Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Mr.WeRP

(676 posts)
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 12:58 PM Dec 9

Woman buys medication from Europe for 1/12th the US cost

Her meds are 12x less for a 3 month supply. The cost in US for one month is over $500 whereas a 3 month supply from Europe is $120.

Insurance won’t cover it saying its not “medically necessary”.

Imagine if she couldn’t get it from Europe or Trump adds huge tariffs for medicine from Europe.

https://www.reddit.com/r/TikTokCringe/s/FXa1ktUvHx

This is why the UH CEO was gunned down.

On Edit: clarify the cost savings

28 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Woman buys medication from Europe for 1/12th the US cost (Original Post) Mr.WeRP Dec 9 OP
Check your math. And good afternoon. NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 9 #1
actually the math is correct (sort of) dsc Dec 9 #2
1500 % 120 12.5. Mr.WeRP Dec 9 #3
May I interest you in some Bitcoin I've just minted? NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 9 #4
I get it was my choice of words, not the math Mr.WeRP Dec 9 #6
Big difference. Thanks. NT mahatmakanejeeves Dec 9 #9
Did they give her $6,000 to take the medicine off their hands? sarisataka Dec 9 #5
So cost is only $40/month versus $500/month in US IrishBubbaLiberal Dec 9 #7
The sad truth is that politicians on both sides malaise Dec 9 #24
I have chronic shingles Sundance1220 Dec 9 #8
Check the Pharmstore in Canada. I get a three month supply of my meds shipped to me Autumn Dec 9 #10
Thanks for the tip Sundance1220 Dec 9 #14
Yes. It must be a current script. Autumn Dec 9 #18
That's another reason I use the Europe option Sundance1220 Dec 9 #19
Same here crimycarny Dec 9 #17
Wow, I had no idea canetoad Dec 9 #12
If it's the tiny tube, it's around $6 USD Sundance1220 Dec 9 #13
Since it is already illegal to import FDA approved meds into the US by mail, Ms. Toad Dec 9 #11
So the real risk is criminal prosecution Mr.WeRP Dec 9 #15
That is the supreme court decision which makes this practice more risky. Ms. Toad Dec 9 #25
Not 100% true--at least not if you order from Canada crimycarny Dec 9 #16
That is an agency guideline - which contradicts the statute. Ms. Toad Dec 9 #23
It is a very gray area crimycarny Dec 9 #26
Legally, it is not a gray area. The statute permits it only for drugs which are NOT FDA approved. Ms. Toad Dec 10 #28
The FDA allows customers to purchase drugs from Canadian online pharmacies and have Autumn Dec 9 #20
The fact that you have been doing it doesn't mean it is legal. Ms. Toad Dec 9 #22
Hate to say it, but lady needs UHC insurance. They cover it, but like Medicare and other private insurers they Silent Type Dec 9 #21
The foreseeable future is coming. nocoincidences Dec 9 #27

dsc

(52,724 posts)
2. actually the math is correct (sort of)
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:04 PM
Dec 9

the medication is actually 12x as expensive here not 12x cheaper in Europe. But 12x is actually correct (where the issue is, is one vs 3 months)

7. So cost is only $40/month versus $500/month in US
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:11 PM
Dec 9

$120 for 3-months supply she gets in Europe source

Yet if bought in US it’s $500 for only one month supply

And the BASTARDS at her medical/prescription insurance REFUSE to even cover this drug.


Sounds about right for scumbags running US insurance companies

IF the US Congress wasn’t full of bought-off corrupt assholes, all the Republicans I mean,
Then US Congress could have made the cost of prescription, the MAXIMUM about-of-pocket
Per Year FOR EVERYONE IN AMERICA capped at some reasonable dollar amounts based on your yearly adjusted Gross Income

Example

You make less than $50,000/year….adjusted gross income…
so your maximum out-of-pocket prescription cost capped at $1,000/year

You make less than $100,000/year …..adjusted gross income…
so your maximum out-of-pocket prescription cost capped at $2,000/year

Your make OVER $250,000/year….adjusted gross income…
so your maximum out-of-pocket prescription cost capped at $5,000.

AND an INSURANCE Company does NOT decide what drugs are covered or not covered. PERIOD!
The US Congress, and maybe with FDA input, has a “official” government prescription coverage
Database of drugs covered 100%.

Sundance1220

(222 posts)
8. I have chronic shingles
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:19 PM
Dec 9

which I use Zovirax for. Here in the US, it costs $45/tube (one of those specialized meds that has no generic). So whenever I'm in Europe (at least once a year), I walk into any pharmacy where I can buy as many tubes as I like for around $12/tube OVER THE COUNTER.

