The Musings of the Big Red Car

Canadian Drug Purchasing

Big Red Car

Big Red Car here on a …………. aw forget it.

Today, we chat about buying prescription drugs in Canada. Why? Because it will save you a lot of money.

The Big Red Car has been doing this for a decade. It is easy, but you have to know how and where.

Today, I tell you.

First, there is an organization called the Certified International Pharmacy Association <<< link. They certify Canadian pharmacies.

They provide a list of certified pharmacies. Here is the list. You can find it on their website.

Each of these pharmacies has a website which shows the methodology they use (send the prescriptions, a copy of your driver’s license, and a check), the drugs they carry, and the prices they charge. There are some minor differences amongst them, so pay attention. They are all readily reachable by phone, chat, and email.

Pay particular attention to their shipping methodologies. Many of your drugs are going to come from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, India, or Canada. Shipping can take 2-3 weeks.

Once you have your first prescription filled, they are good on following up for refills. Most times just an email.

They will charge you extra for package tracking. They will send confirmation when they have your order, when it is paid for, and when it ships. Stay on top of your estimated receipt dates.

Price matching, admin

Many of the pharmacies will match the lowest price of a CIPA member pharmacy. They will not match non-CIPA pharmacies. I recently had a price from a US pharmacy of $900 for a drug. The first quote I received from a CIPA member was $588. The lowest quote I received was $288. I paid $288 on a price match.

So, there you have it. My personal experience is buying drugs from the same manufacturers (Merck as an example) is about 22% of the best US price. It depends on your drug. They have generics and name brands. Bargains on both.

They may have an odd quantity – 112 for some reason for drugs I normally need in the amount of 90. They will work it out with you. They usually just give you the 112 and notify the doctor. They have no problem with contacting your doctor to iron out any wrinkles.

Sometimes, I get my doctor to give me a 30 day prescription and a 90 day prescription so in case there is any problem I can go get the 30 day prescription filled locally. I usually go to Sam’s Club or Walmart.

But, hey, what the Hell do I really know anyway? I’m just a Big Red Car. Now, if only I could find a bargain on 10W40, the kind for the old cars. Burp!