Local residents can now purchase prescriptions at Canadian prices without having to leave the country - a business practice that government officials label illegal.
American Drug Club of Lansing, a Canadian prescription drug service center, opened Monday, giving consumers the opportunity to save money on high-priced prescriptions.
The center, 1456 E. Michigan Ave. in Lansing, does not stock medications. Instead, staff members provide price information and assist customers in ordering drugs from Canadian pharmacies.
The Lansing center's store manager Edwar Zeineh said they want to help the uninsured and underinsured save money on prescription drugs that can run at least 40-50 percent cheaper than those sold in United States.
"You see how much this service is needed and the effects it has on people," Zeineh said. "It creates a sense of satisfaction to see people walk out with a smile on their face because of the money they've saved."
The Winnipeg-based American Drug Club is a network of stores nationwide and the first prescription service center in Lansing. Comparable companies are developing nationwide.
But some U.S. drug officials have said the importation of drugs to individuals is illegal.
Most recently, the FDA has targeted Ontario-based CanaRX Services Inc., claiming the company may be endangering the health of some customers and gave the company 15 days to respond before subjecting it to prosecution.
The FDA pointed to a sting operation that found that CanaRX shipped insulin, "in a manner that did not ensure adherence with the storage conditions specified in FDA-approved labeling."
But Zeineh said the drugs they supply are safe and convenient for customers.
"We're here to assist people who do not receive it anywhere else," Edwar Zeineh said. "We had a client that literally broke into tears, just because she saved so much money."
Customers within a 30-mile radius can request a house call from a pharmacy specialist to order prescriptions.
Webberville resident G.T. Carr canceled a trip to Canada after he heard of the store's opening.
"Now I can come here," he said. "It will help those of us without prescription coverage."
Other American Drug Club stores are in Livonia, Pontiac and Dearborn. Stores will open in Jackson and Grand Rapids next month.
For more information visit americandrugclub.com
The Associated Report contributed to this report.
