Ethical Issues Of Import Prescription Drugs

Out of country pharmaceuticals has been named as one of the hot topics issues. The cost and affordability of prescription drugs has made this question is number priority for many pa-tients seeking treatment. “Pharmaceuticals are an essential component of health care, and ensur-ing appropriate access to them can be a cost-effective way of treating illness and promoting the health of the population” (Morgan & Kennedy, 2010).

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is the organization that is responsible for “en-suring that human and veterinary drugs, and vaccines and other biological products and medical devices intended for human use are safe and effective” (FDA, 2014). Legally, it is unlawful to import controlled or non controlled substances

“The primary reason for importing prescription drugs from foreign countries is to save money – for state and local governments, for individuals who receive health care through them, and for uninsured residents who may other-wise be unable to afford prescription drugs” (Khodeli, 2004). According to Khodeli, there are several issues of concern that could be served as ethical issues of using out of country pharma-ceuticals: legality, safety, liability, and feasibility (Khodeli, 2004). As we know, “importing pre-scription drugs currently violates federal law, along with many state laws and regulations regard-ing pharmacy registration and licensing” (Khodeli, 2004). The safety issue rises in possibility of “counterfeit medication and other dangerous substances” that could enter US market (Khodeli, 2004). Another issue of liability rises to whom would be liable for the safety of imported phar-maceuticals: the state, the local governments or else, if the legislation passes (Khodeli, 2004). Khodeli believes, that feasibility of out of country pharmaceuticals is under estimated. “Import-ing drugs from Canada and possibly from Europe is a trend that is rapidly gaining popularity among state and local officials” (Khodeli,

Being born and raised outside of the USA I’ve got used to a different medications that I feel extremely comfortable with. “What kind of medication to bring?” is the first question that my friends and family ask when planning a visit to the USA. The country I was raised in has different laws and regulations. A person could get a recommendation from a physician for certain type of drugs included antibiotics and obtain them in the local pharmacy without prescription. The costs of these medications are 400-500 percent cheaper. Broad spectrum Amoxicillin is less than five dollars; charcoal supplements are less than 10 cents; vitamin B6 in ampules is one dollar for the treatment course. If I survived my childhood with pharmaceuticals from my native country why shouldn’t I trust them now? When I didn’t have money and health insurance, I couldn’t afford to see a doctor for my usual fall bron-chitis. The only way I survived was my personal three months supply of antibiotics. So, I truly believe that out of country pharmaceuticals shouldn’t be banned from the public. I believe that public is able to make its own choices and decisions. There are many questionable issues about food quality but consumers have a choice which food to buy and eat, and which food to avoid. Why not let them to decide which medication to take? Medications’ cost in the USA is high, and there are no competitors present. As we know, the market competition