Want to Save Big on Your Regular Prescriptions? Choose an Online Canadian Pharmacy

Americans spend an average of $1,200 per person on pharmaceuticals annually. This average is the highest in the world.

The United States has the largest national biopharmaceutical market in the world. Yet, the cost of prescription drug prices is significantly higher in the United States than its market competitors.

Prescription medications can add up to thousands of dollars per year. Insurance does not always mean consumers can save big on their drug costs, either.

If you are to get sick—even in the short term—these costs only increase further. Plus, there is always the risk that insurance may not cover the medications you need, leaving you to foot the bill out-of-pocket.

Luckily, there are a few tricks to lowering the cost of your medications. Shopping online from an online pharmacy in Canada is the way of the future. Not only is it easier and more convenient, but it can help you save big on medication costs.

It’s easy to order right from the comfort of your own home. From there, the medications ship right to your door.

Keep reading to learn how you can save big on time and money by purchasing from an online Canadian pharmacy.

The Rising Costs of Prescription Medications

The ever-increasing costs of healthcare in the United States has been one of the most heated political issues to date. This has only been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting issues and inequalities in the American healthcare system.

In particular, many Americans are tired of paying large co-pays for doctor’s visits and prescription drugs.

The costs of prescription drugs can be 80 to 150 percent higher in the US—despite the fact that Americans do not consume more drugs on average than their counterparts.

This was one of Donald Trump’s talking points during his 2016 presidential campaign. He promised to allow Medicare to negotiate prescription prices with pharmaceutical suppliers. While other countries practice this, it was not permissible under US law.

Trump also touched on a plan to import these medications from other countries.

This allowed pharmacies to save big, with savings achieved through this process to then be passed on to the consumer. Furthermore, it would also incentivize American drug manufacturers to lower prices to remain competitive.

These talks again returned in 2020, with the presentation of Trump’s “America First Health Plan.” This plan officially granted access to importing prescription medications from Canada.

Even with this news, many Americans are unaware of the option to buy medications from an online Canadian pharmacy. Especially with the age of the internet, it is easier now more than ever to shop around and save big on prescription drug costs. 

Save Big on Your Prescriptions

With such high costs in American prescription drugs, you may find yourself wondering how to save on prescriptions. There are a few key steps you can take as a consumer to save big on the drugs you need to stay healthy.

Generic vs. Brand Name

When shopping for prescription medication, there are often many different options for the same drug. You may see both a generic and a brand name version of the same medication.

This can be confusing to consumers—what is the difference, and which one is the best match for my needs?

Brand name medications are what you hear in the commercials, or see in a magazine advertisement. Pharmaceutical manufacturers come up with these drugs and go through the entire life cycle.

This begins with research and development, and all sorts of testing. It continues with the FDA approval process. This life cycle costs millions of dollars and typically takes many years.

Once approved, pharmaceutical companies spend even more money on advertising their new product. They develop commercials and print advertisements to get the message out to the general public.

Plus, they send drug reps to doctor’s offices and hospitals all over the country to market the product directly to medical professionals.

After all this, pharmaceutical companies are rewarded for their hard work and innovation. They enjoy patents and exclusive sales rights to protect their investments.

These protections cover the development phases, as well as entry into the market. But after a period of time, these protections expire. At this point, other companies are free to enter the market with the same medication.

Of course, they cannot use the same name as it is trademarked to the initial manufacturer. So secondary pharmaceutical companies will produce a generic version of the drug.

It is essentially the same chemical compounds, manufactured in the same manner as the brand name version. It just does not carry the same recognizable name.

Are They Equal?

There tends to be a stigma that generic drugs are somehow less effective than the brand name. But, the FDA assesses generic drugs under the same quality, strength, and purity standards as brand name medications.

On a rare occasion, the generic option might be slightly different. Plus, there is not always a generic option as newer medications that still hold permits might be preventing a generic form from hitting the market.

But, more often than not, they tend to be the same. The differences between the two, if any, can usually be attributed to the filler material used in the product.

It’s important to consult with your doctor before making any medication-related decisions. Even if they do not recommend the generic version—or there isn't one available—they may be able to locate a cheaper alternative.

Look for Big Savings With a Canadian Online Pharmacy

With the constantly increasing costs of medication that are not always covered by health insurance, it really is a no-brainer. Americans can save up to 80 percent by shopping for drugs with a Canadian online pharmacy. 

With such great savings available, many Americans are left scratching their heads. How is it possible that prescription drug prices can be so much cheaper in a country so close? Does this mean the drugs are any less effective?

Luckily, the answer is simple. 

