Canada vs US pharmacies and generics

Question

My husband is taken 5 meds per month that total almost $500. Our insurance has a high deductible and only $500 max for RX which is now exhausted.

One drug shows a generic, but according to the internet pricing I have done, only shows the name brand in the US. The name brand costs about $230 to $250 per month, vs the generic can be found on Canadian pharmacies for $89 to $149 per month and in some cases can get 3 months for less than 1 month of the name brand.

Does Canada and foreign countries get access to generics prior to distribution in the US?

If so, can someone explain to me why?

Unfortunately, we do not qualify for any "freebies" or discounts due to us falling into the "middle income gap".

Answer 1

I as others question the safety of Canadian Drug.  But if you contact the manufacturers of the drugs that your husband needs they all have programs for free medication.  They will send you a form your doctor needs to fill it out and send it in.  You don't have to be indigent to get this benefit it is available to anybody,  It is just that most people don't know about the pharmaceutical program.  Please Try It!!!

Answer 2

The U.S. tends to be slower in approving drugs.  Also, it is not uncommon for the companies to start marketing a drug in Europe and Canada before the U.S.

There is an international agreement for prescription drugs that the patent length should be about 20 years.

My recommendation is to see if you can change from an expensive drug to a less expensive drug.  MDs tend to be blind about cost aspects of medications.