From the Calgary Herald:
Pharmacy rules a hot topic at health care conference
The Alberta government is being asked to review the rules surrounding how pharmaceutical drugs are dispensed and who dispenses them.
The association that represents pharmacy technicians says those rules are too lax.
Diane Reeder, president of the Alberta branch of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Technicians, says currently, anyone can call themselves a technician or assistant.
Monday, October 18, 2004
From the Fort Worth (TX) Star Telegram:
A Drug Trek to Canada
A 68-year-old Pennsylvania woman said Thursday that she happily took a 600-mile train ride to Toronto to buy medicine that would save her thousands of dollars compared with prices in the United States.
June Marie Preston and her 67-year-old sister, Marion Hicks, live together in Douglassville outside of Philadelphia and traveled by train with 21 other Americans seeking to stock up on cheaper Canadian drugs.
"I hope to realize 50 percent savings," Preston said, noting that her asthma medications cost $556 a month.
A Drug Trek to Canada
A 68-year-old Pennsylvania woman said Thursday that she happily took a 600-mile train ride to Toronto to buy medicine that would save her thousands of dollars compared with prices in the United States.
June Marie Preston and her 67-year-old sister, Marion Hicks, live together in Douglassville outside of Philadelphia and traveled by train with 21 other Americans seeking to stock up on cheaper Canadian drugs.
"I hope to realize 50 percent savings," Preston said, noting that her asthma medications cost $556 a month.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
From CBC North:
Prescription stats prompt call for drug-tracking plan
Documents obtained by CBC Radio show there's been a big increase in the number of claims for pain-killing drugs for First Nations people in the Yukon.
Health Canada statistics show a 25 per cent increase in the number of payments Ottawa made for prescription drugs under its non-insured health benefits program. That's the program that funds a variety of medical expenses for aboriginal and Inuit Canadians.
Prescription stats prompt call for drug-tracking plan
Documents obtained by CBC Radio show there's been a big increase in the number of claims for pain-killing drugs for First Nations people in the Yukon.
Health Canada statistics show a 25 per cent increase in the number of payments Ottawa made for prescription drugs under its non-insured health benefits program. That's the program that funds a variety of medical expenses for aboriginal and Inuit Canadians.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
From the (Nashville) Tennessean:
Go-betweens smooth path of Canadian prescription drugs
Noelie Crosslin used to pay up to $700 a month for her medications. Now, she pays that much for a three-month supply.
Crosslin, 70, of Sparta, gets her discount by ordering prescription drugs from a pharmacy in Canada. And as far as she can tell, the medicines are no different from what she used to get from her local drugstore.
''When I asked my doctor about it, he had no problem whatsoever with it. They are very aware of drug costs,'' said Crosslin, who takes an anti-depressant, a pill to control her blood pressure and other drugs for bronchial problems.
Go-betweens smooth path of Canadian prescription drugs
Noelie Crosslin used to pay up to $700 a month for her medications. Now, she pays that much for a three-month supply.
Crosslin, 70, of Sparta, gets her discount by ordering prescription drugs from a pharmacy in Canada. And as far as she can tell, the medicines are no different from what she used to get from her local drugstore.
''When I asked my doctor about it, he had no problem whatsoever with it. They are very aware of drug costs,'' said Crosslin, who takes an anti-depressant, a pill to control her blood pressure and other drugs for bronchial problems.
From the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune:
More than 11,000 request forms for new drug import program
More than 11,000 people have requested forms to enroll in Illinois and Wisconsin's new drug importation program, a system that gives residents access to cheaper prescription drugs from Europe and Canada despite a federal ban on the imports.
The two states launched the I-SaveRx program Oct. 4, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been promoting it across Illinois.
During its first six days, the program's toll-free hot line received 2,892 calls, and the call center mailed out more than 1,000 enrollment forms, Blagojevich said Tuesday. He said enrollment forms had been downloaded from the I-SaveRx Web site 10,141 times.
More than 11,000 request forms for new drug import program
More than 11,000 people have requested forms to enroll in Illinois and Wisconsin's new drug importation program, a system that gives residents access to cheaper prescription drugs from Europe and Canada despite a federal ban on the imports.
The two states launched the I-SaveRx program Oct. 4, and Gov. Rod Blagojevich has been promoting it across Illinois.
During its first six days, the program's toll-free hot line received 2,892 calls, and the call center mailed out more than 1,000 enrollment forms, Blagojevich said Tuesday. He said enrollment forms had been downloaded from the I-SaveRx Web site 10,141 times.
