Canadian Pharmacy Options
Same FDA-approved medications, same pharmacies that serve Canadians, fraction of the US price.
Why Canadian Pharmacies?
Same Medications
The pills you get from a Canadian pharmacy are literally the same as US pharmacies. They're manufactured by the same companies (Pfizer, Merck, etc.) and approved by Health Canada, which uses similar standards to the FDA.
The only difference? The price. Canada regulates drug prices. The US doesn't.
Massive Savings
Prices are typically 50-80% lower than US retail prices. For example:
- Atorvastatin (40mg):US $100-150 vs Canada $20-30
- Lisinopril (10mg):US $50-80 vs Canada $8-12
- Sertraline (100mg):US $60-100 vs Canada $15-20
The Real Reason: Price Regulation
Canada's government negotiates drug prices directly with manufacturers. The US allows manufacturers to set their own prices (with some Medicare limitations). This creates a 50-80% price gap for identical medications.
How It Works
Get a US Prescription
You already have this. Canadian pharmacies accept valid US prescriptions. Your doctor doesn't need to do anything special.
Choose a Licensed Canadian Pharmacy
DrugPrice.fyi recommends verified, licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by provincial authorities. We verify pharmacy legitimacy so you don't have to.
Signs of a legitimate Canadian pharmacy:
- Licensed by provincial pharmacy regulator (College of Pharmacists)
- Has a physical address in Canada
- Pharmacist available for consultation
- Requires a valid US prescription
- Does NOT offer controlled substances without prescription
Submit Your Prescription
Most Canadian pharmacies accept prescriptions via email, fax, or mail. You upload a photo or scan of your prescription. They verify it and provide a quote.
Order & Pay
Once you confirm, you pay by credit card or bank transfer. The pharmacy processes your order.
International Shipping
Your medication ships to your US address via international mail. Usually takes 2-4 weeks. You'll get tracking information.
Is It Legal?
Yes, it's legal
The FDA permits personal importation of medications for personal use when you have a valid US prescription. This has been US policy for decades.
FDA Personal Importation Policy
You can import:
- A 90-day supply of medication for personal use
- Medications that require a valid US prescription
- Medications that are FDA-approved (even if not currently available in the US)
- Identical or similar medications available in the US
You cannot import:
- Controlled substances without specific authorization (varies by drug)
- Medications banned in the US
- Unapproved new drugs
- More than a 90-day supply
How It Works in Practice
The FDA generally does not pursue individual patients importing 90-day supplies of FDA-approved medications with valid US prescriptions for personal use. This is essentially unenforced policy.
What changes: If Customs inspects your package and finds it contains a controlled substance or banned medication, it may be confiscated. For non-controlled medications, this rarely happens.
Medications Often Imported from Canada
Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
Cholesterol management
Lisinopril (Prinivil)
Blood pressure control
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Depression & anxiety
Metformin (Glucophage)
Diabetes management
Amlodipine (Norvasc)
Blood pressure & angina
Levothyroxine (Synthroid)
Thyroid hormone
Prices shown are estimates. Always verify current prices with the Canadian pharmacy before ordering.
Tips for Ordering from Canadian Pharmacies
Verify the Pharmacy
Check that it's licensed by a Canadian provincial pharmacy regulator. Search the College of Pharmacists website for your province.
Have Your Prescription Ready
Clear photo or scanned PDF of your prescription with your doctor's signature and DEA number.
Ask for a Quote First
Most pharmacies will give you a quote including shipping. Confirm the total cost and delivery time before paying.
Keep Shipment Discreet
Packages are shipped discreetly. Use your home address. Avoid shipping to P.O. boxes for international mail.
Plan for Timing
International shipping takes 2-4 weeks. Order well before you run out of medication.
Know Your Medication
Not all medications are available from Canadian pharmacies. Controlled substances have restrictions. Ask first.
Use Credit Card for Protection
Credit cards offer dispute protection. Avoid wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Important Disclaimer
This information is educational only. We are not lawyers. Consult with your healthcare provider before ordering medications from Canada or any other country.
While the FDA generally permits personal importation of 90-day supplies with valid prescriptions, regulations can change. Your shipment could be confiscated. DrugPrice.fyi is not responsible for lost or confiscated shipments.
Always verify that a Canadian pharmacy is legitimate and licensed before ordering. Never order from pharmacies that offer prescription medications without requiring a valid US prescription.
This is not medical advice. Always consult with your doctor before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
Ready to Compare Your Options?
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