Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Americans Head To Canada To Buy Cheap Insulin; Some Worry About Supply Here

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Jul, 2019 01:10 AM

    TORONTO — The soaring cost of insulin in the United States prompted a group of American diabetics to head to Canada on Friday to buy the non-prescription drug at a fraction of the price.


    The group of about 25 left Minneapolis, Minn., for London, Ont., where they also plan to hold a press conference to draw attention to the affordability plight.


    One of the organizers, Quinn Nystrom, who is making her second such expedition, said insulin prices south of the border have skyrocketed in two decades.


    "One in four Americans are rationing their insulin because they cannot afford it, so people are dying," Nystrom, 33, said in an interview as she prepared to leave. "It's a tragedy."


    When she was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes 20 years ago, Nystrom said, the price of insulin was around US$16 for a vial. Now it costs US$340 — roughly 10 times the price in Canada.


    Nystrom, with the group Minnesota #insulin4all, said Americans can take home a maximum three-month personal supply, but some can only afford a vial or two. One vial of insulin, which helps regulate blood-sugar levels, generally lasts from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the patient.


    While insulin tourism to Canada is still relatively small scale, it is sparking some concern.


    "Any time you have a large population such as the U.S ... coming to Canada to access medications that are earmarked for the Canadian market, there's potential for disruption of some sort," said Barry Power, a senior director with the Canadian Pharmacists Association. "We see it as a risk that we want to bring to the attention of the federal government."


    Four states including Florida have passed legislation allowing for wholesale or individual imports of medications.


    "That's worrying to us, because if people see it as sanctioned by the U.S. government, then there could be a lot of pressure on Canadian pharmacists and the supply chain," said Power, a pharmacist in Ottawa.


    Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration need to put their heads together to start addressing the situation, Power said. Ideally, Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor would talk to her American counterpart to ensure the drug supply in Canada is safeguarded, and manufacturers could do more to limit exports, he said.


    Petitpas Taylor's spokeswoman Thierry Belair said on Friday the government was monitoring the situation.


    Because insulin is non-prescription in Canada, there is no tracking mechanism of how much might be heading south.


    "I do not want to be a bad neighbour," Nystrom said. "I would never come to Canada if there was a drug shortage (and) I do not think going to Canada is a long-term solution. It's like putting a Band-Aid on a gunshot wound."


    The Minnesota group is planning to visit Banting House in London, where Sir Frederick Banting came up with his idea that led to the discovery of insulin 99 years ago. They plan a news conference on Saturday to raise awareness.


    Ironically, Nystrom said, Banting sold his patent for $1 because he believed his discovery belonged to the world and should not be for profit.


    "That's crucial for us to show all Americans: Look at what it's become in the U.S. It become greed and corruption," Nystrom said. "It's gotten out of control with the price, and they increase it every year and we're held hostage."


    Canada, in line with other industrialized countries, regulates drug prices through the quasi-judicial patented medicine prices review board whose mandate is to prevent gouging. Market forces — essentially whatever people will pay — operate in the U.S.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    U.S. Ramps Up Concern Over B.C. Pollution As Eight Senators Write To Horgan

    U.S. Ramps Up Concern Over B.C. Pollution As Eight Senators Write To Horgan
    American lawmakers are increasingly concerned about pollution from British Columbia mines contaminating waters in the United States.

    U.S. Ramps Up Concern Over B.C. Pollution As Eight Senators Write To Horgan

    After Harsh Twitter Exchanges, Senate Will Look At New Social Media Policy

    After Harsh Twitter Exchanges, Senate Will Look At New Social Media Policy
    OTTAWA — An independent senator is on a mission to get members of Canada's upper house to stop being so nasty to each other on social media.

    After Harsh Twitter Exchanges, Senate Will Look At New Social Media Policy

    Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion: Five Things To Know About The Project

    Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion: Five Things To Know About The Project
    OTTAWA — The federal cabinet's long-awaited decision on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is due Tuesday. Here are five things to know about the project.

    Trans Mountain Pipeline Expansion: Five Things To Know About The Project

    Liberals' Mortgage Help For First-Time Buyers Lands Sept. 2, Weeks Before Vote

    Liberals' Mortgage Help For First-Time Buyers Lands Sept. 2, Weeks Before Vote
    OTTAWA — The federal Liberals say a new program to help new buyers pay for their first home will kick in on Labour Day.

    Liberals' Mortgage Help For First-Time Buyers Lands Sept. 2, Weeks Before Vote

    Sentencing Hearing Told Other Operators Scared Following Murder Of Bus Driver

    WINNIPEG — A Crown prosecutor has told a sentencing hearing that the murder of a Winnipeg bus driver has left other drivers and their families terrified

    Sentencing Hearing Told Other Operators Scared Following Murder Of Bus Driver

    Poll Suggests Majority Of Canadians Favour Limiting Immigration Levels

    Poll Suggests Majority Of Canadians Favour Limiting Immigration Levels
    Sixty-three per cent of respondents to a recent Leger poll said the government should prioritize limiting immigration levels because the country might be reaching a limit in its ability to integrate them.

    Poll Suggests Majority Of Canadians Favour Limiting Immigration Levels