Why won't republican politicians allow us to buy lower cost drugs from Canada?

Answer 1

Because their shares of stock are in US drug companies.

Answer 2

Drugs are not subsides in Canada, the reason they are cheaper is that the patent expires after 7 years, at which point generic drugs consisting of the same ingredients can be produced at a lower cost.

Contrary to what was said earlier about high prices going to fund research, the patent expiration forces drug companies in Canada to continue to research and develop new treatments in order to remain profitable after the patent expiration.

Lobbyists for the Drug companies spend a lot of time spinning the truth about the safety of Canadian drugs. Canadian drugs are very safe, Canada boast longer trial periods, stricter labeling procedure and absolutely no system of fast tracking new treatments though the system.

Yes Canada is opposed to the export of drugs to the USA, not because of subsidies, we have the potential to make a lot of money in pharmaceuticals, however as it stands Canada is unable to handle the capacity to produce enough pharmaceuticals which could result in crippling drug shortages at home.

Answer 3

I don't think it is just Republicans opposing this. One of the largest lobbies is the drug industry which does not want us to buy low cost drugs from Canada. Also, the Canadian government does not want us to buy our drugs in Canada as part of the reason drugs are cheaper is a government subsidy (in the form of government health care) that they pay for.

Answer 4

It's a tough situation. If drug companies can't make enough money to pay for the research and testing to bring a new drug to the market then we'll have no new drugs developed. And the only way drug companies make a large enough profit is by charging Americans more.

Drugs are cheaper in many foreign countries because the governments have told the drug companies "we'll buy the drug from you at this price and if you don't sell it to us we'll ignore your patent and make it ourselves so you get nothing." Seems like theft to me. So the drug companies tell the US govenment that importing cheaper drugs from outside the country is like receiving stolen goods.

Answer 5

Because their cronies, ummm, political supporters, aren't making billions at the drug companies in Canada, duh.

If you can get the laws changed allowing foreign nationals to contribute millions to American campaigns, then the drugs from Canada will be just as expensive, if that makes you feel any better.

Answer 6

Its not just republicans. Dont fool yourself. Our government is a whore for corporate interests.
The drugs in Canada are just as safe as the ones sold here. They are made by the exact same drug companies. It is all about protecting the pharmaceutical companies bottom line. Dont you think they would charge more for the drugs in Canada if the government would allow them to?

Answer 7

The last cheif of the FDA is now working in the drug industry if that tells you anything. He was appointed by the current adminstration. Our Veterans Administration DOES get its drugs from Canada.

Answer 8

The billion dollar politician drug pushers.......the next new drug FluMist! Side effects may include Nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, headache, irritability, decreased activity, muscle ache and cough.lmao

Answer 9

Whats wrong with the lower cost drugs in the USA?

Answer 10

The largest lobbying group in Washington is the drug industry, spending more on lobbying than anyone else. Clearly, we understand whose interests are being represented.