Why are the drugpriceseeker.com Canadian pharmacy prices cheaper than U.S. pharmacy drug prices?
A. Drug prices are cheaper in Canada for four reasons. First, brand name drugs still under patent are regulated by the Canadian Federal Patented Medicine Prices Review Board (PMPRB). This board establishes the maximum prices that can be charged in Canada for drugs under patent. Most prices prices have not been increased since 1992. U.S. drug prices are unregulated and go up every year. Second, Canadian drug prices are lower due to governmental clinical evaluation of therapeutically similar drugs and negotiate with drug manufactures in order to get the best prices amoung similar drugs. third, the Canadian government does not allow direct marketing by drug companies. This results in an enormous savings in marketing expenses. In contrast, in the U.S. you cannot read a magazine or watch TV without seeing a direct to consumer drug ad. Fourth, there is a favorable exchange rate between the U.S. and Canadian pharmacies.
