Newly Approved Generics: Cost and Lack of Availability in the United States

Generic medications that have been approved by the FDA are still not available in the U.S. These same medications are available and affordable to order from abroad.

Faster generic drug approvals are often looked to as a key part of the solution to high drug prices. Clearly, the faster a patented drug product faces competition, access to lower cost versions should follow. Yet FDA approval of a generic neither ensures its availability nor affordability. In fact, newly approved generic drugs in the U.S. are sometimes not available on the market for years after their approval; and those that are available can cost over eight times more than the lawfully-manufactured brand versions sold in Canada, and ten times more than those offered in other countries.

Expanding on research conducted by Kaiser Health News, PharmacyChecker conducted price research on 40 generic medications that were approved from 2017-2018 to illustrate cost options American consumers have at the pharmacy counter. The research focuses on price comparisons between U.S. pharmacies and those available to Americans who order medication from accredited pharmacies located in Canada and other countries.  

While it is best that patients and caregivers obtain medicines domestically, international pharmacy options should be considered if the medication is not affordable within the United States.

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The FDA should be applauded for faster generic drug approvals, but, for potentially millions of Americans, our report shows major cost and availability barriers to those generic drugs.

- Gabriel Levitt

PharmacyChecker is the only independent company that monitors and verifies the credentials of international online pharmacies and publishes price comparisons between those pharmacies and local U.S. pharmacies. The service also offers a free discount card for use at local pharmacies in the U.S. PharmacyChecker accreditation and price comparisons have been recommended and referenced by AARP Magazine, the New York Times, the People’s Pharmacy, Yahoo Finance, and others.

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Sylvia S.on Nov 6, 2022

I apologize to be writing on the review page
I am a pensioner, from South Africa. I'm looking for the best price for Xarelto. The state hospital prescribed Warfarin. I am totally allergic to warfarin

Please can you advise which is affordable to a pensioner.

Regards

Date of experience: November 6, 2022

Gretchen J.on Oct 17, 2021

Simplest and easiest site ever I had so much anxiety first being diagnosed with cancer and then getting on this medication I was not able to afford the real medication I could only get the generic so I came online and I found Canadian pharmacy store. Com, which made that medicine very affordable for me to purchase in a couple of easy steps also The chat with Marilyn S. Answered all my questions from who is the manufacture of my medication's to my prescription size and shipping time just everything thank you so much

Date of experience: October 15, 2021

James H.on Mar 11, 2021

We just ordered for my 90 year-old Mom. In the U.S. generics are not always available. So using PharmacyChecker we felt that its member pharmacy vendors were vetted. This reassurance of reliability took much of the guess work out of our shopping task.

Date of experience: March 10, 2021

Sandra S.on Dec 10, 2020

Always nice every time I have called or placed an order that I needed to check on. Thank you for all you do. Rick you made it so easy In the beginning of the relationship between us for me to stay with you.

Date of experience: December 9, 2020

George C.on Dec 9, 2020

This website provides very helpful information on ordering medications from non-U.S. Sources. We save 50% to 60% on name brand meds that are not available in generic forms in the U.S. We have saved thousands over the years.

Date of experience: December 8, 2020

Rod L.on Dec 8, 2020

I feel safe ordering from a pharmaceutical company outside of the U S because the prescription I am using is exactly the same as those sold in the U S, however, the price is totally different. What I had paid in the U S for 90 pills listed at almost $500. For which I have been paying $72. From a Canadian company for 5 or 6 years now, the price includes shipping and is sometimes negotiable.

Date of experience: December 7, 2020

J M.on Sep 29, 2020

This happens to be a very good pharmacy that delivers name brand meds at a reasonable price. All of the meds that I have purchased through this pharmacy have been the exact product my doctor listed. All of the products were labeled with original manufacturer's identity and location with date of manufacture and expiration. I am certainly glad that I found this pharmacy. Great job.

Date of experience: September 29, 2020

Jerry M.on Sep 29, 2020

I recommend it to many people. It sure saved us a lot and we learned a lot. The discount card saved us, too at Kroger.

Date of experience: September 29, 2020

Michael B.on Sep 2, 2020

I have been able to source several meds, at 10% of the american pharma cost. I have no doubt that I bought them where american pharma buys them, and then rapes the public. Thank you p checker

Date of experience: September 2, 2020

IWANT N.on Aug 20, 2020

I am happy to see the entities that are endorsed by you. But I did have a horrendous experience with Canadian Pharmacy with my latest order. After switching the location from which my order was to be chipped, the order was and still is being held by US Customs. They did give me a replacement order which I finally did receive but that order was submitted MUCH later than it should have been. Bottom line, I waited OVER THREE MONTHS for my med to finally be delivered and that cost me more money to piece meal samples from my doc and out of pocket for short term needs. And, the order I did receive cost me MORE for FEWER tablets. I know Covid-19 played a part in this fiasco but the supplier simply DID NOT PREFORM!

Date of experience: August 19, 2020

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