Why Are Drug Prices So Much Cheaper in Canada, Anyway?

One of the main reasons for lower costs of Canadian prescription medications is due to the relative lack of regulation on American manufacturers. 

Other countries (like Canada) place restrictions on the prices that pharmaceutical companies can charge their customers. In contrast, the US lets the market set the price.

This results in significantly higher prices for many medications, despite the fact that one-third of the biopharmaceutical market is based in the US.

The American pharmaceutical manufacturers argue that they need to charge such high prices to justify the research and development behind these medications. Without the astronomical pricing on American drugs, they would not be able to fund the expensive research projects needed to generate new medications.

In Canada specifically, the federal government covers the cost of most healthcare. Thus, a government board decides what price they will pay for prescription drugs that their citizens need. 

With rising costs, more and more Americans are becoming increasingly frustrated with high costs and are looking to buy from outside sources.

Is It Legal to Buy From an Online Canadian Pharmacy?

Americans are well-known for suffering the high costs of healthcare. This does not stop with prescription drug prices.

Some Americans may feel apprehensive about purchasing drugs online. Even more so when these medications come from another country. 

Actually, it is both legal and permissible to save big by ordering prescription drugs from an online Canadian pharmacy. You can upload your prescription and complete the order online or over-the-phone.

If you do not have a copy of your prescription on hand, Canadian pharmacists can reach out to your doctor's office directly to have a copy faxed over. From there, the drugs will be delivered right to your door.

You can also buy in bulk, and set up automatic refills. This way, you can receive a 90-day supply of your medication each time—and it will automatically refill itself. Thus, you never have to worry about running out of the medication you need.

This allows consumers to save big when purchasing prescription medications.  Plus, it saves the time of having to drive to the pharmacy to pick up prescriptions. Especially given COVID-19 concerns, any fewer trips in public, the better.

How Do I Know It Is Legitimate?

Even though prescription medications are significantly cheaper in Canada, it does not mean they are of any lower quality than their American counterparts. 

Packaging requirements may change between countries. But, the active ingredient is still the same.

This means that what makes the medicine work is just the same as what you would buy at an American pharmacy, even if the box looks a little different. Plus, with a trusted source like PricePro Pharmacy, you never have to worry about quality or authenticity.

When shopping around for prescription prices online, there are a few steps you can take to ensure the safety and quality of your prescription medication sale.

Prescription Always Required

Despite the conveniences of an online pharmacy, they still need the same information that an in-person pharmacy would need. This is especially true of the prescriptions themselves.

Any online pharmacy that offers prescription medication without the need for a valid script written by a licensed physician is likely suspicious. 

Of course, over-the-counter medication can often be purchased from an online pharmacy, as well. These will not need prescriptions.

Though, it is just as important to remain vigilant when purchasing these drugs, as well. It’s possible they could contain unsafe ingredients if purchased from an untrustworthy source.

While they will not ask for a prescription for these medications, consumers should still conduct a bit of research to ensure the legitimacy of the source.

Properly Staffed Pharmacy

A valid online pharmacy must be licensed or approved by the applicable state pharmacy board, or other equivalents. They also must keep a licensed pharmacist on staff, who is available to answer any questions or address any concerns about your medications.

Correct Medication

The prescription medications should always have a label with your name on it—spelled correctly. If the label looks suspicious, it probably is. 

Other warning signs on the medication itself include:

• Mismatched dosage: the dosage and frequency on the label should match that of your prescription
• Unusually shaped, sized, or colored pills
• Missing or incorrect expiration date
• Missing label altogether 

How to Evaluate Prescription Medications Online

Before purchasing any medications or medical supplies online, it is a good idea to consult with your doctor. They are experts in the field, and can best determine what best fits your circumstances.

It is equally as important to be a diligent and vigilant online shopper. You should only order medication from trusted prescription sources. This way, you know the drugs are safe and not expired or counterfeit.

Read reviews and testimonials from verified customers before purchasing anything, to ensure you will only receive quality and authentic products.

This is true whether it be prescription or over-the-counter medications that do not need a prescription.

The FDA has also published information on best practices for purchasing medication from an online pharmacy.

How to Locate the Best Online Canadian Pharmacies

There are many benefits to using an online Canadian pharmacy to save big on your prescription drugs. 

When searching for the best online Canadian pharmacies, be sure to do your research. Check the reviews and testimonials for each source, and check with your state licensing board to ensure they are certified.

For big savings on the drugs you need to stay healthy, check out PricePro Pharmacy. Contact PricePro Pharmacy now for more information on how you can save big with an online Canadian pharmacy—even from the US!