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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Thu Nov 10th, 2005 16:45 |
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As many of you already know, we Canadians have been able to get the active ingredient in Benicar compounded in Canada at a great savings. I've been paying $229 for 120 40 mg Benicar at Rite Aid in Blaine, WA, and if I wanted to drive a lot farther, I could have gotten it from Costco for $199. Their online Pharmacies offered it for $170., but they can't accept Canadian prescriptions.
We are getting it compounded in Montreal for USD $105., and a few dollars shipping. This will save me $1,620./year (USD $1,360). Unfortunately, the Province of Quebec can't accept prescriptions from doctors outside Canada.
However, that may not be the case in all Provinces. I heard Alberta, and possibly Manitoba might be able to fill Foreign prescriptions. If you stand to save as much as I stated above, it might be well worth your while to investigate it.
You could start by doing searches such as "Pharmacy, Alberta Canada" and send some emails to any who report that they are compounding Pharmacies. All may say they are, but likely those who supply hospitals, clinics, and care homes are the ones who can best supply and offer the lowest prices.
Some Pharmacy chains are Pharmasave, and Shoppers Drug Mart (or Shoppers Drugs).
You will need to find out if they can fill prescriptions from outside Canada, and what your Customs will allow. I know Australia allows up to a year's supply being imported if it is for one's own use.
It may very well be accomplished with emails and phone calls. However, if the "Canada Benicar Info" thing is an example, there was a lot of talk about the possibility, but nothing happened until two or three individuals grabbed the bull by the horns and just did it!
It's a significant savings to be had, but if everyone just sits there waiting for "someone else" to do it, at which time you will take advantage of it, it may never happen.
You need to have someone start the ball rolling, and post their findings, along with specific details for all to see and/or follow up on (doctor ordering requirements, Customs rules, etc.).
Something that is already being done a lot is to have a group tour from the US set up with a clinic. Everyone jumps on the bus and goes to the clinic with their US doctor's prescription and diagnostic records. The clinic reviews it all, and writes the prescription requested by your doctor. That prescription may then be filled at a Pharmacy as part of the tour, or possibly in this case, faxed to the Montreal Pharmacy to be mailed to you. Should everyone wish to pick their prescriptions up on the spot, prior arrangements might have to be made to have the Pharmacy ready, because it has to be compounded (they could have a supply done up in advance). If you're not too far from the border, a day trip across the line might be well worth saving $1,360./year - AND, if like me, you take a lot of other medication$...?
Good Luck with it!
BTW, while you're here, don't forget to spend lots at the malls, restaurants, etc. It's good for our economy! 
Last edited on Thu Nov 10th, 2005 16:49 by Mr Bill
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jillian
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Sun Nov 13th, 2005 18:21 |
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Mr. Bill,
Congratulations on your big savings. I'm glad you can take advantage of it. Unfortunately it is still illegal to import prescription medications to the U.S., no matter how many people choose to do it. For some of us, it's a moral issue to not break the law, not an issue of waiting for someone else to do the 'work'.
'til later,
Jillian from North Dakota
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PrimryDX-PulmoSarc79,FMS,CFIDS,etc,disabled93. AvoidD/Noirs Aug02. Oct02: 1,25D=42 NTfrzen; Apr05:25D=10. P1 Oct05-Feb06; ModP2C Feb-Nov06; P2 Nov14-Dec06; ModP2BSS Jan-Mar07; ModP2CBSS Mar07-. Noirs & total light control in house.
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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Sun Nov 13th, 2005 21:03 |
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HI Jillian:
Have you actually checked with Customs to see if buying and bring back your own personal prescription meds (as opposed to a company buying for the purpose of reselling) is illegal?
NAFTA is supposed to allow cross border purchasing, and I can't believe that busloads of people coming here for the purpose of obtaining their prescription meds are all not declaring, and smuggling them? Under NAFTA we Canadians can buy meds from the US, and the regs apply on both sides of the border.
