Depending on the country or jurisdiction, individuals can purchase their medicine through an online Canadian pharmacy if the drug has no unreasonable associated risks and is for personal use, typically no more than a 3-month supply. For controlled substances, especially benzodiazepines and opioids, it is standard that 50 dosage units or less are allowed to be shipped internationally. Furthermore, imported pharmaceuticals must be an approved or non-restricted drugs under national oversight agencies. Otherwise, the sender could face felony charges for receiving, obtaining, or handling such shipment. Proper international mailing and verification, such as a doctor’s note with prescription information, will need to be included and followed out to prevent shipment delays, package seizures, or arrest warrants. The FDA’s Personal Importation Policy and BeSafeRx tips should be read thoroughly and discussed with a doctor, medical insurance, and the pharmacy vendor before purchasing.
Canadian Pharmacies
Reluctantly, purchasing medicine through an online Canadian pharmacy comes with little associated risk. Due to consumer protections and government intervention, a Canadian pharmacy or medical distributor must be accredited through the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), have a permanent Canadian address and phone number, and will likely be on NABP’s online and downloadable pharmacy-verified Excel list or recognized by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy. An online Canadian pharmacy usually scores a 2 or lower on the high-risk scales provided by the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP Global).
Extreme considerations imposed by the Canadian government also provide additional security to medically compromised individuals or those purchasing medicine on behalf of their loved ones. Medicine supplied by a Canadian online vendor usually does not contain impurities or harmful or toxic ingredients, including fentanyl. Secured browsing and check-out procedures must be embedded throughout the website to ensure the anonymity or confidentiality of online consumers. Strict verification factors, such as confirming the validity of the virtual or written prescription and the qualifying status of the medical provider, are performed before shipment. Insurance, if provided, will also be notified, as Canada allows expansive medical coverage options, even for online medical purchases. Conclusively, the online pharmaceutical programs are well-rounded. Customer support and licensed pharmacists are available via chat, email, or phone call to present clarity and transparency of the process and answer any concerns or questions.
Savings
Usually, a 50% savings is expected when purchasing from a Canadian e-pharmacy over its US counterpart. For example, the antidepressant, Abilify, costs $200 through an online Canadian drugstore: a 70% savings compared to the cost of $700 of the same prescription in the US. Tamiflu, a drug to treat the flu, is less than $50 in Canada but $110 in the US, which is a 55% savings. Two 0.3 mg EpiPen injectors cost $600 in the US, or individuals can save 54% when purchasing them in Canada for $275. US citizens spend $1,127 per capita on prescribed medicines, while Canadians averaged $737 per capita in 2019. In other words, the Canadian healthcare system will surely provide any individual savings on their next prescription purchase when choosing an online Canadian pharmacy.
