AP: Drug Imports From Canada Set to Be Eased

[Eugene]

Drug Imports From Canada Set to Be Eased


Friday September 22, 2006 2:01 AM

AP Photo FLRA103

By LARA JAKES JORDAN

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Americans could buy and carry home prescription drugs
from Canada under an agreement reached Thursday between House and Senate
Republicans.

Customs agents would be prohibited as part of a Homeland Security spending
bill from seizing up to 90-day supplies of prescribed medicines brought
across the border. Purchasing cheaper prescriptions over the Internet or
by mail-order from Canadian pharmacies would still be prohibited, officials
said.

Because of government price controls in Canada, prices there for many popular
brand-name prescription drugs are 30 percent to 80 percent lower than in the
U.S., according to surveys by The Associated Press and others.

-snip-

While importing drugs into the United States is illegal, the Food and Drug
Administration generally has not stopped small amounts of medicine purchased
for personal use.

However, Customs officials last November began intercepting prescription drugs
coming across the border.

-snip-

Full article: http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,,-6097135,00.html

Oh look! The Repubs are throwing consumers a bone.

[AX10]

1. Exactly! It's an election year ploy.

[tanyev]

2. Well, yippieha. That will solve the problem for every American

who can't afford their prescription drugs.


Not.

[Vidar]

3. Until November 9, just like gas prices.

[Vinca]

4. We used to buy our drugs from a great pharmacy in Canada -

they even sent Christmas cards - but we can't afford to drive up there every time we need a prescription filled. What the heck is wrong with getting drugs by mail? I'm so sick of go around and around with this Republican ploy to win votes and fill up pharmaceutical company coffers at the same time.