From the San Jose Mercury News:
Seniors Head to Canada for Cheaper Drugs
With a button pinned to her jacket that read "Drug Companies Make Me Sick," Mildred Fruhling, 76, joined a small caravan headed to Canada by train to buy cheaper prescription drugs.
The drugs she and her husband need are available at home in Edison, N.J., at a cost of about $7,000 a year. In Canada, where she's going with more than 20 other senior citizens, she'll buy a three-month supply for about half the U.S. price.
Seniors Head to Canada for Cheaper Drugs
With a button pinned to her jacket that read "Drug Companies Make Me Sick," Mildred Fruhling, 76, joined a small caravan headed to Canada by train to buy cheaper prescription drugs.
The drugs she and her husband need are available at home in Edison, N.J., at a cost of about $7,000 a year. In Canada, where she's going with more than 20 other senior citizens, she'll buy a three-month supply for about half the U.S. price.
From Yahoo News:
Despite U.S. Ban, Drug Import Programs Proliferate
A new joint program in Illinois and Wisconsin to help residents buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and Europe is the latest challenge to the United States' ban on drug importation.
A growing number of states and municipalities are openly defying the federal law. Minnesota, the first state to facilitate cross-boarder drug imports, launched a Web site in January providing residents with information on how to buy drugs from Canada. Since then, North Dakota and New Hampshire have joined the fray, while nearly a dozen other states have proposed import.
Despite U.S. Ban, Drug Import Programs Proliferate
A new joint program in Illinois and Wisconsin to help residents buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and Europe is the latest challenge to the United States' ban on drug importation.
A growing number of states and municipalities are openly defying the federal law. Minnesota, the first state to facilitate cross-boarder drug imports, launched a Web site in January providing residents with information on how to buy drugs from Canada. Since then, North Dakota and New Hampshire have joined the fray, while nearly a dozen other states have proposed import.
Monday, October 11, 2004
From The Globe and Mail:
MDs face disciplinary action for Web prescriptions
Some hover over their basement computers, co-signing prescriptions into the wee hours for American patients they have never seen. But what may seem like quick money in the booming Internet pharmacy business is becoming a fast ticket to discipline for some of Canada's doctors.
Four physicians, including an 80-year-old ear, nose and throat specialist from the Central Ontario town of Windermere, are facing disciplinary hearings for allegedly co-signing prescriptions for U.S. patients who receive the low-cost drugs in their mailboxes.
MDs face disciplinary action for Web prescriptions
Some hover over their basement computers, co-signing prescriptions into the wee hours for American patients they have never seen. But what may seem like quick money in the booming Internet pharmacy business is becoming a fast ticket to discipline for some of Canada's doctors.
Four physicians, including an 80-year-old ear, nose and throat specialist from the Central Ontario town of Windermere, are facing disciplinary hearings for allegedly co-signing prescriptions for U.S. patients who receive the low-cost drugs in their mailboxes.
Sunday, October 10, 2004
From the Toronto Star:
Canadian drug safety no concern: U.S. seniors
Two dozen American seniors from Maine about to set out for a drug-buying bus trip to Canada don't care that U.S. President George W. Bush is concerned the drugs might "kill" them.
"I take five different prescription drugs, one made somewhere outside Toronto," said John Carr, 66, president of the Maine Council of Seniors. "They haven't killed me yet."
Canadian drug safety no concern: U.S. seniors
Two dozen American seniors from Maine about to set out for a drug-buying bus trip to Canada don't care that U.S. President George W. Bush is concerned the drugs might "kill" them.
"I take five different prescription drugs, one made somewhere outside Toronto," said John Carr, 66, president of the Maine Council of Seniors. "They haven't killed me yet."
From the Globe and Mail:
Few Americans buying drugs on-line
Only 4 per cent of Americans have ever used the Internet to buy prescription drugs — and even fewer do so through foreign pharmacies — despite websites maintained by a handful of states to help Americans import medicines more cheaply from Canada, a new study finds.
A majority — 62 per cent — believe drugs bought on-line are less safe than those purchased from a local pharmacy, accepting the federal government's stated concerns in opposing drug imports, the Pew Internet and American Life Project said in a report Sunday.
Few Americans buying drugs on-line
Only 4 per cent of Americans have ever used the Internet to buy prescription drugs — and even fewer do so through foreign pharmacies — despite websites maintained by a handful of states to help Americans import medicines more cheaply from Canada, a new study finds.
A majority — 62 per cent — believe drugs bought on-line are less safe than those purchased from a local pharmacy, accepting the federal government's stated concerns in opposing drug imports, the Pew Internet and American Life Project said in a report Sunday.