The glitch here is the medical rules - some provinces can't accept prescriptions from a foreign doctor.
I'm certainly not advocating anyone break the law. However, if one can find a way to save a pile of money by finding a way to do it that will satisfy the regulations, why not?
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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Sun Nov 13th, 2005 21:34 |
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I did a search for "prescription medication" in the US Customs and Border Protection site.
The only restriction I found was, "The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act prohibits persons from importing into the United States any prescription drug that has not been approved for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or which is adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Act."
Olmesartan is a FDA approved drug, and it would seem that if it were properly labled according to the Act, there should not be a problem...? It might require a doctor's letter, or similar to swing it?
Last edited on Sun Nov 13th, 2005 21:34 by Mr Bill
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jillian
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Sun Nov 13th, 2005 21:34 |
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Mr. Bill,
This is a bit long, but for the benefit of those who wish to do more research, consider looking at...
This quote and link from the US gov.s custom website:
http://tinyurl.com/dm859
"The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) prohibits persons from importing into the United States any prescription drug that has not been approved for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or which is adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Act. Moreover, in those instances where a United States manufacturer makes an FDA-approved prescription drug and sends it abroad, the Act also prohibits any person other than the original manufacturer from importing the drug back into the United States. Thus, in virtually all instances, individual citizens are prohibited from importing prescription drugs into the United States."
(the bold is their emphasis, not mine  )
and at http://tinyurl.com/9kczu :
"As a general rule, the FDA does not allow the importation of prescription drugs that were purchased outside the United States. Please see their Website for information about the enforcement policy for personal use quantities."
From the FDA website, their response to an attorney's inquiry about prescription drugs imported from Canada to the U.S. http://tinyurl.com/cb6ee:
"...even if a prescription drug is approved in the U.S., if the drug is also originally manufactured in the U.S., it is a violation of the Act for anyone other than the U.S. manufacturer to import the drug into the United States (21 U.S.C. ยง 381(d)(1))."
"Virtually all shipments of prescription drugs imported from a Canadian pharmacy will run afoul of the Act, although it is a theoretical possibility that an occasional shipment will not do so. Put differently, in order to ensure compliance with the Act when they are involved in shipping prescription drugs to consumers in the U.S., businesses and individuals must ensure, among other things, that they only sell FDA-approved drugs that are made outside of the U.S. and that comply with the FDA approval in all respects, including manufacturing location, formulation, source and specifications of active ingredients, processing methods, manufacturing controls, container/closure system, and appearance. 21 C.F.R. ' 314.50. They must also ensure that each drug meets all U.S. labeling requirements, including that it bears the FDA-approved labeling. 21 C.F.R. ' 201.100(c)(2). The drug must also be dispensed by a pharmacist pursuant to a valid prescription. 21 U.S.C. ' 353(b)(1)."
"There has been some confusion about whether FDA's Personal Importation policy changes the law with respect to personal imports of pharmaceuticals. This confusion is reflected in your letter. The Personal Importation policy is used to guide the agency's enforcement discretion with respect to imports by individuals of drugs for their personal use. Under certain defined circumstances, as a matter of enforcement discretion, FDA allows consumers to import otherwise illegal drugs. Under this policy, FDA permits individuals and their physicians to bring into the United States small quantities of drugs sold abroad for a patient's treatment of a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically. This approach has been applied to products that do not present an unreasonable risk and for which there is no known commercialization and promotion to persons residing in the U.S. A patient seeking to import such a product must also provide the name of the licensed physician in the U.S. responsible for his or her treatment with the unapproved drug product. See FDA Regulatory Procedures Manual, Chapter 9, Subchapter: Coverage of Personal Importations.
