Going to Canada and Mexico for Prescription Drugs

Everyday thousands of US residents, mainly seniors, take their cars or  are boarding buses and heading for Mexico or Canada to buy drugs.

These people are not criminals, they are regular law abiding citizens trying to lower their prescription drug bill. They read the press, it is all over the media: "prescriptions can be filled for half the US price". Those without prescription drug insurance, are flocking to Mexican and Canadian pharmacies.

US pharmaceutical manufacturers sell the same prescription drugs in USA, Mexico and Canada. In Mexico, the government sets price ceilings for medications. In Canada, the authorities negotiate bulk discounts with pharmaceutical companies and establish reasonable prices for most prescriptions. The strength of the US dollar is a factor too!

A report prepared for Representative Thomas H. Allen (D-ME) of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight shows substantial price differences between USA, Canada, and Mexico. The study investigated ten brand name prescription drugs and found that on average price in USA is  about twice as much  as in Mexico, and about 79 percent more than in Canada.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) however, warns that medications purchased abroad may present health risks to the user...

What You Need To Know Before You Go
Do it legally, do it the right way, and you'll have no problems purchasing prescription drugs in Canada or Mexico and bringing it back to the US. Here are some guidelines from DrugBuyers.Com, US Customs, CanadaRx, Mexico's Health Ministry and Association of Tijuana Pharmacies:

US Customs:

• Declare medications.
• Make sure the prescription is in your name.
• Keep originally containers and packages.
• Bring the prescription, or a copy of it...
• Return reasonable quantities for your personal use: usually a  90 day supply.
  
  Canada:
  Canadian pharmacies require  U.S. prescriptions endorsed by a Canadian doctor, or better still just a Canadian prescription. This is a simple requirement. Many pharmacies will arrange for your appointment with a doctor and will deduct the cost of the visit from your first prescription. Check the CanadaRx website for prices and more info.
  
  Mexico:
  Do not try to get a US prescription before going to Mexico, they are no good there. Mexican law requires a prescription from a Mexican physician but this is not a problem as many Mexican pharmacies have doctors on duty who will be happy to write prescriptions for a small fee. The pharmacist is required to keep the original prescription but this is often overlooked. Make sure you don't leave the store without the original or a copy. You will need it when going through Customs.

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