Saturday, October 09, 2004
From CBC Calgary:
Safeway's offer of cheap flu shots questioned
The Alberta College of Pharmacists is concerned about a grocery chain's offer of half-price flu shots for regular customers.
Safeway is offering the discounted shots at its pharmacies for customers who have the store's club card.
Karen Barney, president-elect of the Alberta College of Pharmacists, says prescriptions aren't a commodity and shouldn't be sold under special offer.
Safeway's offer of cheap flu shots questioned
The Alberta College of Pharmacists is concerned about a grocery chain's offer of half-price flu shots for regular customers.
Safeway is offering the discounted shots at its pharmacies for customers who have the store's club card.
Karen Barney, president-elect of the Alberta College of Pharmacists, says prescriptions aren't a commodity and shouldn't be sold under special offer.
From the St. Petersburg (FL) Times:
Global drug shuffle may backfire
Lou Angelo, a 69-year-old retired auto mechanic in Brooksville, doesn't consider himself a political activist. But as one of millions of Americans who buy prescriptions from Canada, saving about $100 a month on blood pressure medicine and beta blockers, he is part of a groundswell of pressure for lower drug prices here in the United States.
This week, Wisconsin and Illinois raised the political ante by saying they have created an easy and safe way for their residents to tap into inexpensive drug imports from Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada.
Global drug shuffle may backfire
Lou Angelo, a 69-year-old retired auto mechanic in Brooksville, doesn't consider himself a political activist. But as one of millions of Americans who buy prescriptions from Canada, saving about $100 a month on blood pressure medicine and beta blockers, he is part of a groundswell of pressure for lower drug prices here in the United States.
This week, Wisconsin and Illinois raised the political ante by saying they have created an easy and safe way for their residents to tap into inexpensive drug imports from Ireland and the United Kingdom, as well as Canada.
From the Globe and Mail:
Internet pharmacy doctor under fire at hearing
A Toronto doctor accused of co-signing thousands of prescriptions for an Internet pharmacy without seeing patients changed his story several times under heated cross-examination at his disciplinary hearing yesterday.
Stanley Gore, 56, told the hearing before the Ontario College of Physician and Surgeons that high blood pressure and stress are causing him to forget details of his job and possibly misstate evidence. "I'm honestly getting confused and I'm terrified of it," he told the hearing.
Internet pharmacy doctor under fire at hearing
A Toronto doctor accused of co-signing thousands of prescriptions for an Internet pharmacy without seeing patients changed his story several times under heated cross-examination at his disciplinary hearing yesterday.
Stanley Gore, 56, told the hearing before the Ontario College of Physician and Surgeons that high blood pressure and stress are causing him to forget details of his job and possibly misstate evidence. "I'm honestly getting confused and I'm terrified of it," he told the hearing.
From the Canadian Press:
Ontario class-action lawsuit by users of arthritis drug Vioxx joins others
A Toronto-based law firm filed another class-action lawsuit Friday against drug maker Merck and Co. Inc., the makers of the arthritis drug Vioxx.
The lawsuit is the fifth to be filed in Canada since the drug was withdrawn by Merck on Sept. 30. after studies found it may increase heart attack and stroke risk. Other class actions have been filed in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. None of the suits has yet been certified by a judge, which must happen before they can proceed.
Ontario class-action lawsuit by users of arthritis drug Vioxx joins others
A Toronto-based law firm filed another class-action lawsuit Friday against drug maker Merck and Co. Inc., the makers of the arthritis drug Vioxx.
The lawsuit is the fifth to be filed in Canada since the drug was withdrawn by Merck on Sept. 30. after studies found it may increase heart attack and stroke risk. Other class actions have been filed in Ontario, Quebec, British Columbia and Saskatchewan. None of the suits has yet been certified by a judge, which must happen before they can proceed.
From CBC Manitoba:
Democratic win in U.S. could kill web pharmacies
A campaign promise by American vice-presidential candidate John Edwards has Manitoba's online pharmaceutical industry sweating.
Millions of Americans already buy prescription drugs online through Canadian-based pharmacies, but the Federal Drug Administration south of the border frowns on the practice, maintaining there's no guarantee Canadian drugs are safe.
Democratic win in U.S. could kill web pharmacies
A campaign promise by American vice-presidential candidate John Edwards has Manitoba's online pharmaceutical industry sweating.
Millions of Americans already buy prescription drugs online through Canadian-based pharmacies, but the Federal Drug Administration south of the border frowns on the practice, maintaining there's no guarantee Canadian drugs are safe.
