Florida Approves Import of Drugs from Canada Save

Last Friday, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Florida’s plan to import certain prescription drugs directly from Canada.  Florida is the first time a state to undertake this pathway to save money.

Such approval marks a major shift in U.S. drug policy and comes fierce opposition from the pharmaceutical industry. Previously the FDA  has said that because they can’t guarantee the safety of Canada's meds, they could not endorse importing drugs from Canada or anywhere outside the U.S.

It is legal in the US for individuals to buy their drugs from Canadian pharmacies (with a physicians prescription) and many do so because some drugs are substantially cheaper from Canadian wholesalers.  As in most countries, prescription drugs are cheaper in Canada, because the government directly negotiates price with the manufacturers. 

The Trump administration in 2020 issued rules allowing states to apply for drug importation, and Florida was the first to apply. A 2021 executive order from Biden gave the policy new momentum and directed federal agencies to work with states on importation plans. 

Florida intends to start importing select prescription drugs, including medications to help individuals who have chronic health conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and mental illness.   Moreover, only state programs, including Medicaid, the prison system and facilities run by the Department of Children & Families, would get the imported drugs.

The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) and others including ex-FDA officials have decried this policy change as being harmful to US citizens.