Why does Abbott oppose the importation of medicines from Canada to the United States?
Product safety is our primary concern regarding medicines imported from Canada. Currently, there are no mechanisms in place to monitor the safety and efficacy of imported products (www.aarp.org). Furthermore, we believe that importation is not a solution to making medicines more affordable for patients. According to a recent AARP Bulletin, Americans who choose the least expensive Medicare benefit plan in their area that covers all of their medicines could pay less than they would if they purchased the same medicines in Canada. Moreover, importation of medicines also poses safety concerns. The U.S. FDA has stated that it cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of pharmaceuticals imported via parallel distribution channels that lack regulatory or quality oversight.
