Today, the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) joined with 44 other U.S. pharmacist groups and the Canadian Pharmacists Association (CPhA) to endorse a landmark Cross-Border Communique (http://www.aphanet.org/news/NABP-NAPRA_Agreement_Certificate.pdf) between the U.S.-based National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) (http://www.nabp.org) and the Canadian National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) (http://www.napra.ca/) on the issue of illegal cross-border importation of prescription drugs. (Click to view the most current list of the endorsing U.S. pharmacist groups. http://www.aphanet.org/news/cpha_aphalist.htm)
"The U.S. and Canada each have regulatory systems in place to protect consumers," stated John A. Gans, PharmD, Executive Vice President of APhA. "However, illegal importation undermines these regulatory systems. Most important is the severing of the bond between the individual patient and his or her pharmacist. The pharmacist, whether practicing in the U.S. or Canada, is responsible for the patient's medication management. Medications are powerful; that's why they work. There can be adverse reactions between one prescription medication and another - as well as over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements. The patient's physical condition, ability to effectively understand and comply with a medication regimen, level of physical activity, diet, and other lifestyle issues come into play." Gans noted that "Patient safety is primary to pharmacists, and illegal importation which threatens that for patients must be addressed through active law enforcement."
Jeff Poston, Executive Director of CPhA, stated, "We strongly share this concern. This is why Canadian pharmacists support the joint commitment of NAPRA and NABP to address this illegal practice by encouraging enforcement to ensure patient safety. Again, illegal importation severs the key pharmacist-patient relationship. Safe and effective medication management by pharmacists is enormously compromised when prescription drugs are treated as just another retail commodity, as opposed to the powerful medications they are. Patients may be dealing with multiple acute and chronic illnesses, as well as the lifestyle issues. Medications can alter the workings of the body and the mind. It's quite different than simply shopping online for books or CDs."
Gans noted that not all medications sold under the Canadian flag - e.g., via Internet pharmacies claiming to operate in Canada - actually originate in Canada. Such products could be contaminated or could have been degraded due to poor storage and shipment conditions, or could even be counterfeit altogether.
Further, APhA and CPhA pointed out that businesses, individuals, and organizations that facilitate prescription drug importation for U.S. customers are encouraging the violation of U.S. federal and state laws that are designed to protect the health and safety of its citizens.
Poston, while emphasizing the integrity of the Canadian drug supply, as did his U.S. counterpart, acknowledged that, "With the Internet, it's definitely a buyer-beware situation. There is no substitute for the pharmacist-patient relationship in securing effective medication management. Some of the web sites may not be pharmacies at all, in that no licensed pharmacist is at the helm."
Gans added that, "Cheaper isn't better, if the price-tag includes compromising patient safety. Taking the pharmacist out of the picture - a situation directly related to, and worsened by, illegal importation - is something we all agree is harmful."
Notes to media: To view APhA's consumer tips on importation go to: http://www.aphanet.org/lead/importingtipsforconsumers.pdf
The American Pharmacists Association is dedicated to improving medication use and advancing patient care. Founded in 1852 as the American Pharmaceutical Association, APhA is the first-established and largest professional association of pharmacists in the United States. Our more than 50,000 members include pharmacists, scientists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and others interested in advancing the profession.
The Canadian Pharmacists Association is the national voluntary organization which provides knowledge and leadership to pharmacists from all practice areas. CPhA's Web site: http://www.pharmacists.ca.
APhA World Wide Web Site: http://www.aphanet.org
APhA Consumer Web Site: http://www.pharmacyandyou.org
APhA Resources for Pharmacy Professionals:http://www.pharmacist.com
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