Autumn

(46,819 posts)
10. Check the Pharmstore in Canada. I get a three month supply of my meds shipped to me
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:23 PM
Dec 9

for the cost of one month supply here in the good old U S of A.

Sundance1220

(222 posts)
19. That's another reason I use the Europe option
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 02:06 PM
Dec 9

They sell it over the counter which saves me the $200 doctor visit to merely find out I, once again, have shingles. Doc knows I do it, asked me to bring in one of the tubes which clearly say Zovirax so he's fine with it and understands why I do it.

crimycarny

(1,662 posts)
17. Same here
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 02:04 PM
Dec 9

Been getting my epilepsy medication from an online pharmacy for years. Had to do this because I must take brand name due to inconsistencies in quality of generic (don't get me started on generics!).

Cost per month for brand name is ~$700 a month. Cost for brand name from Canadian online pharmacy is less than $200 total for a 90 day supply. Drug comes in original manufacturer packaging.

canetoad

(18,385 posts)
12. Wow, I had no idea
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:32 PM
Dec 9

You paid so much. Zovirax is sold in supermarkets here for six or eight dollars. I assume it's the same stuff - tiny tube?

I've posted this before: I inject myself every eight weeks with a monoclonal antibody called Tremfya (psoriasis).

Cost in Au. - Full price around $1500 per syringe. Medicare price around $40. Price for me (senior) $6.70

US price per syringe - around $3,300.

Someone is ripping you folk off.

Sundance1220

(222 posts)
13. If it's the tiny tube, it's around $6 USD
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:48 PM
Dec 9

I get a medium sized one for around $12 and there are bigger tubes that are hard to find that go for $20-ish. The big savings is not having to go to my doctor ($200 just to walk in the door) and get a script to pay $45 for a small tube. It's insane.

Ms. Toad

(35,731 posts)
11. Since it is already illegal to import FDA approved meds into the US by mail,
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:27 PM
Dec 9

I doubt the tariffs will make a difference (since they aren't actively enforcing the laws banning importation now).

And if she isn't importing them by mail, the cost of travel to Europe every 3 months (the max to get them would eat up any savings).

Mr.WeRP

(676 posts)
15. So the real risk is criminal prosecution
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:49 PM
Dec 9

Which I would like to see challenged since SCOTUS already gutted agency enforcement capabilities and people are essentially forced to break the law when they can’t afford necessary medications in the US. We technically can’t punish people for being poor and some meds are required to be able to live.

Ms. Toad

(35,731 posts)
25. That is the supreme court decision which makes this practice more risky.
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 06:50 PM
Dec 9

Under the statute it is illegal. Under the agency guidelines it is permitted. An agency can't authorize a practice that exceeds what Congress explicitly delegated to it. Under Chevron, the agency was presumed to be acting within its authority. Now that Chevron has been abolished, I would not be surprised to see US Pharmaceutical companies, whose profits are being harmed by this practice (giving them standing), challenge this agency guildeline.

crimycarny

(1,662 posts)
16. Not 100% true--at least not if you order from Canada
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 01:56 PM
Dec 9
Yes, you can order drugs from Canada to the U.S. under certain circumstances:
Prescription drugs
You can purchase prescription drugs from Canadian online pharmacies if:
You have a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider
The drugs are approved for use in the U.S.
The medication is for personal use
You provide documentation that the medication is for your own use, such as a copy of your visa or passport, a letter from your doctor, or a copy of your prescription


I get my brand-name epilepsy drug from a certified Online Canadian Pharmacy. I've been doing it for years. It requires that I fax a valid prescription from my doctor and I also get a call from a doctor based with the online pharmacy to verify nothing has changed in regards to any new drugs I am taking.

I have to take brand-name medications due to quality issues with generics. The amount I take must be consistent. With generics, the active ingredient can fluctuate from 80% to 120% (the FDA allows this fluctuation), which can lead to breakthrough seizures or increased side effects.

Brand name in US is over $700 a month, 90 day of brand name from Canadian Pharmacy is less than $200.

Some drugs can not be ordered from Canada which include any controlled substances (Benzo, Ambien, etc)

NOTE: My prescription comes in original manufacturers packaging.

Ms. Toad

(35,731 posts)
23. That is an agency guideline - which contradicts the statute.
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 06:47 PM
Dec 9

Under the recent Supreme Court decision reversing the Chevron doctrine, an agency guideline that exceeds the authority granted by Congress is probably not long for this world.

crimycarny

(1,662 posts)
26. It is a very gray area
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 07:04 PM
Dec 9

I researched this thoroughly before I started ordering my prescriptions through a Canada Online Pharmacy. Basically it's a gray area and so murky as to be unenforceable if bought for personal use and only in 90 day quantities. This is why Canadian Pharmacies limit the amount you can order to 90 days.

