Is it legal to buy medicine thru mail, especially diabetic supplies,
from Canada or Mexico?

Hi there,

You did not specify which country you are from, but from the two
nations you mentioned as well as the current debate about this issue,
I will assume the United States.

The short answer is, yes, it is legal to buy prescription medicine
from these countries, and a rapidly increasing number of people do
just that.  Diabetic supplies, are no different as far as regulations
are concerned, from pills or any other prescription.

A particular citation about Canada:
"So is it legal to receive the medicine from Canada through the mail?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, as long as consumers
have a prescription from an American doctor accompanied with the
medicine, there is no problem.
Target 4 spoke with a local representative from the U.S. Border
Patrol, who said that any mail crossing the border can be held and
checked at a post office. But, just like the FDA, as long as the
medicine has a legal prescription, there is no problem. "
[ http://www.nbc4columbus.com/target4/2220015/detail.html ]

And one for Mexico:
"Q: Is this legal?  
A: It is legal to order medicines from Mexico and have them shipped to
you as long as you are ordering medicine for your own personal use.
All products we sell are classified as "non-controlled" within Mexico,
all products sold are FDA approved. It is important to understand how
the products are coming to you. We are not running over the border
from the United States into
Mexico and purchasing medicine and carrying it back across the border
to put it in the mail to our customers. All products are sent from our
offices within Mexico City, all products are sent thru customs and
available for inspection by customs. The return label on the package
you receive is the exact location of where it is being sent from. If
you have further questions or concerns about legalities please check
with your government agencies."
[ http://www.mexmeds4you.com/faq.htm#3 ]

However, there is a certain process that needs to be followed.  Most
often, foreign pharmacies will require that you mail or fax them a
prescription from your doctor in the US, as well as some type of proof
of identification.  The processis outlined here:
[ http://www.canadapharmacy.com/cart/index.cfm?fuseaction=Prescriptions
]

These drugs from other countries are often the same exact chemicals
sold in the united states, and are often even made by the same
companies (although are often sold under different names. 
Nonetheless, they have not been directly approved by the Food and Drug
Admisistration, who advise using caution when making these purchases. 
For more information about these warnings, please see:
[ http://www.fda.gov/ora/import/purchasing_medications.htm ]

I hope this information and resources have proven more than
sufficient.  Please request a clarificatino if necessary, especially
before rating this answer.  Good luck, and thank you for bringing your
question to Google Answers.

Sincerely,
Andrewxmp

Excellent work.  Exactly what I was looking for. The part I didn't
know that they won't tell you in Mexico is that it requires a
prescription from a US doctor.  Thanks.

Hi 211563-ga,

I've been able to purchase medications from Mexico, Canada, and New
Zealand by mail, with great reductions in prices compared to the US.

You will have to factor in shipping costs, which vary at different
drugstores.  Generally if you buy more than one prescription drug, the
cost of shipping is the same as if you'd purchased only one. Most all
companies have a flat rate.

Also, be aware of the time factor in shipping from foreign countries
to the US.  But all in all, my experience has been quite satisfactory.
 I've always tried to deal with drugstores that have an 800#.

I haven't purchased diabetic supplies.  The reductions range up to 80%
which is huge in my opinion!

Best regards,

tlspiegel

There are a number of ways to save on the cost of prescription drugs.  
  
Canadian Pharmacies is an excellent choice. One of the  
 best that I know and personally order from is  <http://www.affordablerx.com> 
  
But there are other resources right here in the states:  
  
<http://freemedicineprogram.com> - Free prescription drugs are available 
to those who qualify regardless of age through patient assistance 
programs. Free Medicine Program assists you with the application 
  
<http://www.discountrxmart.com>  
<http://www.peopleschoicerx.com>  
<http://www.free-prescriptions.org>

Good Luck !

Excellent as always

I totally agree with meyer18-ga that to go with Canadian Pharmacies is
the best choice. My Grandpa ordered his mediciation from
http://www.canadianpharmacylink.com which is located in Canada.

If you think that site has high prices you might want to try
http://www.canadianpharmacygroup.com or
http://www.canadianpharmacynetwork.com because my grandma ordered from
there because they had cheaper prices than the first one.

I know of couple more health related websites that might interest you
guys.
http://www.cyberpillsnetwork.com

This one is in Canada and they have cheap prices.
http://www.canadaexpressrx.com
http://www.buygenericviagra.biz
http://www.viagraimproved.com

I hope this post will help you out on what ya need

Good luck with your search!