Canada and ‘Counterfeit’ Drugs
Re “Drug Firms Decry Imports’ Safety, Costs,” April 6: My goodness, but don’t I feel so much better knowing that, looking after my best interests, I have the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the representatives of the National Assn. of Chain Drug Stores and the drug manufacturers and distributors. They don’t want me to get hurt buying my medication for 70% less than I can buy it here in the United States, so they are going to drum up the counterfeiting “horror stories” (translation: scare tactics) because their attempts to extort our money by withdrawing their supply from Canada were ineffective. That these executives make reference to organized crime and terrorist organizations is hysterical.
I have purchased legal medications from Canada with a valid prescription for about two years. Prior to that I traveled to Mexico. If I choose to find a better price for legal goods, I have that right in an open market. Apparently, that is not the system of commerce these drug companies would like for us to participate in; hence, a law must be passed.
I am furious that, once again, there is a government agency that thinks that it can do my thinking better than I can. Am I surprised? No. Corporations have been boldly strong-arming the U.S. citizenry via our elected officials for years. What is surprising to me is our lack of outrage.
Patti Lynch
Chino Hills
*
I’m somewhat confused by what S. Lawrence Kocot, senior vice president and general counsel of the National Assn. of Chain Drug Stores, wants me to believe. Somehow drugs that are not made in the U.S. but made for U.S. firms, or that are made in the U.S., delivered to Canadian pharmacies and then mailed to me at my home from Canada, may not be safe. Aren’t the drugs that are shipped to Canadian pharmacies the same ones shipped to my local Rite Aid? Why would buying them in person in a Canadian pharmacy be any less safe? Are all Canadians who purchase drugs in Canadian pharmacies being given counterfeit or adulterated drugs?
If there is a Longs or Rite Aid or Sav-On or Walgreens in Canada, aren’t their drugs safe? I don’t think someone’s telling the whole truth.
Wade Steinfeld
Valley Glen
