willing to take risks with its citizens' health," said Cynthia Boyle, president of the Maryland Pharmacists Association, referring to the millions of Americans who purchase medicines from Canada.
From the National Post:
Pharmacare makes it on meeting agenda
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein called it a stroke of brilliance and his provincial counterparts thought it a great idea -- a national pharmacare program something like the country's medicare program.
The premiers and territorial leaders have managed to get discussion of a pharmacare program on the agenda for their three-day meeting starting Monday in Ottawa, but recent comments from Prime Minister Paul Martin and his health minister suggest it's as doomed now as when it was discussed the last time -- and the time before that.
Pharmacare makes it on meeting agenda
Alberta Premier Ralph Klein called it a stroke of brilliance and his provincial counterparts thought it a great idea -- a national pharmacare program something like the country's medicare program.
The premiers and territorial leaders have managed to get discussion of a pharmacare program on the agenda for their three-day meeting starting Monday in Ottawa, but recent comments from Prime Minister Paul Martin and his health minister suggest it's as doomed now as when it was discussed the last time -- and the time before that.
From WJLA-TV (MD):
Canadian Drug Push Returning to Forefront in Montgomery
The push to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada returns to the front burner next week.
The Montgomery County Council has been looking at whether it can go north of the border to save money on medications for county workers and retirees. On Monday, some members plan to trot out a man who's been there, done that.
A former mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts, will tell how his city manages to buy drugs from Canada without any problems.
Canadian Drug Push Returning to Forefront in Montgomery
The push to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada returns to the front burner next week.
The Montgomery County Council has been looking at whether it can go north of the border to save money on medications for county workers and retirees. On Monday, some members plan to trot out a man who's been there, done that.
A former mayor of Springfield, Massachusetts, will tell how his city manages to buy drugs from Canada without any problems.
Sunday, September 12, 2004
From the Washington Times:
U.S. to be 'gateway' to Canadian drugs
John Kerry promised yesterday that, if elected president, he would reduce the cost of prescription medicine by allowing Americans to purchase cheaper drugs imported from countries such as Canada.
"I just came from Minnesota the other day — that's the gateway to Canadian drugs," Mr. Kerry said. "And when I'm president, we're going to make all of America the gateway to the same drugs."
U.S. to be 'gateway' to Canadian drugs
John Kerry promised yesterday that, if elected president, he would reduce the cost of prescription medicine by allowing Americans to purchase cheaper drugs imported from countries such as Canada.
"I just came from Minnesota the other day — that's the gateway to Canadian drugs," Mr. Kerry said. "And when I'm president, we're going to make all of America the gateway to the same drugs."
From Capital News 9 (NY):
Berkshire County man wants to help senior citizens
Kurt Bricault tried to open a business as an Information Service Provider to allow those without internet access, specifically senior citizens, to link up with a Canadian pharmacy to purchase discount prescription drugs.
His application to the North Adams Planning Board met with some resistance and he abandoned the plan. Now, he has some new found support from Dawn Taylor Thompson, a state Senate candidate who is willing to help him move forward with his plans in Pittsfield.
Berkshire County man wants to help senior citizens
Kurt Bricault tried to open a business as an Information Service Provider to allow those without internet access, specifically senior citizens, to link up with a Canadian pharmacy to purchase discount prescription drugs.
His application to the North Adams Planning Board met with some resistance and he abandoned the plan. Now, he has some new found support from Dawn Taylor Thompson, a state Senate candidate who is willing to help him move forward with his plans in Pittsfield.
Friday, September 10, 2004
From the Louisville (KY) Courier-Journal:
Cutting drug costs debated
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Daniel Mongiardo called yesterday for federal legislation to allow Americans greater access to generic drugs and less-expensive medicine from foreign markets, such as Canada.
A spokesman for Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, who Mongiardo is challenging, said the new Medicare drug law that passed in December with Bunning's support will accelerate approval of generic drugs for the marketplace and ensures that the safety of drugs imported from Canada is certified by the U.S. government.
Cutting drug costs debated
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Daniel Mongiardo called yesterday for federal legislation to allow Americans greater access to generic drugs and less-expensive medicine from foreign markets, such as Canada.
A spokesman for Republican U.S. Sen. Jim Bunning, who Mongiardo is challenging, said the new Medicare drug law that passed in December with Bunning's support will accelerate approval of generic drugs for the marketplace and ensures that the safety of drugs imported from Canada is certified by the U.S. government.
From the Boston Globe:
Mayor OK's buying drugs from Canada
Mayor David B. Cohen has announced his support for a plan to import prescription drugs from Canada.
The mayor estimated that the city would save $100,000 the first year and $300,000 the second. For the program to move forward, the city must gain approval from unions, which appears likely because it would be voluntary; several union representatives already have expressed their support.
Cohen said he did not know when the new program would go into effect. ''We want to implement it sooner rather than later."
Mayor OK's buying drugs from Canada
Mayor David B. Cohen has announced his support for a plan to import prescription drugs from Canada.
The mayor estimated that the city would save $100,000 the first year and $300,000 the second. For the program to move forward, the city must gain approval from unions, which appears likely because it would be voluntary; several union representatives already have expressed their support.
Cohen said he did not know when the new program would go into effect. ''We want to implement it sooner rather than later."
From the Las Vegas Sun:
More Nevada residents cut costs by importing drugs
Las Vegas resident Estelle Coronel estimates that she has saved thousands of dollars on prescription drug costs by ordering her medications on the Internet from foreign pharmacies.
She relies on four different Web sites, three of which are based in Canada, to purchase the four medications she takes and the nine medications her husband takes.
"People are going to have to make a decision on, 'Do I take my medicine, or do I eat?' " Coronel said. "It just blows me away. Why can the Canadian people get the drugs cheaper than we can from the same company?"
More Nevada residents cut costs by importing drugs
Las Vegas resident Estelle Coronel estimates that she has saved thousands of dollars on prescription drug costs by ordering her medications on the Internet from foreign pharmacies.
She relies on four different Web sites, three of which are based in Canada, to purchase the four medications she takes and the nine medications her husband takes.
"People are going to have to make a decision on, 'Do I take my medicine, or do I eat?' " Coronel said. "It just blows me away. Why can the Canadian people get the drugs cheaper than we can from the same company?"
