Posted 7/13/2011 2:15 AM (GMT 0)
Generic Asacol isn't available in the U.S., but from Canada, yep, it's there. I switched to the generic a few weeks ago, and I didn't feel any difference.
Definitely keep an eye on Oregon. I think either Oregon or Vermont will eventually be the first.
Washington has talked about a healthcare system, and they offer BHP or Basic Health Plan, but it's not the same as universal coverage that one sees in the rest of the developed world. At the moment, Washington has closed BHP to any new enrollees so it's not even an option for me.
I'm a whole lot closer to Canada than you are, but I don't make the trip up. I do it all entirely by mail or electronically.
There are only two websites you need to remember.
http://www.pharmacychecker.com
http://www.napra.org
First, you look on pharmacychecker.com to look up the med you need. It presents a grid of information. Just click on the column "sort by Cost Per Pill" and the cheapest one is shown first.
Follow the link to that pharmacy's website, and find their physical address including the province. Legit pharmacies won't try to hide it.
Once you know the province, go to napra.org (National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities), follow the link to the provincial authority, and look up the pharmacy to ensure they are legit. Sometimes they have the web address listed and sometimes not. The best method I find is to get the chief pharmacist name from the pharmacy website, and search for it in the provincial authority's list.
I tried to run down the cheapest prices for Sulfasalazine EC for you, but I'm hitting a snag.
Is Sulfasalazine a 500 mg pill, and Sulfasalazine EC a 1000 mg (or 1 gram) pill?
When you buy from a Canadian pharmacy, the best way to pay is either check or eBillMe. Thus far, when paying by check, I was able to scan and Email, or fax, a copy of the completed signed check and they electronically processed it. Customer service for me has been superb, and I've dealt with three different Canadian pharmacies. If you use a credit card, you'll likely get nailed with fees for the exchange rate. I have heard horror stories of insane fees whenever one uses a credit card overseas. With a check or eBillMe, I get a bill for the amount I owe (in USD), and I pay that amount (in USD).
If you're concerned at all, let me suggest you order from CanadaDrugs.com since they have about the best reputation of any Canadian online pharmacy. They are a little pricier than other Canadian pharmacies, but they have a stellar reputation with a lot of accreditations and certifications, including an A+ from the BBB.
If one noses around the websites of FDA, CBP, USDA, DEA, and even Canada Post, you can find a whole lot of ominous sounding, yet intentionally vague, and sometimes even contradictory, information about importing prescription drugs into the U.S. with a prescription.
CBP are the folks standing there at the border and they are the ones handling boxes coming into the states with a Customs Declaration stating the contents of the package are "Personal Healthcare Products".
Here is what they say.
http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/medication_drugs.xml
One would have to be brain dead, or running for President and from the state of <intentionally left blank>, not to known what's in the box when it says "Personal Healthcare Products" and is about the right size to hold a three month supply of medications.
Don't order any schedule I, II, or III drugs from Canada. Order only a 3 month supply. Have a prescription. Don't order with the intent of reselling it.