A common question posed by customers of online pharmacies is: What constitutes a 90-day supply of medication? Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer. This ambiguity causes confusion and frustration, especially when orders are held by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Many customers wish to order large quantities to save on shipping, only to face seizures and accusations of fraud against online pharmacies. To help clarify, this article explores the intricacies of the 90-day rule and provides practical guidelines.
What is a 90-Day Supply?
The straightforward answer is that a 90-day supply is what your doctor prescribes. However, this isn’t simple for those ordering online due to a lack of insurance or the high cost of doctor visits. There is no set rule for what constitutes a 90-day supply, but a general guideline is to consider 600 pills or less as potentially acceptable, depending on the variety and necessity of the medications.
The CBP’s Role
CBP generally prohibits importing more than a 90-day supply of medication to prevent illegal distribution. While technically illegal to import prescription drugs without FDA approval, CBP tends to focus on significant threats rather than small personal-use shipments (Patients For Affordable Drugs Now) (Harvard Public Health).
Risks of Package Seizure
According to Kaiser Health News and other sources, the FDA and CBP inspect less than 1% of packages presumed to contain drugs due to the high volume of mail entering the country. This reduces the likelihood of small personal-use shipments being intercepted. However, when packages are identified, CBP typically seizes and destroys the drugs, focusing their efforts on preventing large-scale trafficking rather than penalizing individuals (Center for American Progress) (American Immigration Council).
Understanding Doctor Prescriptions
Doctors typically prescribe a 90-day supply of medication, after which a follow-up is required. This practice aligns with online pharmacies’ advice to order a 90-day supply or less, ensuring that customers do not face unnecessary seizures or delays. CBP has more pressing issues, such as intercepting bulk shipments and illegal operations that pose greater risks to public health.
Practical Tips for Ordering
- Small Orders: Keep orders small and reasonable to avoid attracting attention.
- Advance Planning: Order in advance to ensure a continuous supply of necessary medications.
- Variety of Medications: Ordering a variety of medications rather than large quantities of a single product can help justify a 90-day supply.
The Real Targets
CBP focuses on bulk shipments and illegal distribution networks rather than individuals ordering for personal use. Large-scale operations, such as college students selling medications on campuses or petrol stations selling ED drugs under the counter, are the primary targets of CBP’s enforcement efforts. This allows them to allocate resources more effectively to combat significant threats like fentanyl trafficking .
Conclusion
For many Americans, importing a personal supply of medication is essential for accessing necessary treatments. Understanding CBP regulations and adhering to practical guidelines can help individuals navigate the complexities of medication importation. By keeping orders reasonable and planned, most customers can avoid significant issues with CBP.
Citations
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). “Information on Importation of Drugs.” Retrieved from FDA.
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “Importing Prescription Drugs.” Retrieved from CBP.
- Kaiser Health News. “How Safe Are Your Imported Drugs?” Retrieved from Kaiser Health News.
- National Public Radio (NPR). “The Risks and Realities of Importing Prescription Drugs.” Retrieved from NPR.
- American Journal of Public Health. “The Legal and Health Implications of Drug Importation.” Retrieved from AJPH.
- The Commonwealth Fund. “Prescription Drug Importation and Public Health.” Retrieved from Commonwealth Fund.
- The New York Times. “The Complexities of Importing Medications.” Retrieved from NYT.
- Harvard Business Review. “Navigating FDA and CBP Regulations for Personal Medications.” Retrieved from HBR.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Guidelines on Importing Prescription Drugs.” Retrieved from CDC.
- Brookings Institution. “Policy Analysis on Drug Importation.” Retrieved from Brookings.