From MLive.com:
Canadian Rx sales in flux
Storefronts selling bargain medicines from Canada were opened to save people the trip across the border. But locally they are closing under pressure from regulators and slow business.
The budding chain of stores, Meds-4-Less, closed a Burton location in June, while a Meds-4-Less in Lapeer closed this spring. An expansion of the American Drug Club into the Flint market never materialized.
"We had customers, but it just wasn't enough to keep us going," said Michelle Lenarcic of Davison, a franchisee who ran the Burton Meds-4-Less. "There's not a need for us because we're so close to Canada."
Canadian Rx sales in flux
Storefronts selling bargain medicines from Canada were opened to save people the trip across the border. But locally they are closing under pressure from regulators and slow business.
The budding chain of stores, Meds-4-Less, closed a Burton location in June, while a Meds-4-Less in Lapeer closed this spring. An expansion of the American Drug Club into the Flint market never materialized.
"We had customers, but it just wasn't enough to keep us going," said Michelle Lenarcic of Davison, a franchisee who ran the Burton Meds-4-Less. "There's not a need for us because we're so close to Canada."
Wednesday, September 08, 2004
From the Cape Cod (Mass.) Times:
Cape towns weigh Canadian Rx
A joint Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard health group may be the first multi-municipality organization in the state to foray into the Canadian prescription drug market.
It's a move proponents say would save money for thousands of people covered under its members' health plans, as well as for taxpayers.
The steering committee of the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group, which comprises 51 towns, school departments, transit authorities and water and fire districts in Barnstable and Dukes counties, will interview Canadian firms over the next few months to see if the idea is feasible, said Falmouth Town Administrator Robert Whritenour, chairman of the municipal health consortium.
Cape towns weigh Canadian Rx
A joint Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard health group may be the first multi-municipality organization in the state to foray into the Canadian prescription drug market.
It's a move proponents say would save money for thousands of people covered under its members' health plans, as well as for taxpayers.
The steering committee of the Cape Cod Municipal Health Group, which comprises 51 towns, school departments, transit authorities and water and fire districts in Barnstable and Dukes counties, will interview Canadian firms over the next few months to see if the idea is feasible, said Falmouth Town Administrator Robert Whritenour, chairman of the municipal health consortium.
From the Appleton (Wisc.) Post-Crescent:
Suburb OKs buying Canadian drugs
The Common Council adopted a program Tuesday to allow city government employees and retirees and other residents of this Milwaukee suburb to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
Although the state of Wisconsin operates a Web site to help people get the cheaper Canadian drugs, backers said the program is the first to be enacted by a local community in the state.
After two hours of debate, the council voted 4-2 for the voluntary plan aimed at saving money for the city and others through purchases of the less expensive drugs from Canada.
Suburb OKs buying Canadian drugs
The Common Council adopted a program Tuesday to allow city government employees and retirees and other residents of this Milwaukee suburb to buy prescription drugs from Canada.
Although the state of Wisconsin operates a Web site to help people get the cheaper Canadian drugs, backers said the program is the first to be enacted by a local community in the state.
After two hours of debate, the council voted 4-2 for the voluntary plan aimed at saving money for the city and others through purchases of the less expensive drugs from Canada.
Tuesday, September 07, 2004
From Medical News Today (UK):
What it is like to be a community pharmacist in other countries?
Ever wondered what it is like to be a community pharmacist in Portugal, Peru or Pakistan? PSNC has teamed up with the Community Pharmacy Section of the International Pharmaceutical Federation to help you find out through a new online initiative: Global WEBlogs
Building on the success of the PSNC Community Pharmacy WEBlogs project which finished in July, the Global site was launched today at the 2004 FIP World Pharmacy Congress in New Orleans.
What it is like to be a community pharmacist in other countries?
Ever wondered what it is like to be a community pharmacist in Portugal, Peru or Pakistan? PSNC has teamed up with the Community Pharmacy Section of the International Pharmaceutical Federation to help you find out through a new online initiative: Global WEBlogs
Building on the success of the PSNC Community Pharmacy WEBlogs project which finished in July, the Global site was launched today at the 2004 FIP World Pharmacy Congress in New Orleans.
From the Telegraph (UK):
Pfizer admits limiting drugs supplies to UK
Pfizer, the US drug giant, has told UK wholesalers that it will only supply enough prescription medicines to meet domestic demand in what is believed to be an attempt to stop the reimport of drugs into the United States.
A number of drug companies, including Pfizer, have put similar caps on supply in Canada, where drugs are cheaper than in the US and there is a growing business in Canadian drugs being sold to US residents. However, it is believed to be the first to cap supplies in Britain.
Pfizer admits limiting drugs supplies to UK
Pfizer, the US drug giant, has told UK wholesalers that it will only supply enough prescription medicines to meet domestic demand in what is believed to be an attempt to stop the reimport of drugs into the United States.
A number of drug companies, including Pfizer, have put similar caps on supply in Canada, where drugs are cheaper than in the US and there is a growing business in Canadian drugs being sold to US residents. However, it is believed to be the first to cap supplies in Britain.
From the Redding (Calif.) Record Searchlight:
Click here for cheaper drugs
Consumers could find cheaper prescription drugs from Canada by logging on to a state-sponsored Web site under a bill on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk.
The California Department of Health Services would be required to establish the site, enabling the state to join Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Maine in offering such a service.
Click here for cheaper drugs
Consumers could find cheaper prescription drugs from Canada by logging on to a state-sponsored Web site under a bill on Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk.
The California Department of Health Services would be required to establish the site, enabling the state to join Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Maine in offering such a service.
From USA Today:
Drug search spreads beyond Canada
Drugmakers' efforts to limit supplies to Canadian pharmacies that sell to U.S. residents have led some of them to seek drugs from Europe and elsewhere around the world.
Some Canadian pharmacies are already asking customers if they are willing to accept drugs from Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Israel or Chile. And some are looking at additional countries.
Drug search spreads beyond Canada
Drugmakers' efforts to limit supplies to Canadian pharmacies that sell to U.S. residents have led some of them to seek drugs from Europe and elsewhere around the world.