However, this policy is not intended to allow importation of foreign versions of drugs that are approved in the U.S., particularly when the foreign versions of such drugs are being "commercialized" to U.S. citizens. (Foreign versions are often what Canadian pharmacies offer to sell to U.S. consumers.) Moreover, the policy simply describes the agency's enforcement priorities. It does not change the law, and it does not give a license to persons to import or export illegal drugs into the United States. Although we must concede that FDA has not often prosecuted those importing illegal drugs into the United States from Canada, FDA reserves the right to do so in the appropriate circumstance."
From a financial viewpoint, I truly wish it was different, as close as I am to Canada it would be worth a trip for me!
'til later,
Jillian from North Dakota
Last edited on Sun Nov 13th, 2005 22:09 by jillian
____________________
PrimryDX-PulmoSarc79,FMS,CFIDS,etc,disabled93. AvoidD/Noirs Aug02. Oct02: 1,25D=42 NTfrzen; Apr05:25D=10. P1 Oct05-Feb06; ModP2C Feb-Nov06; P2 Nov14-Dec06; ModP2BSS Jan-Mar07; ModP2CBSS Mar07-. Noirs & total light control in house.
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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Sun Nov 13th, 2005 21:37 |
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I guess there's no understanding the Customs rules!
I though NAFTA regulations were supposed to apply on both sides of the border?
Too bad.
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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Mon Nov 14th, 2005 01:52 |
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You researched that very well, Jillian.
Such a shame - seems Big Pharamceutical companies have lobbied well to protect their huge profits...?
I just had an email exchange with one of two senior couples I know south of the border near Vancouver. They said they have been doing it as a matter of course for a long time, and had no idea it was illegal. They tell Can Customs they are coming to get prescriptions filled, and tell US Customs on their return that was the reason for the short visit.
They breeze right through every time, with the occasional query as to the amount spent, and aren't asked what medication was purchased.
That has been my exact experience (in reverse) when going to Blaine, WA and back to get the Benicar. Never asked what I was getting, just how much spent (a US agent said "ouch" when I told him what I had to pay for a month's supply).
I wonder if it's possible that your Customs doesn't really have the heart to enforce against people who are financially pressed enough to go abroad to get medication for a much lower cost? Appears from some of the language that you posted that they may have some descretionary powers - or possibly, the ability to turn a blind eye to it...? In subchapter 9, Coverage of Personal Importations:
Background section refers to protection against fraudulant or substandard drugs.
Personal Baggage section refers to mainly detaining amounts intended for commercial distribution, fradulant, or substandard.
General Guidance says: FDA personnel may use their discretion to allow entry of shipments of violative FDA regulated products when the quantity and purpose are clearly for personal use, and the product does not present an unreasonable risk to the user. Even though all products that appear to be in violation of statutes administered by FDA are subject to refusal, FDA personnel may use their discretion to examine the background, risk, and purpose of the product before making a final decision. Although FDA may use discretion to allow admission of certain violative items, this should not be interpreted as a license to individuals to bring in such shipments.
I wonder if that language may leave the door open for a sympathetic Customs policy?
It would be interesting to hear from Americans who have been buying from Canadian On-line Pharmacies, in respect to whether they've had problems. There are more than a few of the On-line Pharmacies, and they seem to be doing a steady business...?
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Meg Mangin R.N.
Research Team
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Posted: Mon Nov 14th, 2005 02:51 |
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Mr. Bill,
I believe senior citizens are the main travelers to Canada to purchase cheaper medications. They represent a huge and growing voting block in this country. No politician wants to be associated with the image of a handcuffed, grey-haired couple at the border who cannot afford the exorbitant costs of medications in this country. For this reason, I suspect that border officials continue to turn a blind eye to individuals who are purchasing meds in Canada and bringing them back to the US for their own use. The physical travel also limits the number of people that can participate in this cost-saving venture.
Online Canadian pharmacies available to anyone across the country are a different story but I don't have the latest information on that.
Best,
Meg
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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Mon Nov 14th, 2005 02:57 |
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Thanks for the response, Meg.
But now I'm wondering if the only reason I was able to breeze through was because of my grey hair and the perception of me being a senior citizen?
