A Doctor's Experience Buying dapagliflozin (Farxiga) From An International Mail Order Pharmacy

Dr. Berge Markarian, a retired Floridian OBGYN, is sick of high drug prices in the United States. His solution? PharmacyChecker-accredited international online pharmacies and GoodRx coupons. 

One of his prescribed medications, called dapagliflozin, is used globally for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. In the United States, dapagliflozin is marketed under the brand name Farxiga and does not appear to have generic availability until October 2025. It's been known as an expensive maintenance drug for years. In fact, Farxiga's cost is so out of hand that it has made the short list of drugs on which Medicare will be negotiating prices this coming year, with relief set for 2026. 

Things look a bit different abroad: First of all, dapagliflozin is marketed in other countries, including Japan and the UK, under the name Forxiga. A slight spelling difference, but one that could cause concern should an American choose to order from a UK pharmacy without appreciating the international branding choices. Additionally, unlike in the U.S., the generic is approved and available elsewhere: the European Medicines Agency granted marketing authorization for the generic Dapagliflozin Viatris (dapagliflozin) as therapeutically equivalent to Forxiga (dapagliflozin) in March 2023, and Health Canada approved generic alternatives in May 2023. Finally, we have perhaps the most glaring contrast: price. 

PharmacyChecker recently asked Dr. Markarian a few questions about his prescription drug savings choices, particularly his experience ordering prescription drugs internationally. 

PharmacyChecker: Where do you live and what do you do for work?

Markarian: I am a 96-year-old retired MD, living in Florida.

When did you realize your medication costs were so high?

I’ve never had to decide between bills or medication,  but I realized about 4 years ago that my medication costs were very high. 

Which medication do you order from abroad?

I’ve been buying my dapagliflozin 10mg (90 tablets) for $35.00 online from a PharmacyChecker-accredited international online pharmacy for a year now. I am very satisfied with the prompt delivery – and the drug has improved my symptoms. 

How much did you ultimately save?

I paid $35.00 as opposed to $1,600.00.

PharmacyChecker compared costs for Farxiga in the U.S. and its marketed brand counterpart, Forxiga, and the generic dapagliflozin across online pharmacies located in other countries that ship internationally.

Farxiga (dapagliflozin) International Cost Comparison

10mg, 90 tablets

Prices collected Oct 2023

What other methods have you used to save on your prescription bill? 

GoodRx. I also buy my dofetilide (180 capsules) for $30 from an online pharmacy located in Kentucky.

How did you feel about ordering medication internationally?

I read online about PharmacyChecker’s verification program. I felt good about ordering internationally. 

How long did it take to receive your medication(s)?

My medication arrived within two weeks. The accredited pharmacy I use is very responsive and customer-oriented. 

From which country was your medication dispensed?

They came from India.

How was the medication(s) packaged?

They were packaged well.

Do you recommend ordering internationally?

I recommend ordering internationally. I’m very grateful to find out about PharmacyChecker and I recommend it to friends frequently. 

Berge Markarian, MD, graduated from the University of Istanbul, Faculty of Medicine in 1952. He served in the Turkish Allied Army during the Korean War. He had his own private practice as a doctor of obstetrics and gynecology in Hialeah, Florida from 1960 to 1990 and served on the Board of Directors of Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida from 1977 to 2004. He is an advocate for lower drug prices in the United States.