ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Association of Chain Drug Stores here sent a letter this week to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., expressing opposition to an amendment to the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010, that would allow the personal importation of prescription drugs. The letter was also sent to each member of the Senate.
NACDS stated that it did not believe consumer safety could be maintained by allowing personal importation of prescription medications. In addition to questions concerning the safety and effectiveness of the drugs, individuals who obtain prescription medications through a personal importation scheme do not have a licensed pharmacist available to consult with them about using the medications safely and effectively, the letter stated.
NACDS maintains the most effective ways to reduce the cost of prescription drugs is through generic utilization. The generic dispensing rate at retail pharmacies 64.5%, NACDS said.
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