NABP Urges Enforcement of US Drug Laws;New Bill Supporting Drug Importation Threatens Patient Safety

February 27, 2003 12:00 am

The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy® (NABP®) is speaking out against a proposed bill that would fine drug companies up to $1 million for obeying federal and state laws that protect consumers from illegally imported non-Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved medications from Canada. Protection of this practice severely compromises the health and safety of American seniors and all other patients obtaining drugs illegally from Canada.

"Allowing unlicensed practitioners to dispense non-FDA approved medicines without regard for patient health and safety sets a dangerous precedent that puts Americans at risk," says Carmen A. Catizone, NABP executive director. "We should ensure that Americans have appropriate access to affordable medicines from within the protections of the health care system in the United States - not by sending them to purchase medicines from across the border, but by Congress passing a Medicare prescription drug benefit plan."

Today, February 27, 2003, US legislators met to discuss the proposed bill, called the "Preserving Access to Safe, Affordable Canadian Medicines Act of 2003" (HR 847), which is a result of a new policy by some manufacturers that bans shipping drugs to Canadian pharmacies and wholesalers if those drugs are sold to American patients. Yesterday, NABP sent a letter to FDA and the US Department of Health and Human Services supporting manufacturers and citing the dangers of illegal drug importation.

Some manufacturers implemented the new policy recognizing the FDA's assertions of danger relating to importing drugs. FDA's own Web site, www.fda.gov/oc/buyonline/faqs.html#faq1, advises consumers:

Patients who buy prescription drugs from Web sites operating outside the law are at increased risk of suffering life-threatening adverse events, such as side effects from inappropriately prescribed medications, dangerous drug interactions, contaminated drugs, and impure or unknown ingredients found in unapproved drugs.

While NABP recognizes consumers' need for affordable medications, the Association believes that existing laws and regulations prohibiting drug importation need to be obeyed and enforced to allow safe and regulated supply of drugs and medications. Continuation and expansion of cross-border Internet trade of medicines opens up American patients being preyed upon by those who would take full advantage of the lack of regulatory enforcement.

For more information on NABP or its stance on enforcing US drug laws, contact NABP at 847/698-6227 or go to NABP's Web site at www.nabp.net.

Courtney Karzen