Canadian prescription drug prices in Tulsa

A new Tulsa company claims to have the cure for skyrocketing drug prices. They're making Canadian prescription drugs available here. It's on the edge of the law, but some people are still taking

Thursday, January 16th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A new Tulsa company claims to have the cure for skyrocketing drug prices. They're making Canadian prescription drugs available here. It's on the edge of the law, but some people are still taking advantage of it.

News on Six anchor Scott Thompson says it's little pills like these that are costing some Tulsans big bucks. Sammie Lee: "I donâ€™t see how some people do it especially those who are senior citizens on fixed income I've heard of people having to pay eight to nine hundred dollars a month for drugs something's wrong somewhere." It's a story David Peoples with RxDepot at 4908 South Memorial says he's heard many times.

And he says Canadian prescription drugs can save customers like Sammie Lee up to 50% of what they have been paying. Sammie Lee: So Iâ€™m paying like $4 a day plus change per day because its one per day and this will run about $2 per day."

The Tulsa office is just that, a fax machine, computer and a desk. With a doctorâ€™s prescription, RxDepot connects customers here with a pharmacy in Canada. There, the government controls the price of prescription drugs. Add the difference between US and Canadian dollars, and you've got a bargain.

David Peoples: "In some instances people who were not taking their medication are now taking their medication what a wonderful life changing thing that can be knowing that you have the money to do that." Itâ€™s more than a matter of dollars and cents. The prescription drugs at every American drugstore like Jim Spoons' in Sand Springs has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration and thatâ€™s not the case with Canadian pharmaceuticals.

Jim Spoon, Pharmacist: "Certainly the pocket book rules what we do but I think they should be concerned about the safety. And the fact that the FDA has certainly said they can't guarantee the safety for the American citizens." David Peoples: "The medications that our customers would receive through this program are the same medications same manufacturer coming from the same place different country."

A spokesman with the Food and Drug Administration says technically, importing drugs from another country is illegal. But the agency does allow people a 90-day supply of foreign drugs for personal use.

Sammie Lee says it's worth it. Although the FDA does allow a 90-day supply for personal use, they do warn against foreign drugs.