Canadian Expressway sets up shop in NE Oklahoma

Monday, March 22nd 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

RX-Depot, an outlet for buying cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, was ordered to shut down last year by the federal government. But the demand for cheaper medications remains strong.

News on 6 reporter Rick Wells talked to an Oklahoman who's helping people find affordable prescription drugs north of the border.

"This is LeeAnn with Canadian Expressway." LeeAnn Modglin runs the new Canadian Expressway location in Bixby. Canadian Expressway used to be called RX Expressway. Terry Lee with Canadian Expressway: "The state board of pharmacy asked us to remove the RX out of our name which we did voluntarily."

Terry Lee is the founder of RX now Canadian Expressway and he didn't say so but part of business survival for him, is not slapping big brother in the face. "We told folks we'd do everything we could to obey state and local and federal law."

Besides, he says, Canadian Expressway is not a pharmacy, all he does he says is help folks who need them find their medicines cheaper in Canada, like the lady who called in asking about her Fosamax. Modglin: "Like on the amount I just typed in 12 and tabbed over and that showed me a three months supply was $139."

You can do this research yourself on their website but many people who need the help the most don't have a computer and aren't confident about using it. Canadian Expressway helps with the paperwork; of course you must have a valid prescription.

Millions of Americans, thousands of Oklahomans are buying their medications in Canada. Technically these purchases are illegal, but the government has all but said they're not interested in prosecuting individuals buying drugs for personal use. And there's a savings. Lee: "80 sometimes we've even saved 90%, whether that's $200 a month, $500 a month or when there its $20 it's still saving money."

Money saved in Canada, better used for something else here. Canadian Expressway now has six locations in Oklahoma, three in the Tulsa area. You can find out more by visiting their website at www.canadianexpressway.com.