STAT

Everything (or almost everything) you need to know about importing drugs from Canada

The logic behind the idea is simple enough. But will Trump’s latest proposal actually save you money at the pharmacy counter? We’ve got answers.
Source: J. Scott Applewhite/AP

WASHINGTON — President Trump’s new plan to import cheaper drugs from Canada seems like a no-brainer. But like most things in health care, it’s complicated.

The logic is simple enough: Canadians buy the same drugs, made by the same manufacturers, but they get them at a much cheaper cost. So, says Trump, let’s take their drugs.

It’s also wildly popular: 80% of Americans said in a recent survey they support importing prescription drugs, making the idea one of the most well-liked drug pricing proposals currently being considered in Washington.

But the questions abound: Can Trump do this under existing law? Can Canada keep up with American demand? And can Trump get such an ambitious plan across the finish line before the 2020 election?

And then there’s the biggest concern of all: Is the Trump administration opening Americans up to dangerous,

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from STAT

STAT2 min read
STAT+: Brain Biopsies On ‘Vulnerable’ Patients At Mount Sinai Set Off Alarm Bells At FDA, Documents Show
A STAT Investigation: Brain biopsies on "vulnerable" patients at Mount Sinai set off alarm bells at FDA, documents show.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About A Senate Probe Into Novo Pricing, A New UTI Antibiotic, And More
The U.S. Senate health committee is investigating the prices Novo Nordisk charges for its blockbuster medications Ozempic and Wegovy.
STAT2 min read
STAT+: Pharmalittle: We’re Reading About CVS And Humira Biosimilars, Schumer’s Broken Insulin Promise, And More
New prescriptions for biosimilar versions of Humira, one of the best-selling drugs in the U.S., surged to 36% from just 5% during the first week of April.

Related Books & Audiobooks