Some Canadian pharmacies are already asking customers if they are willing to accept drugs from Britain, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, Israel or Chile. And some are looking at additional countries.
Monday, September 06, 2004
From the Raleigh (NC) News Observer:
Ads campaign against buying drugs
GlaxoSmithKline is intensifying its campaign against consumers ordering prescription drugs from Canada.
The British drug company began running newspaper ads this week that question the quality and safety of medications obtained from Canadian Web sites.
Ads campaign against buying drugs
GlaxoSmithKline is intensifying its campaign against consumers ordering prescription drugs from Canada.
The British drug company began running newspaper ads this week that question the quality and safety of medications obtained from Canadian Web sites.
From CBC Montreal:
Pharmacist punished for selling drugs to Americans
The Quebec Order of Pharmacists has punished a Montreal pharmacist for selling prescription drugs to Americans through an internet site.
André Elkaim has been stricken from the order's register for one year. The decision was made July 8.
Pharmacist punished for selling drugs to Americans
The Quebec Order of Pharmacists has punished a Montreal pharmacist for selling prescription drugs to Americans through an internet site.
André Elkaim has been stricken from the order's register for one year. The decision was made July 8.
From the Waterloo (Ont.) Imprint:
Creation of a new UW School of Pharmacy announced
The University of Waterloo's campus is ever expanding. There are new architecture facilities in Cambridge and on August 11, UW administratio,n along with local and provincial government representatives, announced a new campus in downtown Kitchener for health sciences. This project will be anchored by a school of pharmacy and include a family medicine teaching centre that will combine clinical care with teaching and research in family medicine.
This is the second school of pharmacy in Ontario. The first is in the University of Toronto. UW plans to collaborate research with the pharmacyschool at UofT, as well as adapting UofT's existing curriculum. Like many other programs atUW, there will be regular and co-op programs, as well as courses offered by distance education.
Creation of a new UW School of Pharmacy announced
The University of Waterloo's campus is ever expanding. There are new architecture facilities in Cambridge and on August 11, UW administratio,n along with local and provincial government representatives, announced a new campus in downtown Kitchener for health sciences. This project will be anchored by a school of pharmacy and include a family medicine teaching centre that will combine clinical care with teaching and research in family medicine.
This is the second school of pharmacy in Ontario. The first is in the University of Toronto. UW plans to collaborate research with the pharmacyschool at UofT, as well as adapting UofT's existing curriculum. Like many other programs atUW, there will be regular and co-op programs, as well as courses offered by distance education.
From Reuters:
Drug Recycling Offers Alternative to Imports
When Joana Ramos' father-in-law died recently, family members in Georgia sent her his left-over Parkinson's drugs rather than throw them out, in hopes they would help someone who couldn't afford them.
"I was able to find a home for them here," said Ramos, a social worker with cancer patients in Seattle, Washington.
Patients like Ramos' clients, who are struggling to afford their prescription medicines, are finding a source besides cheaper Canadian imports -- other patients.
Drug Recycling Offers Alternative to Imports
When Joana Ramos' father-in-law died recently, family members in Georgia sent her his left-over Parkinson's drugs rather than throw them out, in hopes they would help someone who couldn't afford them.
"I was able to find a home for them here," said Ramos, a social worker with cancer patients in Seattle, Washington.
Patients like Ramos' clients, who are struggling to afford their prescription medicines, are finding a source besides cheaper Canadian imports -- other patients.
From the Knoxville (KY) Courier Journal:
Kernan may back Canadian drug sales
Speaking to Clarksville senior citizens yesterday, Gov. Joe Kernan rolled out a plan to fight rising prescription drug costs.
Kernan called drug prices and the lack of insurance coverage a "national crisis," adding that if the federal government does not address the issue by March, he might support importing drugs from Canada and other countries.
"It is not a step that I want to take," he said. "It doesn't make any sense for us to have to go up to Canada and bring drugs that were produced in the United States back into the United States. But the fact is that we have got to get to the bottom of this problem."
Kernan may back Canadian drug sales
Speaking to Clarksville senior citizens yesterday, Gov. Joe Kernan rolled out a plan to fight rising prescription drug costs.
Kernan called drug prices and the lack of insurance coverage a "national crisis," adding that if the federal government does not address the issue by March, he might support importing drugs from Canada and other countries.
"It is not a step that I want to take," he said. "It doesn't make any sense for us to have to go up to Canada and bring drugs that were produced in the United States back into the United States. But the fact is that we have got to get to the bottom of this problem."
From WTHR-TV (IN):
Drugs from Canada
On Friday Governor Joe Kernan vowed to help lower prescription drug prices in Indiana if the federal government doesn't.
The governor's plan has caught the attention of Richard Egan of Indianapolis. Egan and his wife currently order medicine from Canada and are watching closely to see if the governor can follow through.
Every month Egan and his wife Evelyn spend $400 on medicine, medicine they get from an online pharmacy in Canada.
Drugs from Canada
On Friday Governor Joe Kernan vowed to help lower prescription drug prices in Indiana if the federal government doesn't.
The governor's plan has caught the attention of Richard Egan of Indianapolis. Egan and his wife currently order medicine from Canada and are watching closely to see if the governor can follow through.
Every month Egan and his wife Evelyn spend $400 on medicine, medicine they get from an online pharmacy in Canada.
From the Canadian Press:
Premiers call on Martin to explain Liberal election promise on pharmacare
Canada's premiers issued a challenge Thursday to Prime Minister Paul Martin to say exactly what he meant when he promised a national pharmacare program during the June election campaign.
Wrapping up two days of talks, the premiers said a drug plan is a critical part of an overall package of health-care reforms but stopped short of demanding Martin agree to the scheme. "We have been disappointed by the initial negative response of the federal government," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
Premiers call on Martin to explain Liberal election promise on pharmacare
Canada's premiers issued a challenge Thursday to Prime Minister Paul Martin to say exactly what he meant when he promised a national pharmacare program during the June election campaign.
Wrapping up two days of talks, the premiers said a drug plan is a critical part of an overall package of health-care reforms but stopped short of demanding Martin agree to the scheme. "We have been disappointed by the initial negative response of the federal government," said Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty.
