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PharmacyChecker experts answer consumer questions related to obtaining lower-cost, prescription medications.

We help people afford the medication they need by verifying online pharmacies and comparing their prices. Drug prices are out of control. Americans face the highest medication prices in the world. That's why millions of Americans choose to buy medication from other countries.

Popular Questions

Can U.S. doctors and pharmacies send or transfer prescriptions to Canadian pharmacies?

How to Afford Zepbound (Tirzepatide) Safely

Where Is Synthroid Made? Understanding Levothyroxine’s Manufacturing Origin and How to Save

Our Panel of Experts

Tod Cooperman
Tod Cooperman, MD
Chief Executive Officer and Founder

Dr. Tod Cooperman is a noted researcher, writer, and speaker on consumer healthcare issues.

Lucia Mueller
Lucia Mueller
President

Ms. Mueller, President, oversees all business operations, development and research. She works to promote global online access to safe and affordable prescription medications.

Ross Phan
Ross Phan, PharmD, BCACP, BCGP, BCPS
Director of Pharmacy Verification and Information

Dr. Ross Phan is an expert regarding safe pharmacy practice, quality assurance, and prescription drug safety.

Read More About Our Team

Disclaimer

The information provided on Ask PharmacyChecker is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, nor is it an endorsement of any product or service.

Laws affecting the importation of medication for personal use are different from country to country. For instance, personal drug importation is expressly legal in Australia. In the United States, technically, it is illegal to import unapproved medication under most circumstances, whether through purchase over the Internet or while on a trip to a foreign country. U.S. government officials have stated that individuals who order non-controlled prescription drugs from foreign sources (up to a three-month supply) for their own use are not being pursued or prosecuted. The U.S FDA regulates the safety and efficacy of medications sold in U.S. pharmacies. Medications dispensed from outside the U.S. are regulated for safety and efficacy by pharmaceutical/pharmacy regulatory authorities in their respective countries. Read about Advanced Pharmaceutical Regulatory Systems.

Health & Medicine Ask PharmacyChecker

Can a pharmacy fill a prescription early?

April 30, 2025

If you’re wondering whether you can refill a prescription early, the short answer is yes, under the right circumstances. Read More

Where Is Synthroid Made? Understanding Levothyroxine’s Manufacturing Origin and How to Save

April 24, 2025

Transparency should be a given when it comes to the products we put into our bodies. Yet, something as seemingly straightforward as where a medication is made or why its price can swing so dramatically from one pharmacy to the next often turns into a confusing maze of incomplete information. Read More

Affordable Estradiol: Improving women’s quality of life

April 17, 2024

Most women have heard, or experienced firsthand, the terrors of living through a menopausal life. They can tell you all about the hot flashes, the sleepless nights lying awake sweating, and the brain fog. Estrogen can be boosted to help reduce the side effects of menopause. Read More

The Difference Between Lipitor and Livalo

June 16, 2021

High cholesterol affects about 38% of all adult Americans. Too much cholesterol in your body can increase the risk of stroke and heart disease, two of the top causes of death in the United States. Read More

Hormone Replacement Therapy: Side Effects, Alternatives, Cost

May 11, 2021

Before and during menopause, estrogen and progesterone hormones fluctuate quite a bit resulting in unpleasant symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal discomfort. Hormone replacement therapy replenishes these hormones providing relief. Read More

Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Johnson & Johnson Vaccine You Took

April 21, 2021

FDA-Approved and Working Johnson & Johnson Covid Vaccines Are Foreign Made. Read More

When You Can Head to the Pharmacy Instead of the Doctor

April 05, 2021

Retail pharmacists are the most accessible drug gurus in every community. You are able to ask your local pharmacist questions about your medications and general health concerns any day of the week. We’re here to listen and help. Read More

Compare Viagra vs. Cialis: Treatment, Side Effects, Cost

March 24, 2021

I have dispensed thousands of Viagra and Cialis prescriptions to patients throughout my career. In all my consultations, some men have success with Viagra, while others swear by Cialis. Some just go with whichever is cheapest. Read More

Compare Adderall vs. Adderall XR: Uses, Side Effects, Cost

March 08, 2021

Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts combo) has been around long enough to have a few duplicates on the market, Adderall XR included. Read More

Prescription Medications for Eating Disorders: Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating

March 04, 2021

Eating disorders have many etiological parents, from anxiety disorders to environmental stimuli. Thus, treating them is not always direct. Read More

10 Medications That Can Cause a False Positive on a Drug Test

February 25, 2021

Medical tests are notoriously wonky — the recent rapid COVID tests are known to show both false positives and false negatives — but drug tests are especially out-of-touch, particularly if you are currently taking medication. Read More

Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen: Can you take Advil/Motrin and Tylenol at the same time?

