AARP's Position on Canadian Pharmacies

AARP does not maintain an official list of recommended Canadian pharmacies. However, AARP has published information about how some older adults use Canadian pharmacies to reduce prescription drug costs, and the organization acknowledges that many people do cross the border or order by mail to pay less for medications they take regularly.

AARP's stance is cautious but not prohibitive. The organization recognizes the cost pressure many members face — particularly those without prescription coverage or with high deductibles — while also warning about the risks of buying medications outside the U.S. regulatory system. AARP's guidance focuses on what to watch for if you choose to go this route, rather than steering you toward or away from it entirely.

If you are considering a Canadian pharmacy, AARP recommends checking whether the pharmacy is licensed in Canada, whether it requires a valid U.S. prescription, and whether the medication you need is the same formulation sold in the United States. These details matter because Canadian regulations differ from FDA rules, and not all drugs sold in Canada are identical to their U.S. counterparts.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP does not publish a recommended list of Canadian pharmacies, but the organization provides information to help you evaluate any pharmacy you are considering.
  • Canadian pharmacies must be licensed by their provincial regulatory body, and you can verify this before placing an order.
  • U.S. Customs allows individuals to bring back a 90-day supply of medication for personal use if you have a valid prescription.
  • AARP recommends comparing the total cost — including shipping and currency conversion — against U.S. prices before assuming you will save money.
  • Some medications are not available in Canada or are sold under different names, so confirm your specific drug is in stock before ordering.

How to Verify a Canadian Pharmacy's License

Before you order from any Canadian pharmacy, confirm it is licensed to operate in Canada. Each province has its own regulatory body. The most common is the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA), which maintains a directory of licensed pharmacies across Canada.

Visit the regulatory authority website for the province where the pharmacy is located. You will need the pharmacy's name and location. Licensed pharmacies display their license number on their website. If a pharmacy cannot provide this number or if the number does not appear in the provincial registry, do not order from it.

AARP also recommends checking whether the pharmacy requires a valid U.S. prescription before filling your order. Legitimate Canadian pharmacies will ask for your prescription and may contact your U.S. doctor to verify it. If a pharmacy offers to fill prescriptions without this step, it is operating illegally and poses a safety risk.

What Medications You Can Legally Bring Into the United States

U.S. Customs and Border Protection allows you to bring back medications for personal use if you have a valid prescription. The limit is a 90-day supply. This applies whether you cross the border in person or receive a shipment by mail.

The medication must be in its original container with the pharmacy label intact. The label should show your name, the medication name, the dose, the pharmacy name, and the date filled. If you are bringing back multiple medications, each must be in its original labeled container.

Controlled substances — including opioids, benzodiazepines, and stimulants — have stricter rules. You may bring back only a 30-day supply of a controlled substance, and you must declare it to Customs. Some controlled substances cannot be brought across the border at all. Check the DEA website or call the U.S. Embassy in Canada before ordering a controlled medication from a Canadian pharmacy.

Comparing Canadian and U.S. Prices

The price difference between Canadian and U.S. pharmacies varies widely by medication. Some drugs cost 30 to 50 percent less in Canada; others cost only slightly less or even more when you factor in shipping and currency conversion.

To compare accurately, you need the exact medication name, dose, and quantity you take. Search for the price at a major Canadian pharmacy website — Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, and Costco Canada are among the largest — and add the shipping cost. Then check the price at a U.S. pharmacy using GoodRx, SingleCare, or your insurance formulary. Convert the Canadian price to U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate.

AARP recommends doing this comparison for each medication you take, because the savings are not uniform. You may find that one drug is worth ordering from Canada while another is cheaper in the United States. Also check whether your U.S. insurance covers the medication at a lower cost than the Canadian out-of-pocket price.

Risks and Limitations of Ordering From Canada

Ordering medications across an international border carries real risks. Packages can be delayed or lost in transit, leaving you without medication for weeks. If a package is seized by Customs, you may not receive a refund. Some Canadian pharmacies do not accept returns or offer refunds for lost shipments.

Medication names, doses, and formulations sometimes differ between Canada and the United States even when the active ingredient is the same. For example, a tablet strength available in Canada may not exist in the U.S., or a medication may be sold under a different brand name. Before ordering, confirm that the exact product the Canadian pharmacy is sending matches what your doctor prescribed.

If you experience a side effect or have a question about the medication, your U.S. doctor may be unfamiliar with the Canadian formulation or brand name. This can complicate your care. AARP recommends telling your doctor that you are considering ordering from Canada and asking whether they have concerns about the specific medication or formulation you plan to order.

Other Ways to Reduce Prescription Costs

Before ordering from Canada, explore programs that may lower your costs within the U.S. system. Medicare Part D covers most prescription drugs, and if you are not enrolled, you may face a penalty. If you are enrolled but your costs are high, you may be able to switch to a different plan during the annual enrollment period.

Manufacturer discount programs and patient information programs offer free or reduced-cost medications directly from drug makers. GoodRx and similar discount programs negotiate prices at U.S. pharmacies and often beat Canadian prices for common medications. Some states run pharmaceutical information programs for older adults with limited income.

Talking to your doctor about generic alternatives or different medications in the same class can also reduce costs. A less expensive medication may work just as well for your condition. Your pharmacist can also suggest ways to lower costs, such as ordering a 90-day supply instead of 30 days, which often costs less per dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP recommend any specific Canadian pharmacies?

No. AARP does not publish a list of recommended Canadian pharmacies. The organization provides information to help you evaluate any pharmacy you are considering, but the decision to order from Canada is yours to make based on your situation and comfort level.

Can I order controlled medications like pain pills from a Canadian pharmacy?

Controlled substances have stricter rules. You can bring back a 30-day supply of most controlled medications if you have a valid prescription, but some cannot be imported at all. Check the DEA website or contact the U.S. Embassy in Canada before ordering a controlled substance.

What happens if Customs seizes my medication shipment?

Customs may seize packages that violate import rules or contain prohibited substances. Most Canadian pharmacies do not refund money for seized packages. You will lose both the medication and the cost. This is one reason AARP recommends confirming the rules before ordering.

Is it cheaper to drive to Canada and fill a prescription in person?

It depends on where you live and the medication. If you live near the Canadian border, a trip may be worth it for a large order. However, gas, time, and the 90-day import limit mean that mail order is often more practical for people who live far from the border.

What if my U.S. doctor will not give me a prescription to send to Canada?

Your doctor may decline for safety or liability reasons. Respect that decision. Ordering without a valid prescription from a licensed pharmacy is illegal and dangerous. If cost is the barrier, ask your doctor about generic alternatives, patient information programs, or other ways to reduce your out-of-pocket expense.