From the Tri-City (Wash.) Herald:
Rx Express
It wasn't a Magic Bus, a Yellow Submarine, San Francisco or the 1960s. The bus sign said Genie Tours, but it ought to have read, "Rx Express."
Eleven adults, most of them senior citizens, all eager to get their hands on prescription drugs at bargain prices, made a recent run for the border. A 16-hour round-trip from Richland to Canada, dinner stop included.
"We were looking forward to it," said Roy Mayer, 77, shortly after the red bus pulled out of the Federal Building parking lot in Richland at 7:30 a.m.
Mayer, who retired as a judge from Great Falls, Mont., and now lives in Kennewick with his wife, Ellie, hoped to save big on her $6,000 annual medication costs.
Rx Express
It wasn't a Magic Bus, a Yellow Submarine, San Francisco or the 1960s. The bus sign said Genie Tours, but it ought to have read, "Rx Express."
Eleven adults, most of them senior citizens, all eager to get their hands on prescription drugs at bargain prices, made a recent run for the border. A 16-hour round-trip from Richland to Canada, dinner stop included.
"We were looking forward to it," said Roy Mayer, 77, shortly after the red bus pulled out of the Federal Building parking lot in Richland at 7:30 a.m.
Mayer, who retired as a judge from Great Falls, Mont., and now lives in Kennewick with his wife, Ellie, hoped to save big on her $6,000 annual medication costs.
From the Boston Globe:
City to offer medications from Canada
Revere is joining a small number of Massachusetts communities that have decided to buck federal law and give their municipal employees and retirees the chance to buy low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
Starting Oct. 1, approximately 1,700 employees and retirees, plus their family members, who are enrolled in the city's self-insured health plans will have the option of purchasing drugs on a mail-order basis from CanAm Health Source, a pharmaceutical company in Montreal.
City to offer medications from Canada
Revere is joining a small number of Massachusetts communities that have decided to buck federal law and give their municipal employees and retirees the chance to buy low-cost prescription drugs from Canada.
Starting Oct. 1, approximately 1,700 employees and retirees, plus their family members, who are enrolled in the city's self-insured health plans will have the option of purchasing drugs on a mail-order basis from CanAm Health Source, a pharmaceutical company in Montreal.
From the Urbana-Champaign (IL) News-Gazette:
For some, drugs-by-mail worth wait
For Ray Bebeau, buying prescription drugs from Canada didn't come without a few, minor hassles.
Before he was able to receive his first shipment of medicines, it took some time – about 10 days. He filled out the pharmacy's paperwork and requested 90-day prescriptions from his doctors while drugstore staff reviewed his medical history, processed his payment and shipped him the drugs.
But this 73-year-old Champaign retiree has got the time, and in his view, it's worth it.
"My wife and I were paying $300 a month for drugs. We just had to find a more economical supply," he said
For some, drugs-by-mail worth wait
For Ray Bebeau, buying prescription drugs from Canada didn't come without a few, minor hassles.
Before he was able to receive his first shipment of medicines, it took some time – about 10 days. He filled out the pharmacy's paperwork and requested 90-day prescriptions from his doctors while drugstore staff reviewed his medical history, processed his payment and shipped him the drugs.
But this 73-year-old Champaign retiree has got the time, and in his view, it's worth it.
"My wife and I were paying $300 a month for drugs. We just had to find a more economical supply," he said
From Reuters:
Pfizer caps drug sales in bid to stop reimports
U.S. pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer has told its UK wholesalers it will only supply enough prescription medicines to meet domestic demand, in a bid to stop the reimportation of drugs back into the United States.
The move follows similar action by a number of international drug makers to restrict sales to Canada, where medicines are cheaper than in the U.S. There is a growing cross-border business in Canadian drugs being sold to U.S. residents.
Pfizer caps drug sales in bid to stop reimports
U.S. pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer has told its UK wholesalers it will only supply enough prescription medicines to meet domestic demand, in a bid to stop the reimportation of drugs back into the United States.
The move follows similar action by a number of international drug makers to restrict sales to Canada, where medicines are cheaper than in the U.S. There is a growing cross-border business in Canadian drugs being sold to U.S. residents.
From the Daytona Beach (FL) News-Journal:
Drug makers consider high-tech tags to stop counterfeiting
Big pharmaceutical companies are testing new tracking technology they hope will help them spot counterfeit drugs before they reach consumers' medicine cabinets.
By putting tags that transmit radio waves on medicine bottles sent to drug stores, company officials think they will be able to detect fake drugs that aren't moving through usual supply chains.
The drug companies' concerns about counterfeiting have aroused skepticism among some who see the issue as a way to scare Americans away from buying cheaper drugs from foreign countries. Still, efforts to implement radio frequency identification technology, or RFID, are gaining momentum.
Drug makers consider high-tech tags to stop counterfeiting
Big pharmaceutical companies are testing new tracking technology they hope will help them spot counterfeit drugs before they reach consumers' medicine cabinets.
By putting tags that transmit radio waves on medicine bottles sent to drug stores, company officials think they will be able to detect fake drugs that aren't moving through usual supply chains.
The drug companies' concerns about counterfeiting have aroused skepticism among some who see the issue as a way to scare Americans away from buying cheaper drugs from foreign countries. Still, efforts to implement radio frequency identification technology, or RFID, are gaining momentum.
From the Newhouse News Service:
Canadian Drug Exporter Sets Up Shop in Bahamas
It took almost two months for a retired doctor in Rocky River, Ohio, to get the medicine he ordered from Canada, and when he opened the package Thursday, he found out why.
His order took a detour to the Caribbean.
The invoice for his three-month supply of Plavix, a blood thinner, has a Freeport, Bahamas, address and is dated July 22.
The delay occurred when Customs officials in Miami spotted 493 packages of prescription drugs from the Bahamas.
Canadian Drug Exporter Sets Up Shop in Bahamas
It took almost two months for a retired doctor in Rocky River, Ohio, to get the medicine he ordered from Canada, and when he opened the package Thursday, he found out why.
His order took a detour to the Caribbean.
The invoice for his three-month supply of Plavix, a blood thinner, has a Freeport, Bahamas, address and is dated July 22.
The delay occurred when Customs officials in Miami spotted 493 packages of prescription drugs from the Bahamas.
