Healthcare costs

[pomtzu]

And if you could buy those strips in one of those countries ...such as Canada...they would probably be even cheaper!

Why can't you get them from Canada? I have gotten prescriptions from there in the past and saved a bundle.
This Spring my doctor prescribed a nasal spray for my pollen allergies. Cost at Sam's was $112 per month, but I could get it thru Canadian pharmacies at $62 for 3 months. What's wrong with that picture??? In the end I chose not to get either, since over the counter Benadryl works just as well for me.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Why can't you get them from Canada? I have gotten prescriptions from there in the past and saved a bundle.
This Spring my doctor prescribed a nasal spray for my pollen allergies. Cost at Sam's was $112 per month, but I could get it thru Canadian pharmacies at $62 for 3 months. What's wrong with that picture??? In the end I chose not to get either, since over the counter Benadryl works just as well for me.

My understanding is there are legal issues for US citizens to buy drugs from Canada.

[pomtzu]

My understanding is there are legal issues for US citizens to buy drugs from Canada.

I've heard that the government is, or was, trying to make it illegal, but so far they haven't been able to do it. If U.S. pricing was anywhere in line with the Canadian prices, then people wouldn't have to buy out of the country. If Canada can sell it so cheaply, then why can't the U.S. - or perhaps I should say why won't the U.S.

[Edwina's Secretary]

I've heard that the government is, or was, trying to make it illegal, but so far they haven't been able to do it. If U.S. pricing was anywhere in line with the Canadian prices, then people wouldn't have to buy out of the country. If Canada can sell it so cheaply, then why can't the U.S. - or perhaps I should say why won't the U.S.

The drug companies have a VERY strong lobby....just like the insurance companies....

[pomtzu]

The drug companies have a VERY strong lobby....just like the insurance companies....

I still don't get it - same pharmaceutical manufacturer - exact same drug in both countries-------just doesn't make sense to me

[Edwina's Secretary]

I still don't get it - same pharmaceutical manufacturer - exact same drug in both countries-------just doesn't make sense to me

The "explanation" I have seen most often from the pharmas is... you cannot know for sure the quality of drugs if you buy them outside the US.

[pomtzu]

The "explanation" I have seen most often from the pharmas is... you cannot know for sure the quality of drugs if you buy them outside the US.

So they say that to scare people into submission and I guess it works??? I wonder how they explain away the same packaging, same manufacturer, etc. Do they make sub-standard drugs to sell outside the U.S.? I wonder how they answer that one???

[Nomilynn]

The "explanation" I have seen most often from the pharmas is... you cannot know for sure the quality of drugs if you buy them outside the US.

It's my understanding, and I could be wrong and I'm too lazy to check right now , but I believe that there are tighter controls on ingredients in medications in Canada than in the US. As far as I know, Canada always retests for their own purposes but again, I may be incorrect!

As far as diabetic supplies, though, like strips, I can't see how it would make any difference whatsoever. When I first was diagnosed my parents and I made a trip to Florida. When we arrived and unpacked I realised I had forgotten to pack test strips, and went to a Walgreens and bought them and there was no issue with them at all.

[Grace]

Well, well, well - I just went to Canada Drugs online and I can buy 100 strips for $51.90 - that's even less than at Amazon.

I think I shall call my Congressman's office once again and ask about the great variation in prices.

On the subject of buying drugs from Canada - we have been buying Frontline, an anti flea and other assorted bugs product, for our cats from Canada for several years. It is a non-prescription item there, takes just about 2 weeks from order to delivery, and it cost just over half of the amount our Vet charges. And, yes, it is the very same stuff - made by Pfizer.

[pomtzu]

Well, well, well - I just went to Canada Drugs online and I can buy 100 strips for $51.90 - that's even less than at Amazon.

I think I shall call my Congressman's office once again and ask about the great variation in prices.

On the subject of buying drugs from Canada - we have been buying Frontline, an anti flea and other assorted bugs product, for our cats from Canada for several years. It is a non-prescription item there, takes just about 2 weeks from order to delivery, and it cost just over half of the amount our Vet charges. And, yes, it is the very same stuff - made by Pfizer.

It also pay to compare the Canadian pharmacies against each other too, since their prices also vary.

I never thought about Canada for pet meds - I've been getting mine on line thru jefferspets and they are a whole lot less than the vet or other on line pet med places. I'm going to have to check Canada for them now. Thanks!

[Grace]

It also pay to compare the Canadian pharmacies against each other too, since their prices also vary.

I never thought about Canada for pet meds - I've been getting mine on line thru jefferspets and they are a whole lot less than the vet or other on line pet med places. I'm going to have to check Canada for them now. Thanks!

The most recent place I used was Canadavet.com. It's in British Columbia, and the boxes ship from Australia. They are doing some work on their web site, and I ended up using the 800# last time. No problems though.