Missouri Joins I-SaveRx Prescription Drug Importation Program

Gov. Bob Holden authorized Missouri's participation in the new I-SaveRx prescription drug importation program - the first program in the nation to allow citizens to purchase lower cost, safe prescription drugs from Europe and Canada.
Participation in the program provides Missouri residents with the opportunity to access lower-priced prescription drugs through a network of 45 inspected and approved pharmacies and wholesalers in Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland. Consumers in Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois can now lookup I-SaveRx prices and start the enrollment process by calling toll-free 1-866-ISAVE33, or visiting www.I-SaveRx.net.
Under the I-SaveRx plan participants can save an average of 25 to 50 percent on the cost of the most common medications used to treat chronic conditions. For instance, a three-month supply of the drug Lipitor in 20 mg doses, which is used to treat high cholestoerol, costs an average of $282 in the United States; but is available through I-SaveRx for $180 from Ireland, $194 from the United Kingdom, and $203 from Canada, plus the $15 per order shipping charge.
Before ordering, new enrollees must mail or have their doctor fax a completed health profile form and a signed prescription to the clearinghouse. The prescription passes will be turned over to a network physicians in the country from which the medication will be dispensed, who will review and re-write the prescription for a local network pharmacy. The pharmacy will perform a final safety check to comply with local laws and regulations before dispensing the medication.
The I-SaveRx import program builds in numerous safety measures to ensure the quality and safety of drugs dispensed. The list of available drugs is limited to those that are used for long periods of time, and that cannot spoil during the shipping process. Consumers can order eligible drugs for re-fill only, so patients and their doctors have had time to review for unanticipated side effects or interactions. All network pharmacies agree to comply with pharmaceutical standards, and to only dispense drugs that are intended as domestic product in Canada, Ireland or the United Kingdom- meaning the phamacies cannot dispense prescription drugs from other countries that are not part of the program to I-SaveRx consumers.
For more information, contact the health department at 683-2191 or the I-SaveRx program at 1-866-ISAVE33 or visit www.I-SaveRx.net.