From AARP:
States Defy FDA on Drug Importation
Weighing in where millions of ordinary Americans have already dared to tread, a growing number of states and cities are defying federal law and the power of the pharmaceutical industry to help people buy prescription drugs from abroad. In some cases they’re even filing lawsuits against those who try to stop them.
These smaller governments are in effect giving Washington an ultimatum: Allow Americans to buy lower-cost medications from Canada and other countries, or bring down drug prices at home. They’re also strongly challenging the position—long held by the White House, the Food and Drug Administration and the drug companies—that buying medications from licensed pharmacies abroad is not safe.
States Defy FDA on Drug Importation
Weighing in where millions of ordinary Americans have already dared to tread, a growing number of states and cities are defying federal law and the power of the pharmaceutical industry to help people buy prescription drugs from abroad. In some cases they’re even filing lawsuits against those who try to stop them.
These smaller governments are in effect giving Washington an ultimatum: Allow Americans to buy lower-cost medications from Canada and other countries, or bring down drug prices at home. They’re also strongly challenging the position—long held by the White House, the Food and Drug Administration and the drug companies—that buying medications from licensed pharmacies abroad is not safe.
From the Urbana/Champaign (IL) News-Gazette:
Blagojevich visits Savoy to tout prescription program
Mary Jane Gillespie of Savoy told Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday she's a step ahead of his new state drug purchase plan, buying her medications from Canada as she struggles to pay enormous bills for arthritis drugs.
The governor visited with senior citizens at The Windsor of Savoy on Thursday afternoon, wrapping up a three-day, statewide tour to promote his new prescription drug importation program, I-Save Rx.
Blagojevich visits Savoy to tout prescription program
Mary Jane Gillespie of Savoy told Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Thursday she's a step ahead of his new state drug purchase plan, buying her medications from Canada as she struggles to pay enormous bills for arthritis drugs.
The governor visited with senior citizens at The Windsor of Savoy on Thursday afternoon, wrapping up a three-day, statewide tour to promote his new prescription drug importation program, I-Save Rx.
Thursday, October 07, 2004
From the Canadian Press:
Scientists question whether Vioxx problem affects entire class of drugs
In the wake of last week's surprise market withdrawal of wonder drug Vioxx, scientists Wednesday questioned the safety of the entire class of arthritis drugs known as Cox-2 inhibitors.
In commentaries rushed to print online by the New England Journal of Medicine, experts suggested the increased risk of heart attack and stroke that prompted Vioxx's withdrawal may also be true across the entire class of the wildly successful drugs.
Scientists question whether Vioxx problem affects entire class of drugs
In the wake of last week's surprise market withdrawal of wonder drug Vioxx, scientists Wednesday questioned the safety of the entire class of arthritis drugs known as Cox-2 inhibitors.
In commentaries rushed to print online by the New England Journal of Medicine, experts suggested the increased risk of heart attack and stroke that prompted Vioxx's withdrawal may also be true across the entire class of the wildly successful drugs.
From the Quad-City (IL) Times:
Blagojevich pitches RX for high drug costs
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is making a barnstorming, campaign-style tour with one highly charged issue and it’s not even an election year for him.
Blagojevich was at Friendship Manor in Rock Island on Wednesday to explain I-SaveRX, a joint effort of Illinois and Wisconsin launched this week. The plan will allow citizens of the two states to purchase prescription drugs from outside the United States at savings of up to 50 percent.
Many Americans already are taking advantage of less expensive prescription drugs by ordering from pharmacies outside the United States, but Blagojevich and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle are the first to take importation a step further by supporting the practice through their state governments.
Blagojevich pitches RX for high drug costs
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich is making a barnstorming, campaign-style tour with one highly charged issue and it’s not even an election year for him.
Blagojevich was at Friendship Manor in Rock Island on Wednesday to explain I-SaveRX, a joint effort of Illinois and Wisconsin launched this week. The plan will allow citizens of the two states to purchase prescription drugs from outside the United States at savings of up to 50 percent.
Many Americans already are taking advantage of less expensive prescription drugs by ordering from pharmacies outside the United States, but Blagojevich and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle are the first to take importation a step further by supporting the practice through their state governments.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
From the Spartanburg (ME) Herald-Journal:
Maine and One of Its Tribes Look to Buy Canadian Drugs
Maine yesterday became the latest state to try to find a way to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, but the state added a twist with a proposal that would allow an American Indian tribe to sell the imported drugs.
Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, said at a news conference that he was asking the federal government for permission to import prescription drugs from Canada, which several other states are also seeking. Federal officials have refused to authorize such programs, saying there is no way to guarantee the safety and efficacy of imported drugs.
Maine and One of Its Tribes Look to Buy Canadian Drugs
Maine yesterday became the latest state to try to find a way to import lower-cost prescription drugs from Canada, but the state added a twist with a proposal that would allow an American Indian tribe to sell the imported drugs.
Gov. John Baldacci, a Democrat, said at a news conference that he was asking the federal government for permission to import prescription drugs from Canada, which several other states are also seeking. Federal officials have refused to authorize such programs, saying there is no way to guarantee the safety and efficacy of imported drugs.
From The Globe and Mail:
Death of a Wonder Drug
It was nicknamed a "super Aspirin" when it hit the market five years ago, billed as an early blockbuster of the biotech era, a remarkably safe anti-inflammatory drug and painkiller bound to be a hit with aging baby boomers.
Merck & Co. Inc. first developed Vioxx as a new class of arthritis medication. But it quickly landed in medicine cabinets as a treatment for everything from muscle aches to menstrual cramps, with 3.4 million prescriptions filled in Canada last year, and 84 million people taking it around the world.
Death of a Wonder Drug
It was nicknamed a "super Aspirin" when it hit the market five years ago, billed as an early blockbuster of the biotech era, a remarkably safe anti-inflammatory drug and painkiller bound to be a hit with aging baby boomers.
Merck & Co. Inc. first developed Vioxx as a new class of arthritis medication. But it quickly landed in medicine cabinets as a treatment for everything from muscle aches to menstrual cramps, with 3.4 million prescriptions filled in Canada last year, and 84 million people taking it around the world.
From the Chicago Sun Times:
Illinois opens discount pharmacy
Defying the federal government, Illinois and Wisconsin launched a program Monday to help residents buy cheap prescription drugs from Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Residents could save 25 percent to 50 percent by buying from 45 approved foreign suppliers, Gov. Blagojevich said.
Illinois opens discount pharmacy
Defying the federal government, Illinois and Wisconsin launched a program Monday to help residents buy cheap prescription drugs from Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Residents could save 25 percent to 50 percent by buying from 45 approved foreign suppliers, Gov. Blagojevich said.
From the Los Angeles Times:
Prescription for Battle With Feds
One of the key figures in the debate over importing prescription drugs from Canada is hungry — and he's got his eyes on a platter of pork ribs.
"Gimme some of that hawg," he drawls to an amused waitress at the County Line, a barbecue joint.
If his twang and blue-jeans business attire aren't enough of a clue, Tom Curb is happy to explain what he's all about.
Prescription for Battle With Feds
One of the key figures in the debate over importing prescription drugs from Canada is hungry — and he's got his eyes on a platter of pork ribs.
"Gimme some of that hawg," he drawls to an amused waitress at the County Line, a barbecue joint.
If his twang and blue-jeans business attire aren't enough of a clue, Tom Curb is happy to explain what he's all about.
From WEEK-TV (IL):
Prescription Drug Program
Governor Rod Blagojevich's prescription for lower cost medicine is up and running.
The service is called 'I Save R-X and it helps residents buy cheaper prescription drugs from foreign countries.
Low cost prescription drugs are now just a mouse click or phone call away.
Prescription Drug Program
Governor Rod Blagojevich's prescription for lower cost medicine is up and running.
The service is called 'I Save R-X and it helps residents buy cheaper prescription drugs from foreign countries.
Low cost prescription drugs are now just a mouse click or phone call away.
From the Providence (RI) Journal:
City plans to fill prescriptions in Canada
The U.S. government may frown, but city employees and everyone else in Fall River can save as much as 50 percent or more on certain prescription drugs from Canada, Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr. announced yesterday.
Lambert urged residents to buy medicines through CanaRx, a company that works with Canadian pharmacists to fill prescriptions ordered by doctors in the United States. And starting on Oct. 18, he said, the city will let employees and retired city workers fill prescriptions through CanaRx without paying any deductibles.
City plans to fill prescriptions in Canada
The U.S. government may frown, but city employees and everyone else in Fall River can save as much as 50 percent or more on certain prescription drugs from Canada, Mayor Edward M. Lambert Jr. announced yesterday.
Lambert urged residents to buy medicines through CanaRx, a company that works with Canadian pharmacists to fill prescriptions ordered by doctors in the United States. And starting on Oct. 18, he said, the city will let employees and retired city workers fill prescriptions through CanaRx without paying any deductibles.
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.
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.
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.
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