Cross-Border Internet Pharmacies: What Are the Issues? What Is Less Obvious?

ABSTRACTInternet pharmacies are a multimillion-dollar business between Canada and the United States. The real issue today is the impact this has had across the border. Not only have patients been directly involved and affected, but also health professionals and their associations, the drug industry, governments–and specifically drug regulators, and other major stakeholders. This paper examines the consequences of drugs being imported back into the United States from Canada through the Internet pharmacies. The paper reviews concerns about drug safety, ethical practices, existing legislation, liability, drug shortages, and others. Questions and recommendations are directed to stakeholders and decision makers.