Health Canada on Monday emphasized its commitment to taking swift action to “safeguard” the country’s prescription drug supply after a U.S. ruling that could see certain drugs imported south of the border from Canada.
The warning comes days after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) agreed to allow Florida to import bulk pharmaceuticals from Canadian wholesalers as a way to avoid the high cost of drugs in that country.
However, Friday’s ruling has raised concerns about potential impacts on the Canadian drug supply.
“The Government of Canada is taking all necessary action to safeguard the drug supply and ensure Canadians have access to the prescription drugs they need and has been clear in its position: bulk importation will not provide an effective solution to the problem of high drug prices in the U.S.,” Health Canada said in Monday’s statement.
The federal Liberal government passed an interim order in November 2020 to restrict exports of drugs that are at risk of shortage in Canada. Health Canada reiterated that it plans to make sure that order is enforced.
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The health department said it is actively monitoring the Canadian drug supply and is prepared to enforce corrective measures, issue advisories or take other actions if non-compliance is detected.
“Regulations have been implemented under the Food and Drugs Act to prohibit certain drugs intended for the Canadian market from being sold for consumption outside of Canada if that sale could cause, or worsen, a drug shortage in Canada. This includes all drugs that are eligible for bulk importation to the U.S., including those identified in Florida’s bulk importation plan, or any other US state’s future importation programs,” the statement said.
“Health Canada stands ready to take immediate additional action, if needed, to help safeguard the Canadian drug supply.”
Americans have long been able to fill prescriptions from Canadian pharmacies, but the newly announced policy change affects mass imports.
The FDA’s decision follows years of successful lobbying against the idea by the pharmaceutical industry, which said imports would expose U.S. patients to risks of counterfeit or adulterated drugs.
Florida, which filed its proposal with the FDA in 2020, expects to save up to US$180 million in the first year and around US$183 million annually once the program is fully implemented, the state said.
Other states, like Colorado, Maine and Texas, have passed laws that would allow them to create state drug importation programs.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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