The phenomenon of online pharmacies really began in the United States in 1999, and other countries quickly followed suit. The internet created a convenient way to order prescription medication without the need to drive to the drug store and wait in line, and Americans were thrilled. The advent of Canadian online pharmacies gave the U.S. citizens even more to appreciate, and a major controversy was sparked.

The truth is that most brand-name prescription medications cost less in Canada than they do in the U.S. In fact, it is not unusual to find medications priced anywhere from 20% to 80% lower north of the border. Like all industrialized nations, except the United States, Canada places limits on the price of patented medicines sold in their country. For many elderly U.S. citizens, the lower cost means the difference between being able to afford their medications or going without. These seniors can simply go online and fill their prescriptions with a Canadian online pharmacy and have the medicines shipped right to their homes. With new changes in Medicare regulations, many recipients see the Canadian pharmacies as their best alternative when they must pay for medications out of their own pockets.

Big drug companies like Pfizer have taken issue with the fact that their Canadian drugs have been made available to U.S. citizens at dramatically reduced prices; and they have gone so far as to refuse to supply Canadian pharmacies that sell to U.S. customers. The majority of the Canadian online pharmacies are located in Manitoba, and the threat of being cut off from the world’s largest drug manufacturer caused real apprehension in the province two years ago. Many of the pharmacies feared not only for their business (Canada sells about $700 of medication to the U.S. annually), but also for elderly U.S. customers who would not be able to afford their medications at home.

Even governments have gotten involved in the controversy. While importing prescription drugs from another country is illegal in the U.S., it is permissible for individuals to purchase medication for their own use from Canadian online pharmacies. Canadian officials have concerns about their country become a discount drug store for Americans, and U.S. officials are concerned about the loss of revenue. The Food and Drug Administration continues to caution U.S. citizens of the potential dangers of buying drugs through non-U.S.-regulated sources. Interestingly, many of the drugs available through Canadian online pharmacies were actually manufactured in the United State and exported to Canada. Despite government-level concerns, some states are going so far as to help their employees and retirees obtain less expensive medications online.

Currently, a Canadian doctor must review a foreigner’s prescription and medical information before a request can be filled, but moves are being made to require U.S. citizens to actually be seen by a Canadian physician. Many feel this is a move to destroy the industry of online Canadian pharmacies altogether. If the online pharmacies were to disappear, so would many senior’s ability to afford the medications they need.