
“The US regulatory body provides guidelines which spell out when a prescription can or cannot be filled overseas and brought back to the U.S. In the end, it’s important to use the best judgment. If something does not feel right, follow the instincts, and find another provider.”
American customers often wonder if buying a prescription drug from a foreign pharmacy is fine and bringing it back to the U.S. The rationale for doing so may be evident, especially at a moment when the cost of healthcare is rising in the United States.
- The branded medications considerably cost less in foreign pharmacies.
- Some medications may be available only overseas but not in the US.
- Some medications require a prescription in the US but not in foreign.
Therefore, American patients may prefer buying medications from foreign pharmacies. As there may be certain barriers to buying prescriptions, they still buy them from foreign pharmacies. They find it cost-saving.
Learn More – Americans shopping for medications outside the United States
Related article: Americans can’t afford U.S. medications, they need a safe alternative
1. What is Personal Importation and Re-Importation?
According to the US regulatory body, Personal importation is defined as the act of bringing prescription medications from a foreign country into the US for the personal use of the patient. Whereas Re-importation is defined as purchasing medications from foreign pharmacies that were manufactured in the US. It is said that these practices are not under the rules.
Learn More – Campaign for Personal Prescription Importation
2. When is importation allowed?
The US regulatory body restricts medications to be brought into the US for resale or commercial distribution. They may be lenient in cases of buying medications for the patient’s personal use.
These include:
- The medication may be approved when it is prescribed for serious treatment and there is no other equivalent remedy at home.
- The medications imported should be 90 days’ supply.
- The prescription medications may be declared as customs with a valid prescription.
3. How to deal with US customs?
The US customs may seize products that may not follow the norms implicated. You may need to prepare certain things
- You must be assured about the medication that you purchase. If it comes across the US customs, you may be penalized.
- If the medications prove to be suspicious, it may be confiscated and would be reviewed by the US regulatory body. They determine whether medications are meeting the norms and can be brought to the US.
- It is recommended to carry the original prescription with the medications in their original containers.
4. How to purchase prescription drugs online?
Purchasing from foreign online pharmacies helps to save money. Having a website that seems exciting is not to be considered a legitimate online pharmacy. It is a known fact that in some cases certain brand names used in foreign are not the same as in the US. You may find trustworthy online pharmacies on the websites of organizations such as Pharmacy Checker or the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA). These organizations help to get verified and licensed Canadian online pharmacies.