Canadian Internet Pharmacies Expand Drug Suppliers

As noted in the preceding issue of E-TIPSâ„¢ (Vol 2 No 22 April 14, 2004), several pharmaceutical companies are taking steps to choke off the cross-border flow of cheaper medicines from Canadian Internet pharmacies to consumers in the US. Supplies to some Canadian wholesalers are reported to have been restricted where the wholesalers have continued to facilitate US exports via Internet ordering. As a result, Canadian Internet pharmacies have reported that they are negotiating with pharmacies in the European Union, especially England and Ireland, and in New Zealand, as alternative sources for a safe and cheap supply of prescription medicines. Like Canada, Europe has government-established controls on the prices of prescription drugs and therefore European sourcing will continue to permit prices lower than regular pricing in the US. While the Internet pharmacies are making efforts to expand their supplier base, some cities and states in the US are trying to increase the availability of cheaper Canadian imports in order to curb spiralling US drug costs. Earlier this month, Senator Charles Grassley introduced legislation in Congress that would remove barriers to the importation of drugs from Canada. For a news story on the steps taken by Canadian Internet pharmacies, see: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A9047-2004Apr13.html. Summary by: Clare McCurley