February 23, 2021

Can you take Advil/Motrin and Tylenol at the same time? What is the difference between acetaminophen and ibuprofen? How much ibuprofen and Tylenol can I take together? How do you alternate Tylenol (acetaminophen) and ibuprofen for pain? Read More

Pregnancy & Prescription Medication

February 09, 2021

About Pregnancy & Prescription Medication: Teratogenic Medications. What medications are safe during pregnancy? What is the safest way to take medication during pregnancy? Which painkiller is best? Read More

What is the fastest way to get rid of a yeast infection?

February 03, 2021

Yeast infections, also called vulvovaginal candidiasis, occur when the yeast culture candida albicans gets a little too comfortable in the vagina, triggering your immune system. What is candida albicans? How does candidiasis occur? What did I do to get a yeast infection? Read More

Does it really matter what time of day you take medications?

January 27, 2021

When it comes to taking prescription medications, timing isn’t always everything. Many patients wonder if the directions to take their meds at the same time every day are critical for peak effectiveness. Yes, there are several drugs where timing can be important. Read More

How to Treat Varicose Veins

January 15, 2021

Varicose veins are visible and sometimes raised veins that tend to appear on the leg. They are generally not malignant unless they cause extreme discomfort. Read More

What is a pharmacist's role in providing the COVID-19 vaccine?

January 13, 2021

Pharmacists play an integral role within community healthcare: they are on the frontlines daily providing medical consultations and vaccinations and have proven especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read More

Compare Sleep Apnea Medications: Side Effects, Cost, OTC vs Prescription

December 03, 2020

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder that happens as a result of minor respiratory failure. Read More

Toradol (ketorolac): The Drug Football Players Take for Pain

November 24, 2020

Approved by the FDA in 1989, Toradol actually has top players waiting in line to get a shot before each game -- and even sometimes practice. Read More

7 Tips for Preventing the Flu (from a pharmacist)

November 23, 2020

Influenza, aka the flu, is an illness of the respiratory tract caused by two main types of influenza viruses. Type A and Type B influenza viruses are the main culprits of the dreadful seasonal flu epidemics we experience yearly. Read More

How are cancer patients managing fatigue?

October 19, 2020

A cancer diagnosis spells more than just hair loss, the lesser-discussed hardship being exhaustion. Fatigue is extreme exhaustion; those suffering from it find that even everyday tasks such as brushing your teeth can feel debilitating. Read More

Should you participate in that clinical trial?

October 19, 2020

Clinical trials are necessary parts of the drug development process. The FDA requires approved drugs to have not one, but two “well-designed” clinical trials. But should you, a consumer suffering from a chronic condition (or not), engage in one? Read More

How to Make Medication Taste Better

October 07, 2020

Let's face it. Most medications taste disgusting. A major barrier for medication adherence in children (and even adults) is the nasty taste and smell that flood your senses before you take it down the hatch. Read More

Navigating Coronavirus: How to Stay Safe this Holiday Season

October 02, 2020

How to travel during coronavirus: train, plane, automobile. Safety precautions you should adhere to during pandemic holiday travel. At this time, international travel is more restricted than domestic travel. Read More

What can caregivers do when siblings don't help with caring for your parents?

September 24, 2020

Building a support system for yourself as a caregiver should include a healthy dose of self-care in addition to financial and administrative support. Providing care for aging parents can be overwhelming, especially if other family members (such as siblings) do not have time to help out. Read More

U.S. insurers will pay 33% more for remdesivir than other countries

September 24, 2020

Everything comes at a price. But the experimental COVID-19 treatment remdesivir will come at a slightly higher price for U.S. commercial insurers than it will for other developed countries. Read More

About Marinol (dronabinol): Is it the same as CBD? What about medical marijuana?

September 10, 2020

Marinol (dronabinol) and CBD are quite different, and have divergent paths in terms of FDA approval and use. Dronabinol is pure THC, which is unique from cannabidiol (CBD). THC and CBD are two derivative chemical compounds of the cannabis plant. Read More

Do pharmaceutical companies spend more on marketing than research and development?

July 24, 2020

Pharmaceutical companies say that they charge high prices for medications because they need that revenue to invest in research and development (R&D). Read More

Can a pharmacist recommend medication?

