Over the past few years, finding an affordable source for prescription drugs has become a mission of paramount importance to many Americans. As the rising cost of prescription medication in the US threatens to develop into a major health care crisis, one solution is gaining popularity and respectability: shopping at international mail order pharmacies.

Several safe international pharmacies now offer an affordable alternative drug source for Americans who can't afford the prices charged in their local drugstores. However, these new 'global pharmacies' have met with controversy for a few reasons: some overseas pharmacies have proven unreliable and in rare cases, unsafe; also, American pharmaceutical firms, suspecting their profits will be undermined if they allow customers to shop elsewhere for pharmaceutical products, have lobbied heavily for the restriction or prohibition of Americans buying prescription drugs from other countries.

Despite controversy, this industry continues to grow and is now a vital source of affordable medication for Americans. The opportunity to shop globally for the best retail prices on prescription drugs has allowed many people to save substantially - particularly seniors and people treating chronic conditions. The inspection of international pharmacies has improved, and buying prescription drugs from other countries is an increasingly reliable option. Initial safety concerns have proven unfounded, and consumer education has made it easy for Americans to avoid disreputable Internet pharmacies. Major overseas pharmacies such as EarthMeds have emerged as responsible, safe organizations, and are poised to change the future of American pharmacy.

This is an exciting time for pharmacists and their patients. At EarthMeds, we encourage you to keep abreast of new developments in international pharmacy.

Current news articles:

• Pfizer Withdraws Bextra.
• Responding to the VIOXX Withdrawal.
• Merck Announces Voluntary Worldwide Withdrawal of VIOXX.
• Medicare card debuts. Seniors report little relief.
• Prescription Drug Prices Outpaced Inflation.

Let us know what you think of these news stories. Please send comments to info@earthmeds.com.

"I cannot explain to my mother any longer," he said, "Why she should pay twice or two-thirds more than what is paid in Canada or Mexico."

"We seek the world for good deals in the marketplace," he said. "Why should we not seek the world for prescription medications?"