Thursday, September 02, 2004
From Health Canada:
Health Canada Advises Consumers to Return Euro-K and Riva-K Potassium Chloride Products
Health Canada is advising consumers of a recall of potassium replacement products distributed in Canada by EuroPharm International Canada Inc. and Laboratoire Riva Inc. Potassium replacement products are used in the treatment and prevention of potassium depletion. Recent testing has led to the conclusion that some of the products released potassium at a rate or quantity lower or higher than specified. The following products are being recalled: Euro-K 8, Euro-K 20, Euro-K 600, Riva-K 8 SR, and Riva-K 20 SR.
Health Canada Advises Consumers to Return Euro-K and Riva-K Potassium Chloride Products
Health Canada is advising consumers of a recall of potassium replacement products distributed in Canada by EuroPharm International Canada Inc. and Laboratoire Riva Inc. Potassium replacement products are used in the treatment and prevention of potassium depletion. Recent testing has led to the conclusion that some of the products released potassium at a rate or quantity lower or higher than specified. The following products are being recalled: Euro-K 8, Euro-K 20, Euro-K 600, Riva-K 8 SR, and Riva-K 20 SR.
From the Globe and Mail:
Drug giant targets U.K. in battle against Net sales
The world's biggest pharmaceutical company is taking its battle against Canada's Internet pharmacies across the pond.
In a letter dated Aug. 17, Pfizer Inc.'s British unit said it is introducing a new supply policy for its pharmaceutical products in an apparent bid, sources say, to slow the flow of lower-priced drugs to Americans from British pharmacies linked with Internet drug sites in Canada.
"Pfizer will, at its absolute discretion, make allocations of its products to customers in sufficient quantities so that demand from patients and health care professionals in the U.K. can be satisfied," sales director Philip Watts said in the letter. "Allocations to Pfizer's customers will be determined fairly and objectively, and the policy will be applied uniformly. Pfizer will not supply amounts that exceed allocations." Mr. Watts couldn't be reached for comment.
From the Fort Worth (TX) Star Telegram:
Rx Depot co-founder has new venture
The co-founder of a Tulsa prescription drug service shut down for violating federal drug importation laws has a new company providing discounted medicines over the Internet.
Web-based Integrity Meds has been connecting prescription drug buyers with a mail-order pharmacy in Texas at prices the businesses claim are at cost plus two small fees.
"On name brands, people can save some money, but on generics they're going to rub their eyes and check it again," said David Peoples, Integrity Meds founder and co-founder of Rx Depot, on Wednesday. "It's going to be a shock."
Drug giant targets U.K. in battle against Net sales
The world's biggest pharmaceutical company is taking its battle against Canada's Internet pharmacies across the pond.
In a letter dated Aug. 17, Pfizer Inc.'s British unit said it is introducing a new supply policy for its pharmaceutical products in an apparent bid, sources say, to slow the flow of lower-priced drugs to Americans from British pharmacies linked with Internet drug sites in Canada.
"Pfizer will, at its absolute discretion, make allocations of its products to customers in sufficient quantities so that demand from patients and health care professionals in the U.K. can be satisfied," sales director Philip Watts said in the letter. "Allocations to Pfizer's customers will be determined fairly and objectively, and the policy will be applied uniformly. Pfizer will not supply amounts that exceed allocations." Mr. Watts couldn't be reached for comment.
From the Fort Worth (TX) Star Telegram:
Rx Depot co-founder has new venture
The co-founder of a Tulsa prescription drug service shut down for violating federal drug importation laws has a new company providing discounted medicines over the Internet.
Web-based Integrity Meds has been connecting prescription drug buyers with a mail-order pharmacy in Texas at prices the businesses claim are at cost plus two small fees.
"On name brands, people can save some money, but on generics they're going to rub their eyes and check it again," said David Peoples, Integrity Meds founder and co-founder of Rx Depot, on Wednesday. "It's going to be a shock."
Tuesday, August 31, 2004
From the Toronto Star:
Pharmacare proposal 'bad public policy': Ottawa
Ottawa would never agree to the kind of national pharmacare program proposed by the premiers because it would cost too much and makes no sense, Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said today.
With the premiers set to meet to plot their next steps in a public showdown with the federal government, Dosanjh issued his strongest rejection yet of the idea, calling it "bad public policy" that would undercut Ottawa's responsibilities.
Pharmacare proposal 'bad public policy': Ottawa
Ottawa would never agree to the kind of national pharmacare program proposed by the premiers because it would cost too much and makes no sense, Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh said today.
With the premiers set to meet to plot their next steps in a public showdown with the federal government, Dosanjh issued his strongest rejection yet of the idea, calling it "bad public policy" that would undercut Ottawa's responsibilities.
From the New York Times:
Pfizer Ends Drug Cards for Elderly
Pfizer, the nation's largest drug maker, ended its widely used discount card for the elderly yesterday, leaving several hundred thousand low-income Medicare beneficiaries at least temporarily without access to reduced prices for popular medicines like the cholesterol treatment Lipitor.
The company said that it had been warning its 536,000 cardholders for months that it would discontinue the discount program on Aug. 31 and that it had advised them to sign up for various discount cards that became available under a new Medicare program that began in June.
Pfizer Ends Drug Cards for Elderly
Pfizer, the nation's largest drug maker, ended its widely used discount card for the elderly yesterday, leaving several hundred thousand low-income Medicare beneficiaries at least temporarily without access to reduced prices for popular medicines like the cholesterol treatment Lipitor.
The company said that it had been warning its 536,000 cardholders for months that it would discontinue the discount program on Aug. 31 and that it had advised them to sign up for various discount cards that became available under a new Medicare program that began in June.
From the Globe and Mail:
McGuinty tries to heal rift
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty moved yesterday to heal the rift between the federal and provincial governments over fixing medicare, saying a federally funded drug plan may not be essential to a deal.
Mr. McGuinty's comments set the tone for a premiers meeting beginning in Toronto tomorrow at which provincial leaders will plan their strategy for a health summit with Prime Minister Paul Martin. The premiers want Ottawa to develop and pick up the costs of a national pharmacare program.
McGuinty tries to heal rift
Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty moved yesterday to heal the rift between the federal and provincial governments over fixing medicare, saying a federally funded drug plan may not be essential to a deal.
