‘I Would Probably Be Dead’: How Online Pharmacies Offer Hope and Savings
For many patients, accessing life-saving medications in the U.S. is prohibitively expensive, pushing them to seek safe, affordable options internationally. At PharmacyChecker, we are privileged to hear from people who’ve found affordable options and are able to live healthier lives because of it. Our International Pharmacy Verification Program was established in 2003 with a mission to protect public health across the globe by helping patient-consumers, their caregivers, and clinicians find safety information about online pharmacies that market affordable medicines. PharmacyChecker's rigorous accreditation process ensures that every listed online pharmacy meets high standards for safety and reliability, giving patients peace of mind as they access affordable medications.
Here are a few stories from individuals who have used PharmacyChecker-accredited international online pharmacies to access affordable medications.
“I Would Probably Be Dead or Have Had a Stroke”
For many, the costs of medications are a matter of life and death, as Marie S. discovered when she sought affordable alternatives:
“I have been using PharmacyChecker for over a year and would not be able to afford the same med here. Knowing that pharmaceutical companies have labs all over the world, I looked up my expensive med. What a difference in obtaining a life-saving medicine. I would probably be dead or have had a stroke if I didn't take this medicine. Thank you, PharmacyChecker!”
– Marie S.
With PharmacyChecker, Marie gained access to a life-saving medication she couldn’t otherwise afford, underscoring the vital role international pharmacies play for patients in need.
Access to Affordable Medications Through Canadian Pharmacies
Another patient shared how ordering from Canada saved thousands:
“It’s now been a few years of saving 1000’s of dollars a year on drugs that cost 20 times at Costco than what we can get them for in Canada. Proud to be Canadian and support a company that has proven to be a reliable partner in sustaining our health, both personally and financially.”
– William S.
Dramatic Cost Reductions on Critical Medications
High costs for commonly prescribed drugs like Farxiga and Eliquis were financially draining one patient until they found PharmacyChecker-accredited pharmacies.
“My doctor put me on Farxiga and Eliquis, both very high-cost drugs. Farxiga was over $400 for a 90-day supply, and Eliquis was over $130 for 30 days. Through PharmacyChecker, I now pay only $94.95, including shipping, for an 84-day supply of Farxiga, and $82.95 for a 90-day supply of Eliquis. The best part is that these costs don’t go toward my insurance's ‘doughnut hole’ limit.”
– Richard F.
Avoiding Medicare’s Doughnut Hole and Saving Thousands
Many Medicare enrollees use PharmacyChecker to sidestep the “doughnut hole”— the coverage gap that has historically significantly increased out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs.
“Even with an expensive no-deductible Part D plan, I was reaching the doughnut hole by the end of the year. Now, I use a much less expensive Part D plan for other drugs and purchase the generic Apixaban through PharmacyChecker. It’s a huge savings. Thank you, PharmacyChecker!”
– Beverly G.
“Jardiance 25 mg was costing me $135, then jumped to over $500 in the coverage gap. I now get a 90-day supply from an accredited Canadian pharmacy for about $64. I don’t even bother with Part D any longer for this med.”
– N. Stew
With the Medicare reforms rolling out thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, we hope these patients no longer have to resort to importation.
Related: Negotiated Medicare drug prices go into effect in 2026. What do patients do in the meantime?
No Generics? No Problem
High brand-name drug prices – coupled with a lack of generic availability due to complicated patent thickets – have long been a source of frustration for patients. For one person, Eliquis’s price and unavailability in generic form here led them to seek international options.
“I use Eliquis, an expensive overvalued drug that U.S. Congress prevents from being generically produced. Through PharmacyChecker, I filled my Eliquis prescription at an Istanbul pharmacy at an extremely reasonable cost, mailed directly to me. Outside the U.S., governments often favor the consumer over big business.”
– Richard A.
From thousands of dollars in annual savings to improved access to life-saving medications, these stories illustrate the tremendous impact that affordable online pharmacies can have on patients’ lives. PharmacyChecker’s mission is to ensure that patients can make safe, informed choices without breaking the bank—and as these testimonials show, every story is a powerful reminder of why affordable access to medication matters.
If you or someone you know is struggling to afford medications, consider exploring PharmacyChecker’s resources. Together, we can make affordable healthcare a reality for everyone. Share your story and inspire others to take charge of their health, affordably and safely.
