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Missouri Joins Drug-Import Program

Posted on: Thursday, 28 October 2004, 21:00 CDT

CHICAGO - Missouri joined Illinois and Wisconsin in a new drug-import program to make cheaper prescription drugs available from Canada and Europe despite a federal ban on the imports.

Missouri Gov. Bob Holden appeared with Gov. Rod Blagojevich at a news conference Thursday in Chicago to announce Missouri's participation in the I-SaveRx drug program. Illinois and Wisconsin launched it this month to offer savings on about 100 medications of up to 50 percent off U.S. retail prices.

"As governors, we're all concerned about the high cost of prescription drugs, especially as it effects those on limited income," Holden said. "It seemed to me the logical next step for Missouri to provide options for safe and affordable prescription drugs for all our citizens."

The program works through a Canadian clearinghouse to connect residents to 45 foreign pharmacies and wholesalers approved by Illinois health inspectors. Only refills are allowed, and narcotics are excluded.

Blagojevich had invited other governors to join in the program.

The Food and Drug Administration opposes importing prescription drugs, saying it cannot guarantee the safety of drugs sold through foreign pharmacies. But the FDA has not shut down I-SaveRx or stopped other states from setting up Internet sites to help consumers buy drugs through Canadian pharmacies.

Prescriptions drugs are often cheaper in Canada because of government price controls. Congress has considered legalizing the importing of prescription drugs but has met strong opposition from the White House and the pharmaceutical industry.

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On the Net:

http://www.I-SaveRx.net

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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