Canadian Drugs Get
Green Light in Nevada
Edward Lawrence, Reporter
April 21, 2006 02:25 AM CDT
Canadians can buy prescription drugs much more cheaply than Americans can. But that is changing. Thursday, the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy approved rules that would clear the way for Nevadans to buy the same drugs, sometimes at 30 to 50-percent off the name brand price without breaking the law.
It's been a long process with a lot of legal maneuvering. The Nevada legislature passed a bill last session approving Canadian prescription drug sales.
What the board did Thursday was follow the intent of lawmakers. They adopted regulations opening the door for the legal sale of Canadian prescription drugs. Rules allowing Nevada residents to legally buy Canadian prescription drugs cleared the last major hurdle with that vote.
No one is happier than 80-year-old Las Vegas resident Denise Kelley. Kelley says she has friends who cut their pills in half because the cost of prescription drugs. She told pharmacy board members they are doing the right thing with this regulation.
Kelley said, "I am so proud of Nevada and you people for having the guts to stand up to all this money. It's big money bucks. You stood up and told them to take it and throw it in the nearest -- well, we won't say where."
Kelley listened to all the testimony, some in support of allowing Nevada residents to legally buy Canadian prescription drugs, while others say it's not safe.
The National Association of Chain Drug Stores sent two representatives saying Nevada residents will never be assured the drugs are the same strength as posted on the label. FDA representative Janet McDonald warned board members not to defy the Food and Drug Administration and adopt the regulations.
McDonald said, "Canadian pharmacies that are licensed by the Nevada Board of Pharmacy to sell unapproved drugs to Nevada residents would violate the Federal Food Drug and Cosmetic Act."
In the end the regulations passed.
Under the rules only Canadian pharmacies licensed in the state will be able to legally sell prescription drugs here. So far four pharmacies have gone through the process and have a license from the state.
Under the rules, Canadian pharmacies must be licensed in Nevada. That means the Nevada State Board will inspect the pharmacy and its prescription process. So far, four canadian pharmacies have licenses in this state.
The regulations now go to a legislative committee for final approval. A special meeting has been set for Thursday, May 4th. This is expected to pass without problem.
On May 5th, any Nevada resident should be able to legally buy Canadian prescription drugs from licensed pharmacies.
The board of pharmacy will post the names of the pharmacies to the public on its website. Click here to bookmark the Nevada State Board of Pharmacy website.
