|
There are some risks that arise when you purchase medications via the Internet or mail order, and some additional risks that arise if you are purchasing from a pharmacy outside of the United States. Be an informed consumer. You need to consider these risks and decide whether ordering your medications in this manner is right for you and your family.
Is it legal?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains that:
- Re-importing into the U.S. prescription drugs originally manufactured in the U.S. may be unsafe and FDA protections may not be available; and
- Importing medications made in other countries may violate the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act if the medicine is not approved by the FDA or if it does not meet all FDA approval requirements.
However, the FDA in 2006 announced a policy that it will not interfere with individual U.S. residents who buy small amounts of prescription drugs for their own personal use, or that of a family member. The FDA's policy on "personal use" basically says that FDA staff can choose not to stop shipments that may violate federal law, under these circumstances:
|
1) |
the appropriate use is identified, |
|
|
is not for the purpose of a serious condition, and |
|
|
the product is not considered dangerous; |
|
|
-- OR -- |
|
2) |
the medication is for a serious condition and is not available in the U.S.; |
|
|
the medication is not promoted to U.S. residents; |
|
|
the FDA does not consider the medication to pose an unreasonable risk; and |
|
|
the person buying the medication verifies that the medication is for personal use, and provides the name and address of his/her U.S. doctor or can show that the medication is necessary to continue treatment. |
It is important to know that the FDA considers this policy to be discretionary and they could choose to change it at any time.
Is it safe?
It may not be safe to purchase medications from online pharmacies if you are not sure where the pharmacy is located, whether it is licensed, whether licensed pharmacists are filling your prescription, and whether the medications you order are coming from a pharmacy at all. One of the purposes of the Canada4Meds website is to provide this information to American consumers. The program pharmacy is Langdon Drugs, Ltd., an actual pharmacy located and licensed in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and staffed by licensed pharmacists who oversee the process of dispensing prescription medications. It is illegal under Canadian law for a pharmacy to sell any medication that is not approved for sale in Canada by the Government of Canada's Therapeutic Products Directorate. Canada4Meds and Dealer Benefits Network, LLC cannot guarantee the transaction or your safety.
What about private medical information?
The Government of Canada regulates what these pharmacies can and cannot do with your private medical information and how it is kept confidential. If you have any questions, please ask the pharmacy about its policies and practices in handling your medical information. The laws of the U.S. and your State may not apply.
What if my order is lost or filled incorrectly?
Please ask the pharmacy about its policy about lost or incorrect orders, returns and refunds. Third parties normally will not be able to intercede in any transaction between you and the pharmacy.
Disclaimer of Liability
Dealer Benefits Network, LLC makes no warranty, express or implied, of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, and accepts no legal liability, with respect to any product offered, or pharmaceutical care provided, by the pharmacies listed on the Canada4Meds website.
|
