Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Friday urged the Canadian government to adopt stronger rules for online and mail-order pharmacies rather than ban prescription drug exports altogether.
Last week, Canadian Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh recommended a plan to stop Canadian exports of prescription medications. He pointed to concerns that Canadian physicians do not have enough information to adequately determine whether a prescription for a patient they haven’t examined in-person is appropriate.
“Rather than take drastic action that would unnecessarily harm millions of people, I urge you to consider instead strengthening your regulations to ensure Canadian doctors have the information they need to safely co-sign or re-write prescriptions for American patients,” wrote Blagojevich. “Two million Americans are currently acquiring much needed prescription drugs from Canada, and by doing so, they avoid having to make the choice between their medicine and their next meal. When our citizens can get access to the medications they need at prices they can afford, they can live healthier and more productive lives.”
In October, Illinois, Wisconsin and several other states launched i-save-rx.com — a website where you can order prescription drugs from Canada and Europe. Other states such as Wisconsin offer the same service.
Several Web sites such as www.doctorsolve.com, Canadadrugs.com and Canadapharmacy.com and www.crossborderpharmacy.com already serve this market.
The Food & Drug Administration opposes importing drugs from Canada, fearing they may not be safe.
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