Mr. McGuinty's comments set the tone for a premiers meeting beginning in Toronto tomorrow at which provincial leaders will plan their strategy for a health summit with Prime Minister Paul Martin. The premiers want Ottawa to develop and pick up the costs of a national pharmacare program.
From MassLive.com:
Drug-importer change suggested
The Massachusetts Senior Action Council is calling on customers of CanadaRX to buy their drugs from CanaRX, the same drug company used by Springfield city employees.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seized a large shipment of drugs from CanadaRx heading to the United States because the drugs were shipped from the Bahamas, according to William K. Hubbard, associate commissioner of the FDA.
The seizure left many people waiting for their medication, said Isaac BenEzra, president of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council.
Drug-importer change suggested
The Massachusetts Senior Action Council is calling on customers of CanadaRX to buy their drugs from CanaRX, the same drug company used by Springfield city employees.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration seized a large shipment of drugs from CanadaRx heading to the United States because the drugs were shipped from the Bahamas, according to William K. Hubbard, associate commissioner of the FDA.
The seizure left many people waiting for their medication, said Isaac BenEzra, president of the Massachusetts Senior Action Council.
From the Los Angeles Times:
Canadian sites look overseas for drug supply
Millions of Americans now buy drugs from Canadian-based Internet pharmacies in an effort to save money. So far, the quantity and quality of the drugs has seemed relatively assured.
But during the last year, U.S. customers using Canadian websites have faced increasing difficulty getting top-selling medications such as Celebrex to treat arthritis and the antidepressant Effexor. That's because several of the world's biggest pharmaceutical makers are restricting supply to online Canadian pharmacies that ship to the U.S., leading to delays of several weeks for many customers. In severe cases, some sites have stopped accepting new clients looking for the hardest-to-get medications.
Canadian sites look overseas for drug supply
Millions of Americans now buy drugs from Canadian-based Internet pharmacies in an effort to save money. So far, the quantity and quality of the drugs has seemed relatively assured.
But during the last year, U.S. customers using Canadian websites have faced increasing difficulty getting top-selling medications such as Celebrex to treat arthritis and the antidepressant Effexor. That's because several of the world's biggest pharmaceutical makers are restricting supply to online Canadian pharmacies that ship to the U.S., leading to delays of several weeks for many customers. In severe cases, some sites have stopped accepting new clients looking for the hardest-to-get medications.
From the Milford (Mass.) Daily News:
U.S. government seizes seniors' prescriptions
U.S. Customs officials seized a large shipment of prescription drugs a month ago, blocking at least five local elderly people from getting their medicine ordered from a Canadian pharmacy, a Marlborough Council on Aging employee said this week.
Janice Long, outreach coordinator for the COA, said she is worried other local people did not get their drugs. She said one Marlborough man whose drug order has been held up had to buy his medicine from a U.S. pharmacy at much higher prices.
U.S. government seizes seniors' prescriptions
U.S. Customs officials seized a large shipment of prescription drugs a month ago, blocking at least five local elderly people from getting their medicine ordered from a Canadian pharmacy, a Marlborough Council on Aging employee said this week.
Janice Long, outreach coordinator for the COA, said she is worried other local people did not get their drugs. She said one Marlborough man whose drug order has been held up had to buy his medicine from a U.S. pharmacy at much higher prices.
Friom American Medical News:
States challenge FDA in fight over drug reimportation
The struggle between the federal government and the states over prescription drug reimportation has heated up on two fronts but cooled down on another.
Within days of each other, Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich unveiled a plan to let residents buy prescription drugs from other nations, and Vermont sued the federal government for the right to reimport prescription medications. But at the same time, the federal government announced what it sees as a victory for patient safety. Two companies with stores and Internet sites agreed to stop helping U.S. citizens buy drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
States challenge FDA in fight over drug reimportation
The struggle between the federal government and the states over prescription drug reimportation has heated up on two fronts but cooled down on another.
Within days of each other, Illinois Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich unveiled a plan to let residents buy prescription drugs from other nations, and Vermont sued the federal government for the right to reimport prescription medications. But at the same time, the federal government announced what it sees as a victory for patient safety. Two companies with stores and Internet sites agreed to stop helping U.S. citizens buy drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
Monday, August 30, 2004
From the Bloomington (IL) Pantagraph:
Rx for confusion
Don't blame Canada.
Older adults wondering where or how to buy their prescription medicines have all sorts of choices. With the rising cost of prescription drugs, no one would argue against competition.
But instead of an era of good feelings, the age of buying drugs from Canada, using Medicare-approved drug discount cards and even a governor's idea to help Illinoisans buy medicine from across the border has proved confusing.
Rx for confusion
Don't blame Canada.
Older adults wondering where or how to buy their prescription medicines have all sorts of choices. With the rising cost of prescription drugs, no one would argue against competition.
But instead of an era of good feelings, the age of buying drugs from Canada, using Medicare-approved drug discount cards and even a governor's idea to help Illinoisans buy medicine from across the border has proved confusing.
From WMUR-TV (NH):
California Eyes New Hampshire Web Site Promoting Canadian Prescription Drugs
California lawmakers want to join New Hampshire in creating a government-sponsored Web site to encourage the purchase of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Federal law prohibits drug imports from other counties, but an estimated one million Americans are having their prescriptions filled at Canadian pharmacies at prices as much as 40 percent less than their American counterparts.
New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson added a link to the state Web site in April that leads to a Canadian pharmacy.
California Eyes New Hampshire Web Site Promoting Canadian Prescription Drugs
California lawmakers want to join New Hampshire in creating a government-sponsored Web site to encourage the purchase of cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
Federal law prohibits drug imports from other counties, but an estimated one million Americans are having their prescriptions filled at Canadian pharmacies at prices as much as 40 percent less than their American counterparts.
New Hampshire Governor Craig Benson added a link to the state Web site in April that leads to a Canadian pharmacy.
Sunday, August 29, 2004
From the Indianapolis Star:
State won't bless drug imports
With the click of a computer mouse, visitors to government Web sites in four states can fill orders for prescription drugs from private pharmacies in Canada.
It's a controversial Internet option that won't be offered by Indiana anytime soon.
