Senate votes to ease restrictions on Canadian drug imports

By: Kathryn Bursch

Venice, Florida – With his arms full of prescription bottles, it’s clear Alexander Kostbar needs a lot of medication to stay healthy. And while he gets many of his prescriptions through the Veterans Administration, for years Kostbar purchased some of his pills through a Canadian pharmacy.

Alexander Kostbar, Bought Canadian drugs:

“It saved me quite a bit of money and they did the same job.”

But last February, when Kostbar went to his mailbox to pick up his expected and much needed shipment of prostate medication, the only thing he received was a whole lot of worry. Turns out U.S. Customs agents had seized the package of pills.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would ban federal agents from seizing personal prescriptions. Florida Senator Bill Nelson was among those pushing the amendment through.

Senator Bill Nelson, D-Florida:

“Those with debilitating conditions are going to be able to have a chance of affording the medications that they need.”

Because they were so nervous about other drug shipments being held up, Alexander and Margaret Kostbar eventually signed up for Medicare’s new drug plan; still they hope President Bush will approve the measure easing restrictions on Canadian drug imports.

Alexander Kostbar, Bought Canadian drugs:

“Oh definitely, definitely like him to sign it. It would help millions and millions of people.”

The amendment passed by the Senate is part of the homeland security spending bill. The House passed a similar measure in May. The Bush administration has opposed Canadian drug imports, because of safety and quality concerns.