Drug Importation — Hype or Panacea?
The US recently got its first glimpse at how importing drugs affects pricing. This is a policy that’s been tossed around, and which was part of a recent executive order, as a means to lower healthcare costs.
Until the executive order takes effect and the means are in place for regular importation, it’s hard to know what impact it will have. However, the recent FDA approval of the importation of a Chantix generic into the US, offers insight into the potential for impact…and I’m not impressed. As you can see, a patient in America can get the newly-imported varenicline 1mg (Chantix) for $380; whereas, Canadian pharmacies offer the generic for as little as $95. The import does mark savings from the current list price, but it appears to be nowhere near the panacea legislators tout.