Neither Gov. Joe Kernan nor his Republican challenger Mitch Daniels plans to try to put the state's stamp of approval on north-of-the-border drug buys.
And even if state legislators consider such a service, they would face potent opposition from drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co., Central Indiana's largest private employer.
State won't bless drug imports
With the click of a computer mouse, visitors to government Web sites in four states can fill orders for prescription drugs from private pharmacies in Canada.
It's a controversial Internet option that won't be offered by Indiana anytime soon.
Neither Gov. Joe Kernan nor his Republican challenger Mitch Daniels plans to try to put the state's stamp of approval on north-of-the-border drug buys.
And even if state legislators consider such a service, they would face potent opposition from drugmaker Eli Lilly and Co., Central Indiana's largest private employer.
From the Canadian Press:
Ottawa has money for drug program, provincial finance ministers say
Ottawa has the money to set up and pay for a national pharmacare program despite its insistence to the contrary, provincial finance ministers said Friday.
The ministers argued the federal government consistently cries poor even though it is awash in cash, saying it has underestimated its revenues by about $73 billion over 10 years. "The federal government has the capacity to fund the kind of reforms that we're proposing," Ontario's Greg Sorbara said after meeting his provincial counterparts at a downtown hotel.
Ottawa has money for drug program, provincial finance ministers say
Ottawa has the money to set up and pay for a national pharmacare program despite its insistence to the contrary, provincial finance ministers said Friday.
The ministers argued the federal government consistently cries poor even though it is awash in cash, saying it has underestimated its revenues by about $73 billion over 10 years. "The federal government has the capacity to fund the kind of reforms that we're proposing," Ontario's Greg Sorbara said after meeting his provincial counterparts at a downtown hotel.
From the Duluth (MN) News Tribune:
Calif. Lawmakers OK Canadian Drug Bill
California lawmakers have approved bills that would create government-sponsored Web sites encouraging consumers to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
The measures, which face almost certain vetoes by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, would make California one of just a few states to provide residents similar online information. Others include Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Maine.
Calif. Lawmakers OK Canadian Drug Bill
California lawmakers have approved bills that would create government-sponsored Web sites encouraging consumers to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada.
The measures, which face almost certain vetoes by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, would make California one of just a few states to provide residents similar online information. Others include Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Maine.
From the Bloomington (IL) Pantagraph:
Savings found across the border
Wayne Cowan is in good health thanks in part to the mix of medicines on a tray on his kitchen table.
"Oh, we get all sorts of medicines," the easygoing 67-year-old LeRoy man said.
There's Altace for high blood pressure; aspirin to reduce risk of heart attack; Bextra for inflammation of the joints; Coreg and Digoxin for the heart; Coumadin to thin the blood, FiberCon to soften stools; folic acid to add nutrients removed by other medicines; Lasix to expel water; methotrexate sodium for arthritis; Plavix to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke; Prednisone to reduce swelling of joints; Zocor to control cholesterol; and Vitamin C and a multivitamin.
Savings found across the border
Wayne Cowan is in good health thanks in part to the mix of medicines on a tray on his kitchen table.
"Oh, we get all sorts of medicines," the easygoing 67-year-old LeRoy man said.
There's Altace for high blood pressure; aspirin to reduce risk of heart attack; Bextra for inflammation of the joints; Coreg and Digoxin for the heart; Coumadin to thin the blood, FiberCon to soften stools; folic acid to add nutrients removed by other medicines; Lasix to expel water; methotrexate sodium for arthritis; Plavix to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke; Prednisone to reduce swelling of joints; Zocor to control cholesterol; and Vitamin C and a multivitamin.
From NBC5.com (IL):
Irish Drug Wholesalers Not In Line With Governor's Plan
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's discount prescription drug plan could be in trouble, after Ireland's major wholesalers there said they were never contacted by the governor's office.
Blagojevich wants to import drugs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Canada, but published reports say Irish wholesalers are balking at the plan. The reports state that two of Ireland's biggest distributors say they wouldn't participate if they were asked.
Irish Drug Wholesalers Not In Line With Governor's Plan
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's discount prescription drug plan could be in trouble, after Ireland's major wholesalers there said they were never contacted by the governor's office.
Blagojevich wants to import drugs from England, Ireland, Scotland and Canada, but published reports say Irish wholesalers are balking at the plan. The reports state that two of Ireland's biggest distributors say they wouldn't participate if they were asked.
From Bloomberg:
California Lawmakers Pass Canadian Drug Bills, L.A. Times Says
The California state Legislature approved a package of bills allowing the importation of less expensive drugs from Canada, the Los Angeles Times reported today.
The drug-import legislation was opposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was called a ``political ploy'' by his aides because the federal government restricts drugs from other countries coming into the U.S., the Times said.
California Lawmakers Pass Canadian Drug Bills, L.A. Times Says
The California state Legislature approved a package of bills allowing the importation of less expensive drugs from Canada, the Los Angeles Times reported today.
The drug-import legislation was opposed by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was called a ``political ploy'' by his aides because the federal government restricts drugs from other countries coming into the U.S., the Times said.
Saturday, August 28, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
From the Canadian Press:
Train brings Americans to Canada seeking lower-cost prescription drugs
Carla Coco-Boutte of Santa Barbara, Calif., stepped off an Amtrak train here Wednesday for a brief Canadian excursion, but her souvenirs of the trip won't be aboriginal carvings or smoked salmon.
The 51-year-old former airline employee is hoping to go back with an armload of prescription drugs, bought at a fraction of the price she'd pay in the United States. "It's the only way I can survive," says Coco-Boutte, who estimates her monthly drug costs at around $1,000 US. "I'm on a limited income. Without benefits, I would have to keep doing this."
Train brings Americans to Canada seeking lower-cost prescription drugs
Carla Coco-Boutte of Santa Barbara, Calif., stepped off an Amtrak train here Wednesday for a brief Canadian excursion, but her souvenirs of the trip won't be aboriginal carvings or smoked salmon.
The 51-year-old former airline employee is hoping to go back with an armload of prescription drugs, bought at a fraction of the price she'd pay in the United States. "It's the only way I can survive," says Coco-Boutte, who estimates her monthly drug costs at around $1,000 US. "I'm on a limited income. Without benefits, I would have to keep doing this."
