Methods to Bear in mind Prescription Labels

Canadian pharmacies are being treated as an alternative for purchasing medication in midst of rising health care costs and the price of prescription drugs skyrocketing. A report prepared for Congressman Henry Waxman of California indicated that even Medicare offered the drugs cost price 60 percent higher than prices offered at Canadian pharmacies. The Food and Drug Administration does not prosecute anyone even though the practice of purchasing drugs from Canada is illegal. One can even purchase to a three-month supply of medications across the Canadian border without any fear of prosecution. However there are some people who still consider this practice to be illegal though it provides them the opportunity of savings. Sen. Byron Dorgan in September 2009 brought an amendment to the health reform bill that would legalize.  Americans to purchase prescription medication from Canada; however the status of the current bill is still pending and not yet confirmed.

Step 1

Get a prescription from the doctor. Also get a photocopy for your records.

Step 2

To get the information about the legitimate Canadian pharmacies visit the Canadian International Pharmacy Association website. Search for pharmacies that carry the medications you need, and make sure that they are members of this organization. Selection of the pharmacy is either convenient to where you live or is located in a Canadian destination you plan to visit.

Step 3

Verification of the address, phone number, license number and province of the chosen pharmacy is required. Pharmacy that does not clearly display this information must be avoided.

Step 4

Check the DIN or drug identification number of the desired medication. The DIN is an eight digit number assigned by Health Canada, which lets the patient know that the drug has passed a review of its safety. Drug that does not have a DIN should not be bought and at the same time.

Step 5

Inquire about the hours of operation to make travel arrangements to visit the pharmacy. One just has to bring both the original and the photocopy of your prescription with you to Canada.

Step 6

Visiting the pharmacy and filling out the medical questionnaire in its entirety. The right quantity and dosage for the medication must be accurate.

Step 7

Make a copy of your receipt.