Damn! Bad enough being sick, but now I know I'm old too!!! 
Last edited on Mon Nov 14th, 2005 06:30 by Mr Bill
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debbie
inactive member
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Posted: Thu Nov 17th, 2005 13:50 |
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| if anyone needs a canadian dr I can let you know a Dr by PM . he is also on the mp himself. he is the most knowledgable dr i have talked to but my insurance will not pay for him, i even appealled with no luck and i can not fill his rx in the us. deb
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deb.premp.3/05.pcrlyme+.d125-71.d25-31.mp4/16/05
benicar,celexa.4/23mino.5/5quer5/30 z+m,lithium
6/29d125-41,d25-26,11/05modph2,12/05125-29,25-30
1/06 ph3,4/06 125-35,25-19;8/06d25-18
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theskyking
Member
| Joined: | Wed Oct 6th, 2004 |
| Location: | California USA |
| Posts: | 35 |
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Posted: Sat Apr 29th, 2006 17:49 |
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After running out of benicar, I filled another prescription. The new prescription benicar had a much stronger odor to it similar to the odor that the first prescription had when it was new. Also, the herx from the new benicar was much stronger than the old benicar. Strangely, expiration dates for both batches are the same!
Is anyone aware of any shelf life issues with benicar, and/or any storage conditions I may have accidentally used which may have reduced potency? I think this is an important issue.
Bryan
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Rife therapy since 2003 and MP since October 2004 (phase 3). Lyme Disease diagnosis. Currently 90% better. Currently researching to write a book on the MP.
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Research Team
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Posted: Sat Apr 29th, 2006 23:40 |
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Bryan,
benicar doesn't give you herx unless your bacterial load is way off the wall. It is primarily palliative once you get beyond the first month or two, and your hormones have settled down.
I haven't noticed any difference in Benicar batches since June 2002. It's all been the same for me.
You will find that a lot of the worry and concern dissipates as you heal. It is an amazing epiphany as we incrementally discover what these diseases have done to our minds.
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barbski
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Tue Jul 20th, 2004 |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 467 |
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Posted: Sun Apr 30th, 2006 13:06 |
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Brian, Dr Marshall,
Check out this thread where people are talking about med smells decreasing as they progress.
Is it possible that Brian is perceiving a stronger benicar smell because he's herxing more strongly, rather than the other way round? Could it be herx interfering with sensory perception rather than anxiety?
Barb
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CFS Lyme 125D50 Ph1Aug05 Ph2Apr06 brk Nov06-Jan07 ModPh2May07 Ph2May08 Nexium TR sodium zolpidem salbutamol magnesium citrate 25D (May05) NoIRs limited outings covered
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Dr Trevor Marshall
Research Team
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Posted: Sun Apr 30th, 2006 16:34 |
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Barb,
There are potentially a lot of factors at play here, and unfortunately it is tough to understand many of them until you have fully experienced the recovery process. So many things change as you heal. The brain is so profoundly affected by Th1 disease.
There is also the possibility/liklihood that the odor might change from batch to batch. But it is not correct to infer that the change in odor would necessarily have anything to do with the purity or dose of the olmesartan medoxomil, the active ingredient in Benicar.
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patrickburke
Advocate
| Joined: | Mon Jul 12th, 2004 |
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| Posts: | 391 |
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Posted: Sun Apr 30th, 2006 17:29 |
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| I have noticed that every time I open a new bottle it smells stronger than the last one. I assumed that this is because the odour and/or the number of tablets in each open bottle lessens with time open. Other wise if they actually were getting a stronger odour with every bottle they would be like smelling salts by now! Last edited on Sun Apr 30th, 2006 17:31 by patrickburke
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Sarcoidosis/lungs; Ph1 May05; Ph2 Jun05; Ph3 Dec05; No ABX 2/08; No D tests; still covered since 6/04; Noirs ended 6/07; Minimal light avoidance.
