One of the more common exported drugs throughout the world come from Canada. Many of the drugs heavily sought after in the United States and Europe are exported out of Canada due to the price regulations imposed by Health Canada. Health Canada regulations work to prevent prescription and non-prescription drugs from being extorted by pharmaceutical companies and allows more people the opportunity to purchase them.
However, Canadian drugs have the disadvantage of being so heavily regulated. Unlike in the United States, there are many types of drugs that have not passed the vigorous guidelines imposed by Health Canada. The affected products range from over the counter medications as well as prescription drugs.
By taking a hard line stance on the regulation of Canadian drugs, Health Canada works to protect the citizens of Canada from exposure to drugs that have unwanted health effects. By heavily regulating who can take experimental classed drugs, Health Canada has prevented some instances of pharmaceutical companies releasing products to the general public that were not proven safe for use over time. However, it is this same stance that bans many from having access to the experimental drugs that might make the difference in life or death treatments of rare or hard to treat diseases and ailments.
Canadian drugs imported to the United States are not the only possible solution to getting less expensive medication. While this may apply for some individuals seeking specific drugs, the importation of these drugs into the United States is regulated. In many cases, the taxes imposed on drugs entering the United States will end up putting many of those drugs similar to what you pay in the pharmacies. Instead of paying the excess amount to the pharmaceutical companies, you are paying them to the government instead.
Because of the forced regulations from Health Canada are of such a severe nature, there are less pharmaceutical companies in Canada then there are in the United States. It is because of these regulations, drugs exported from Canada under the guide of Health Canada have a reputation of higher quality. However, this is not always the case. In some instances, such as in government regulated and produced medicinal marijuana, the quality is lower than can be obtained on the black markets.
Another concern has been for the amount of high strength Canadian drugs that are available in pharmacies or drug stores without a prescription. These drugs are restricted to certain regions within Canada and therefore not widely available everywhere. Many people who travel to Canada for these drugs have found it can be challenging to get them out of the country and through customs. If you’re planning on exporting these drugs back for personal use, please retain the receipt, as it may be required at any border crossing, where you might be questioned.