Table of Contents

I. Why Use a Canadian Pharmacy?

II. Why Canadian Medications are Cheaper

III. Are Canadian Pharmacies Safe and Legal?

IV. What is a CIPA Certification?

V. FAQ: Can Americans transfer their prescription to a Canadian pharmacy?

Drug costs in the U.S. keep rising, and more Americans are turning to Canadian pharmacies every year to save on medications. As a trusted Canadian pharmacy with a proven track record, Canada Drug Warehouse is committed to clarifying exactly when and why Americans should order their medications from Canada.

Whether it’s your introduction to Canadian pharmacies or you just need an answer to something on your mind, this article can help. Read on to learn why Americans use Canadian pharmacies, why Canadian drugs are cheaper, and the safety and legality behind drug importation for personal use.

Why Use a Canadian Pharmacy?

Canadian pharmacies like Canada Drug Warehouse are also called pharmacy referral services. What Canadian pharmacies do is source medication from around the world to bring Americans the most affordable prescription drugs available. They connect you to licensed Canadian pharmacies and international fulfillment centers to help lower your treatment costs. There are several reasons why it’s in your best interests to use a Canadian pharmacy, so let’s get into it.

Drastically Lower Costs

The main benefit of Canadian pharmacies? Affordable prices. Common medications, including Xarelto, Jardiance, and Cialis, are drastically cheaper compared to U.S. retail prices. These popular medications are crucial for many patients who are facing blood clot risks, type 2 diabetes, and erectile dysfunction (ED). Below is a price comparison between Canada and the U.S.

Canada Drug Warehouse Prices vs. U.S. Retail Prices

^{U.S. unit prices are estimates that were retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/}

Bulk orders are available, which is one reason Canadian pharmacies have lower prices. In the comparison table above, note that the quantities for rivaroxaban and empagliflozin are 90 and 100, respectively. Ordering a 3-month supply helps lower your per-pill price.

Also note that the comparison table shows generic names of Xarelto, Jardiance, and Cialis. Canadian pharmacies stock generic versions when no generic options are available in the U.S. yet. Generic options help you save even further, which is yet another reason Canadian pharmacies can offer lower prices. 

Direct Delivery to Your Home

Some patients use Canadian pharmacies because of the direct-to-door delivery they offer. While many patients can drive or commute to their local pharmacy for a prescription refill, that option may not always be feasible for everyone. For those who require medications to be shipped directly to their homes, Canadian pharmacies offer a huge advantage over local locations.

Less Wait Time and Unmatched Convenience

Depending on where you live, pharmacy lineups can be quite long. Pharmacy referral services help you skip the line and place your order directly through your computer, tablet, or mobile phone. The convenience of ordering online is unmatched. 

It can also be quite a long wait to speak to a qualified pharmacist in person. By going the online route, you have access to a trained customer service team 24/7 who can connect you with a licensed healthcare provider should you have any questions about your treatment. Not only do you have access to affordable brand-name drugs, generic options, bulk savings, and direct delivery, but the streamlined ordering process of a Canadian pharmacy means you save time on top of money. Read 7 more reasons to buy Canadian drugs online to learn more about the advantages of cross-border medications.

Why Canadian Medications are Cheaper

The main reason Canadian drugs are cheaper is the existence of a review board in Canada called the Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB). This board prevents drug prices from reaching excessive levels. It is a government initiative to protect citizens and keep treatment costs affordable nationwide. [1]

Pharmacy referral services are also cheaper because they source from certified fulfillment centers worldwide. When you use a Canadian pharmacy, you will have the option to order from Canada (stock-dependent). However, you will also have the option to fill your prescription through a more affordable fulfillment center. Transparency here is key, and a reputable pharmacy referral service will always tell you exactly where your order is being shipped from. Learn more about why Canadian drugs are cheaper in this article.

Are Canadian Pharmacies Safe and Legal?

Yes. Canadian pharmacies are generally safe and legal, provided you choose an accredited and reputable service. Medications in Canada are regulated by Health Canada. If your prescription is filled through an international fulfillment center, a certified provider must verify that the dispensing pharmacy is properly licensed and meets regulatory standards in its home country.

There are many myths out there when it comes to the safety and legality of ordering medication from Canada. Some myths claim that Canadian drugs are of a lower quality or that importing medication is always illegal. Have a read of Debunking Top Myths about Online Canadian Pharmacies to learn more about what’s real and what’s fiction.

Rules on Personal Drug Importation

Regarding legality, the situation is nuanced. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a formal stance that generally discourages the importation of prescription drugs. [2] 

However, the FDA also acknowledges a long-standing policy of "enforcement discretion." This means that under specific circumstances, the FDA generally does not take action against individuals who import a limited supply (typically a 90-day supply) of a prescription drug for personal use, provided the drug is for a condition for which the patient has no access to treatment in the U.S. and does not pose an unreasonable risk. [2]

As a consumer, your safety depends on your due diligence. Only work with pharmacies that require a valid, physician-signed prescription and that operate under the oversight of a recognized regulatory body.

What is a CIPA Certification?

For American consumers, identifying a trustworthy pharmacy can be difficult in a crowded online marketplace. This is where the Canadian International Pharmacy Association (CIPA) becomes vital. CIPA is a non-profit association that sets the gold standard for safety and privacy for online pharmacies. [3]

CIPA certification serves as a critical trust signal. When a pharmacy is CIPA-certified, it guarantees that the business:

• Requires a Valid Prescription: They will never dispense medication without a prescription issued by a licensed physician.
• Maintains Pharmacy Licensing: They are fully licensed to operate in their jurisdiction.
• Protects Patient Privacy: They employ robust encryption and data protection standards to keep your medical and financial information secure.
• Ensures Authenticity: They source their medications from licensed manufacturers, ensuring you receive the genuine product your doctor prescribed.

When choosing a referral service, verifying that the pharmacies they partner with are CIPA-accredited is one of the most effective ways to ensure your safety. To learn more, read this detailed explanation about the importance of CIPA certification.

FAQ: Can Americans transfer their prescription to a Canadian pharmacy?

Many patients assume that transferring a prescription to a Canadian pharmacy works the same way as moving a prescription from one local U.S. pharmacy to another. However, the process is slightly different.

Instead of a straight transfer, the process acts more like a new order. This is done to ensure that the Canadian pharmacy has a valid prescription that meets its documentation standards. The good news is, you do not have to schedule a new doctor’s appointment. All you need to do is provide your chosen Canadian pharmacy with a copy of your prescription that your doctor has already written for you.

A reputable Canadian pharmacy often facilitates this by acting as the bridge, ensuring that your prescription is verified by a licensed healthcare professional before dispensing your medication. Read about shipping medication from Canada to the U.S. to learn more.

How to transfer your prescription, step by step:

• Step 1: Obtain a copy of your current, valid prescription from your U.S. physician. Ensure the prescription includes the doctor’s contact information and signature.
• Step 2: Contact your chosen Canadian referral service to initiate your account. They will provide you with a secure portal or email address to submit your prescription.
• Step 3: Complete the medical history form provided by the referral service. This is a mandatory safety step that allows a pharmacist to review your health profile for potential drug interactions.
• Step 4: Submit your order. The referral service will then coordinate with a licensed fulfillment center to have your prescription filled and shipped directly to your home.
• Step 5: Keep your original U.S. prescription for your records. The copy of your submitted prescription will typically be kept in your file for future refills.

The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical condition, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.