Canada Offers Quality Generic Drugs at a Discounted Rate

It is a well known fact that name brand prescription drugs are cheaper in Canada. Foreigners traveling to Canada or who purchase prescriptions online can save as much as 40% off the prices that they would pay in their home countries. Even Americans who are accustomed to a vigorous regulatory procedures in the creation and distribution of their drugs have been able to comfortably cash in on the deep discounts because not only are the drugs cheaper, Canadian drugs are produced under the same vigorous regulations. It is believed by many that generic drugs in Canada were not typically offered at such a discounted rate. This belief is not necessarily true.

Definition of a Generic Drug

Generic drugs contain the same pharmaceutical make up of a brand name drug but are offered to the consumer at a much lower price. The major reason that non-brand specific drugs can be offered at a lower rate is that they are produced after the patent has expired on a brand name drug; and, it is not necessary for generic drugs go through the years of expensive testing on the chemical ingredients in the drug. The brand name drug has already done the extensive testing and the generic drug is able to use the results of that testing. The savings obtained from not having to retest the chemical formula is passed on to the consumer.

Safety of Generic Drugs

While obtaining prescription medication—brand name and generic drugs, at a reduced cost is the ultimate reason foreigners choose Canada when purchasing prescribed drugs, purchasers can obtain additional comfort in knowing that generic drug creation is highly regulated in Canada. Medications in Canada are regulated by Health Canada and organization that is the equivalent of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In Canada, Health Canada ensures that generic drug manufacturers test their products to ensure that the Canadian generic drugs perform just as well as their brand name counterparts before the drug can go on sale to consumers.

Provinces Change Generic Drug System

In an attempt to further reduce consumer drug costs, Provinces in Canada have introduced new generic drug systems. Through these systems the cost that consumers pay for generic drugs is significantly reduced because rebates are now being redirected and capped in many provinces. Additionally, pharmaceutical manufacturers wishing to expand into Canada are offered bulk contracts which of course lower consumer costs. Just as visitors to Canada are able to purchase name brand prescription medications at a reduced rate, they are able to obtain generic drugs at a much cheaper rate than they would in their home countries.

One Stop Shopping for Prescription Medication

With the changes in the generic drugs system and Canada’s brisk drug regulatory system, it is easy to see why Canada is the location that the world looks to for its medical prescription needs. Individuals all over the world over can look to Canada to obtain quality prescription drugs at a much reduced cost as compared to the individuals home country.