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barbski
Member in Phase 2
| Joined: | Tue Jul 20th, 2004 |
| Location: | United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 467 |
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Posted: Mon May 1st, 2006 08:27 |
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Dr Marshall,
Thanks for the reply  . I didn't mean to give the impression that I thought the batches were of differing strengths, sorry if I did.
Patrick,
You get bottles of benicar? Wow - round here it's always aluminium foil blister packs. They're great for cutting a couple of them out if I'm off out for a while, but not so good if I'm trying to break them open with psoriasis on my thumbs...
Benicar always smells of sour milk to me, btw.
Barb Last edited on Mon May 1st, 2006 08:28 by barbski
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CFS Lyme 125D50 Ph1Aug05 Ph2Apr06 brk Nov06-Jan07 ModPh2May07 Ph2May08 Nexium TR sodium zolpidem salbutamol magnesium citrate 25D (May05) NoIRs limited outings covered
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Lee
Member in Phase 3
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Posted: Mon May 1st, 2006 10:51 |
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Hmmm .....Benicar always tasted so good and buttery the first six months of the MP! Then mysteriously it got "bitter" and nasty tasting!! I am anxious to get re-started and see what it tastes like now after a few months off. New doc here is ready to make a go of this with me ..... Now ....FINALLY I will "bite the benicar bullet" again ...... Lee & Pops
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2003 SARC w/COPD
D ratio-2.13 Ph1-2/05 Benicar| 4/05 PH2| 06 Ph3| D25=5.4 2007-TSH-0.09 probiotics/silymarin/sunlight w/noirs
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Kas
Member in Phase 2
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Posted: Tue Jun 27th, 2006 15:44 |
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I have just received my first order of compunded t- r Benicar from the Glebe Pharmasave Apothecary in Ottawa. I believe they will send medication pretty much anywhere. See their website, http://www.pharmasave.com
I found them a pleasure to deal with and will certainly be using them for my refills. The capsules were compounded with magnesium oxide, as I am lactose intolerant. 160 40mg caps came to $ 149.66. Delivery was $13.12 by Fedex and reached here two days after ordering. I dealt with a lady named Mary Sanger, who could not have been more professional and friendly.
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Sarc Dx by splenectomy 03- Lungs, lymph nodes, liver. Non MP meds: natural progesterone cream three weeks a month; cal/mag; probiotics; milk thistle daily; cranberry caps prn; quercetin prn.Noirs outdoors and under flourescent work lights, Spectra 3 cream
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Mr Bill
Member
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Posted: Sat Jul 1st, 2006 23:31 |
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Kas:
Is this supposition, or did Glebe actually tell you they would accept out of Province/Country prescriptions and fill them...?
Ontario Pharmaceutical rules clearly state that out of Prov. prescriptions must be co-signed by an Ontario doctor. Pharmacists have discretionary powers to issue amounts of a patient's existing out of Prov. prescription, which is consdered enough to allow the patient time to see an Ontario MD.
There are also all kinds of Customes restrictions in the US in repsect to importing meds. One might get by with going to Ottawa and having a Ont. doc co-sign the prescription, then bring it back themselves. Customs can opt to allow meds in under special circumstances (avoid bad press...?).
Perhaps, you should check with Glebe to make certain that their policy is to accept prescriptions from out of Province/Country to ensure others aren't misled.
If you want to see much more about it, go to this topic and start reading about the middle of page 4: http://www.marshallprotocol.com/forum11/4320.html
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Jeannine R.N.
Board Staff
| Joined: | Sun Aug 28th, 2005 |
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Posted: Sun Nov 5th, 2006 19:41 |
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Will Benicar ever be generic in the near future? Just wondering if anyone has any insight on this....
Thanks Jeannine
Moderator's note: See also Medication Purchasing Strategies
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CFS FM Lyme Morgellon's 125D49 Ph1Aug06 25D <4(april 08)Prozac Valium Aleve ModPh2May07 Ph2Apr08 NoIRs limited outings covered lo lux home
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