From The (Columbia, SC) State:
Mayor's Web link to Canada drug outlets sparks debate
Two years ago, Northeast Richland retiree Richard Astrella received his order of Coumadin — a heart medication — in the mail and looked it over.
The little round pill looked just like what he previously had bought from a local pharmacy, but it was shipped to his house from Canada, and it was $30 cheaper for a 90-day supply.
Astrella, 72, has been buying most of his medication — Pravachol, Diovan, Altace and Coumadin — from Canadian pharmacies for two years, saving a combined $275 on the orders. He says he has had no problems with them.
Mayor's Web link to Canada drug outlets sparks debate
Two years ago, Northeast Richland retiree Richard Astrella received his order of Coumadin — a heart medication — in the mail and looked it over.
The little round pill looked just like what he previously had bought from a local pharmacy, but it was shipped to his house from Canada, and it was $30 cheaper for a 90-day supply.
Astrella, 72, has been buying most of his medication — Pravachol, Diovan, Altace and Coumadin — from Canadian pharmacies for two years, saving a combined $275 on the orders. He says he has had no problems with them.
From the Boston Globe:
Drug firms sued over prices
Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, and 14 other pharmaceutical companies were accused by a group of California drugstores in a lawsuit of conspiring to keep lower-priced medicines from Canada out of the US market.
The lawsuit filed here by 14 independent pharmacies says the manufacturers use anticompetitive tactics to inflate drug prices. The pharmacies claim they pay four times more for prescription drugs than retailers in other countries.
Some drug makers limit sales to Canadian pharmacies as more than 1 million Americans use the Internet to order drugs from Canada, where medicines are as much as 77 percent cheaper. Pfizer, Eli Lilly & Co., and AstraZeneca PLC are reducing sales to Canada, in some cases cutting off retailers, to limit supplies available to send to US customers.
Drug firms sued over prices
Pfizer Inc., the world's largest drug maker, and 14 other pharmaceutical companies were accused by a group of California drugstores in a lawsuit of conspiring to keep lower-priced medicines from Canada out of the US market.
The lawsuit filed here by 14 independent pharmacies says the manufacturers use anticompetitive tactics to inflate drug prices. The pharmacies claim they pay four times more for prescription drugs than retailers in other countries.
Some drug makers limit sales to Canadian pharmacies as more than 1 million Americans use the Internet to order drugs from Canada, where medicines are as much as 77 percent cheaper. Pfizer, Eli Lilly & Co., and AstraZeneca PLC are reducing sales to Canada, in some cases cutting off retailers, to limit supplies available to send to US customers.
From the St. Louis Business Journal:
Blagojevich asks Pfizer to allow export of drugs from U.K.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is asking Pfizer Inc. to stop its plans to prevent British pharmaceutical wholesalers from providing drugs outside of the United Kingdom.
Blagojevich said this week Pfizer changed its supply procedures for the United Kingdom, now supplying only wholesalers who do business with patients or health-care professionals in the U.K. Pfizer previously made a similar move in Canada, which was followed by four other major drug companies.
Blagojevich asks Pfizer to allow export of drugs from U.K.
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is asking Pfizer Inc. to stop its plans to prevent British pharmaceutical wholesalers from providing drugs outside of the United Kingdom.
Blagojevich said this week Pfizer changed its supply procedures for the United Kingdom, now supplying only wholesalers who do business with patients or health-care professionals in the U.K. Pfizer previously made a similar move in Canada, which was followed by four other major drug companies.
Friday, August 27, 2004
From the Washington Times:
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
Mayor backs Web link to cheap drugs
D.C. Mayor Anthony A. Williams yesterday backed the city's link to a Minnesota state Web site that shows consumers how to get low-cost drugs from Canada, defying warnings from federal regulators and Minnesota officials.
"I believe in what we're doing," Mr. Williams said, referring to an item recently posted on the official D.C. government Web site that links to Minnesota RxConnect.
Thursday, August 26, 2004
From CBC News:
Rx train seniors rail against drug prices
A group of U.S. seniors in search of cheaper prescription drugs pulled into Vancouver Wednesday, after a trip from southern California aboard the Rx Express train.
The pensioners made the three-day trip as part of a protest against high drug prices in the United States.
A group called the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has paid for the train. It wants the U.S. federal government to reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs to Medicare patients and others by allowing a national bulk-purchasing program.
Rx train seniors rail against drug prices
A group of U.S. seniors in search of cheaper prescription drugs pulled into Vancouver Wednesday, after a trip from southern California aboard the Rx Express train.
The pensioners made the three-day trip as part of a protest against high drug prices in the United States.
A group called the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights has paid for the train. It wants the U.S. federal government to reduce the cost of pharmaceutical drugs to Medicare patients and others by allowing a national bulk-purchasing program.
From Investor's Business Daily
FDA may sue states over drug imports
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon take legal action against states that insist on importing prescription drugs from foreign drug retailers, a senior agency official says.
"We may end up having to go to court with them and we think we would prevail," FDA Associate Commissioner William Hubbard said in an interview. "So far, we've chosen not to pick a fight at this point."
FDA may sue states over drug imports
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration may soon take legal action against states that insist on importing prescription drugs from foreign drug retailers, a senior agency official says.
"We may end up having to go to court with them and we think we would prevail," FDA Associate Commissioner William Hubbard said in an interview. "So far, we've chosen not to pick a fight at this point."
From WOI-TV (IA):
Vilsack pushes prescription drug plan to buy from Canada
Governor Tom Vilsack says he is fighting to lower prescription drug costs as he kicked off a campaign today (Wednesday) in Des Moines for a consumer rights group.
Vilsack kicked off a prescription drug campaign for the Iowa Citizen Action Network Education Foundation. The group is asking state officials to get more involved in lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Iowans.
Vilsack pushes prescription drug plan to buy from Canada
Governor Tom Vilsack says he is fighting to lower prescription drug costs as he kicked off a campaign today (Wednesday) in Des Moines for a consumer rights group.
Vilsack kicked off a prescription drug campaign for the Iowa Citizen Action Network Education Foundation. The group is asking state officials to get more involved in lowering the cost of prescription drugs for Iowans.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)