Welcome Guest
Join here
Members Log-In
Privacy Policy

Monday March 15,2010

Prescription Drugs From Canada

by Linda J. Austin

Dandelions dot the lawn and tell the sun, "We shine as bright as you." Did you know that yellow symbolizes humility? The lowly dandelion, considered by many to be a weed - you'd have to be humble to wear the labels - "Priest's Crown, Lion's-tooth, Blowball, Cankerwort, Swine's Snout." Dandelions are pretty, edible, and often colonize spots where other plants refuse to grow. Dandelions are one of the most esteemed plants of the herablist. You can even order herbal dandelion concoctions online, but today we're talking about ordering prescription drugs from Canada.

In past letters I've written about selecting one pharmacy to have your prescriptions filled. In order to save money, you will need a local pharmacy and an online pharmacy. It's very important that you keep track of your prescriptions and over the counter medications - remember that list you were going to make? Each pharmacy should have a complete record of all your meds.

Never assume that an online pharmacy will have lower prices than your local pharmacy. My husband was given an additional drug to lower his cholesterol. His doctor said the generic would be about $20 for a month's supply (60 pills). If I had ordered the prescription online I would have paid $70 for 100 pills. No savings there. You still have to do price checks to see where the savings are.

Some things you should know about ordering prescriptions from Canada:

• Remember: once you buy a drug, it's yours - no returns, no refunds.

• Always, always read the FAQs for the site you visit, it will answer many of your questions.
• This isn't for short-term meds - like antibiotics for a sinus infection.

• It takes 10 - 12 days to process an order.
• Express shipping may not be offered.
• There usually is a set shipping fee, regardless of the number of prescriptions - so try to do refills at the same time.
  

• Shipping charges are around $10
  

• Insurance cards will probably not be accepted.
  

• Discount drug cards will probably not be accepted.

• The pharmacy may not carry the drug you are looking for
  

• Prices on the site usually represent US Dollars.
  

• There may be a consultation fee - charged when a Canadian physician reviews the medical record and rewrites the prescription. (Remember this is a different country with different regulations.)
  

• Drug prices are not static - refills of your prescription may cost more (or less) than you paid originally.

Since I've used Canadapharmacy.com (and been very happy with their customer service) you might begin your research there. Click on the FAQ link at the top of their web page. READ.

Now click on the PRESCRIPTION tab. Using your medication list as your guide, click on the letter (example: "L" for Lipitor). Scroll down the list until you come to what you're looking for. Click on "Select a Size" to see the dosages, quantities, and cost. If you are just doing research - write this info on your medications list.