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Learning, Sharing, and Teaching => Ask a Mustachian => Topic started by: Exflyboy on July 12, 2018, 09:51:21 PM

Title: DOJ shutting down Canada Drugs
Post by: Exflyboy on July 12, 2018, 09:51:21 PM
I just found out our Canadian mail order pharmacy is shutting down per a plea deal with the DOJ.

Anyone have the inside scoop?

I assume this is the mighty healthcare lobby doing its work.

Land of the Free my ass!
Title: Re: DOJ shutting down Canada Drugs
Post by: Shinplaster on July 14, 2018, 01:29:12 PM
Mr. SP is a retired pharmacist, so this was on his radar in the spring.  From what I understand, the owners of Canada Drugs also operated a wholesale drug business that was separate.  They were found to be selling a couple of counterfeit cancer drugs through the wholesale business.  It's been unclear (at least as far as I can tell) whether that was deliberate or that they were victims of a scam.  End result was cancer patients not getting the proper treatment, so the optics (and results!) are terrible for this.  CVS has also been found to be dispensing counterfeit drugs in the past (Lipitor), so it's an issue for all pharmacies nowadays.

There's no evidence or claim that any drugs sold through the Canada Drugs website have ever been anything but what they were supposed to be, but they agreed to shut everything down in order to make the deal with the DOJ.  There was probably some prodding from the drug lobbies too.  I'm sorry you're losing your source of cheaper drugs (you were buying HRH's medications through them, weren't you?)   We complain like crazy here about drug prices, but when I see what you guys are paying, it just boggles my mind.

Title: Re: DOJ shutting down Canada Drugs
Post by: PharmaStache on July 14, 2018, 02:16:58 PM
https://www.safemedicines.org/policymakers-media/canada-drugs-case

https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/opinion/fyi/generation-rx-200693481.html

The history of internet drugs in Manitoba is quite interesting.  I guess Kris is a realtor now?  Is his house arrest over? https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kris-thorkelson-60b450157
Title: Re: DOJ shutting down Canada Drugs
Post by: Exflyboy on July 14, 2018, 05:31:10 PM
Mr. SP is a retired pharmacist, so this was on his radar in the spring.  From what I understand, the owners of Canada Drugs also operated a wholesale drug business that was separate.  They were found to be selling a couple of counterfeit cancer drugs through the wholesale business.  It's been unclear (at least as far as I can tell) whether that was deliberate or that they were victims of a scam.  End result was cancer patients not getting the proper treatment, so the optics (and results!) are terrible for this.  CVS has also been found to be dispensing counterfeit drugs in the past (Lipitor), so it's an issue for all pharmacies nowadays.

There's no evidence or claim that any drugs sold through the Canada Drugs website have ever been anything but what they were supposed to be, but they agreed to shut everything down in order to make the deal with the DOJ.  There was probably some prodding from the drug lobbies too.  I'm sorry you're losing your source of cheaper drugs (you were buying HRH's medications through them, weren't you?)   We complain like crazy here about drug prices, but when I see what you guys are paying, it just boggles my mind.


Thanks for inside scoop!

Yes we were buying one of HRH's asthma inhalers. The US price is about $250 for a 30 day supply of Flovent (Flixotide). Fortunately the UK pharmacy that was supplying Canada drugs has now stepped up to supply the US directly at $100 for a 3 month supply.

I'm sure even this price is a hefty mark up to the retail price charged in the UK.

I'm almost tempted to go visit a GP in the UK (free for visitors) and get a prescription to fill in the UK when we visit my Parents there in September.