American pharmacists estimate that they have lost 10% of their business to Canadian pharmacies–usually via the Internet–and most expect that loss to continue unless the government limits the practice.
According to a new study, conducted by NOP World Health, one-third of uninsured patients who compare prices when buying drugs tell pharmacists they will fill their prescriptions through Canadian pharmacies.
The study shows that a small proportion of pharmacies — usually independents, rather than chains — are trying to compete with their less expensive Canadian competition by negotiating prices with customers. The American pharmacies usually will not discount prices, however, by more than 10%.
“The trend toward purchasing prescription products through Canadian online pharmacies is growing — and may become a serious threat to American drugstores,” says Andrea McDonough, NOP senior director of market events, in a statement.
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