As for what Congress does or does not do in the future, that's to be seen. In the meantime I'll continue saving my $600 a month.

Ms. Toad

(35,731 posts)
28. Legally, it is not a gray area. The statute permits it only for drugs which are NOT FDA approved.
Tue Dec 10, 2024, 04:43 AM
Dec 10

So if you are taking medicines you could buy in the US, but they are just cheaper from Canada, they are FDA approved (otherwise you wouldn't be able to buy them in the US at all) - and it is illegal under the statute. (There are other exceptions for pharmacies and states importing drugs for resale to customers)

Currently, the law is not being enforced based on FDA guidelines (which are NOT approved by Congress) - they are created by a regulatory agency (the FDA). The recent Supreme Court case overturning the Chevron doctrine means, in essence, that anything not expressly approved by Congress is beyond the authority of the FDA to permit. (This has nothing to do with what Congress might do, or not do.) The case is now the law of the land - and any regulation that is not part of the authorizing statute - is likely to be tossed out by the first case that challenges it. And if you don't think the pharmaceutical industry (which is losing money to Canada) won't file suit to enforce the statute, you are living in a dream world.

You are certainly free to do what you want - but you should do it with your eyes open - not under a mistaken belief that it is legal because the law is not currently being enforced.

Autumn

(46,819 posts)
20. The FDA allows customers to purchase drugs from Canadian online pharmacies and have
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 02:08 PM
Dec 9

them shipped to the U.S. by mail. I have been doing it for six years now.

Ms. Toad

(35,731 posts)
22. The fact that you have been doing it doesn't mean it is legal.
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 06:45 PM
Dec 9
Under what circumstances can individuals legally import drugs from other countries, like Canada?
In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import FDA-approved drugs from other countries for personal use. However, based on changes enacted by the MMA, personal importation of prescription drugs that have not been approved by the FDA for use in the U.S. is permitted on a case-by-case basis. Under this statutory authority, FDA has put out guidance that lays out certain circumstances where importation of non-FDA approved drugs for personal use might be allowed. For example, personal importation is generally allowed if the treatment is for a serious condition, there is no effective treatment available in the U.S., and there is no commercialization of the drug for U.S. residents. Typically, only a three-month supply is allowed, and individuals must confirm in writing that the drug is for personal use and provide information about the physician responsible for their treatment.

There appears to be little enforcement by the FDA of the ban against importing FDA-approved drugs for personal use. Even if the personal importation of a drug is technically illegal, current law directs the FDA to exercise discretion in permitting personal importation of drugs when the product is “clearly for personal use, and does not appear to present an unreasonable risk to the user,” which is reinforced in FDA guidelines.


https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/#:~:text=In%20most%20circumstances%2C%20it%20is,case%2Dby%2Dcase%20basis.

Essentially it is in a similar category to marijuana use. The government is choosing not to enforce the laws on the books, as long as it appears you are doing so only for personal use.

Relying on that is considerably riskier under a new Trump administration and recent Supreme Court decisions overturning the Chevron doctrine. The guidance regarding enforcement likely exceeds the authority to the agency by Congress (and would likely be banned if, for example, US pharmaceutical companies harmed by the practice should sue on that basis). In addition, since Trump wants to isolate the US from the rest of the world, I would not be surprised if illegal importation of drugs for personal use is targeted for enforcement.

Silent Type

(7,562 posts)
21. Hate to say it, but lady needs UHC insurance. They cover it, but like Medicare and other private insurers they
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 02:10 PM
Dec 9

likely want to see records that indicate such an expensive med is necessary when there are so many other meds/treatments that are are much less expensive.

Here's UHC's coverage policy.

https://www.uhcprovider.com/content/dam/provider/docs/public/prior-auth/drugs-pharmacy/commercial/a-g/PA-Med-Nec-Corlanor.pdf

Even if we finally manage to enact Medicare-for-all type universal coverage, we'll need to avoid the most expensive treatments if cheaper ones work. Honestly, I think this is one -- of many -- reasons Congress hasn't enacted universal coverage. They'd rather have people mad at insurance companies than them.

nocoincidences

(2,355 posts)
27. The foreseeable future is coming.
Mon Dec 9, 2024, 07:09 PM
Dec 9

This assassin will be a martyr in the future. He is the herald of the revolution to come.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»Woman buys medication fro...