July 14, 2020

Pharmacists are, indeed, your local drug experts. They are the most accessible health care providers for community questions about, not just about meds but your overall health. Read More

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Warnings on Potential Treatments

June 01, 2020

The Latest on Coronavirus: Remdesivir Emergency Use. Vaccine Efficacy. Chloroquine, Hydroxychloroquine, or Azithromycin Without a Prescription to Treat Coronavirus (COVID-19). Testing for COVID-19. Read More

Why is multiple sclerosis (MS) medication so expensive?

May 13, 2020

Generally, medical treatments for multiple sclerosis, a condition that requires lifelong care, are hellaciously expensive. This is true despite introductions of generic versions, and average U.S. retail prices are usually in the thousands of dollars. Read More

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates and Pharmacist Tips To Protect Yourself

May 12, 2020

Now that COVID-19 has appeared in the U.S., you are not alone in feeling fearful or anxious about what lies next. The best thing to do at this point is to learn about Coronavirus and what you can do to protect yourself and your families. Read More

How much does the coronavirus (COVID-19) test cost? Should I get tested?

April 23, 2020

The COVID-19 test is just as controversial as it is necessary as a means to control spread of the virus. The test did not arrive in the U.S. until March, and, when it did, access was limited. Read More

How do I childproof my medicine cabinet?

April 07, 2020

We take you step by step on how to childproof your medicine cabinet at home. Keep kids away from prescription medications. Step #1 - Check the The Cabinet Itself Step #2 - Child Resistant vs. Child Proof Step #3 - Proper Storage | Be careful how you store your medicine. Read More

What is the best medicine for quitting smoking?

March 19, 2020

Unfortunately, choosing the best way to kick a smoking habit is not easy. Every patient is unique, and figuring out how to quit an addiction, especially with the wealth of options, may take some calculating. Read More

Which antihistamines don't cause drowsiness? How do antihistamines work?

March 10, 2020

Springtime is almost upon us! For some, it's their favorite season; for others (myself included), the fear of miserable allergy symptoms starts to settle in. There is nothing pleasing about the annual drama of itching, sneezing, watery red eyes, runny noses and congestion. Read More

Does my medication cause constipation?

February 26, 2020

Constipation isn’t exactly dinner table conversation, yet it’s something almost everyone faces at some point or another. Read More

What are the best over the counter (OTC) pain medicines?

February 25, 2020

Commonly, it’s headaches. Sometimes it's that occasional elbow to the nose or banging your knee on the corner of the bed in the dark. Read More

Which treatment is best for rheumatoid arthritis? How can I cut arthritis medication costs?

January 23, 2020

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), arthritis affects 54.4 million American adults. That means about one in four adults in the U.S. have arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common type of autoimmune arthritis. Read More

What is the best medicine for seizures?

January 20, 2020

Treatments for seizures are based on the cause. Treating the cause of the seizures helps prevent future seizure episodes from occurring. Treatments can include the following: Medication therapy, Nerve stimulation, Surgery for brain abnormalities correction, Ketogenic diet. Read More

Can I test cholesterol levels at home?

January 08, 2020

Hearing the word cholesterol, many of us feel frightened as if it is something we should completely avoid. Well, that would be a mistake – if not impossible! Cholesterol is actually nothing to be afraid of and something we actually need. Read More

Why can't I eat grapefruit while taking certain drugs?

December 26, 2019

It’s early in the morning, your brain has just started to warm up and it’s time for breakfast. For some people, starting each day with a glass of grapefruit juice is preferred! But this also happens to be the time when most take prescribed medications. Read More

Should I get a flu shot this year?

December 23, 2019

This recommendation is still relatively new. In 2010, the CDC voted to expand recommendations to every person above six months of age. Previously, the mandate had been that every person between six months and eighteen years should get a vaccine. Read More

How would Medicare For All affect my health insurance?

December 19, 2019

The upcoming 2020 election has ushered in the greater possibility of “Medicare for All,” an all-encompassing government-run medical plan that all Americans would eventually join. Read More

How does Clomid (clomiphene citrate) compare to other fertility drugs? How much does Clomid cost?

December 13, 2019

Clomiphene citrate, sold as the brand Clomid, is a medication that is used to treat female infertility. Clomid works by signaling low estrogen levels in the body; as a result, the brain increases the release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Read More

What if Viagra doesn't work for me?

December 05, 2019

If you experience sexual dysfunction symptoms, there is nothing to be ashamed about. You are certainly not alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, 31% of men are affected by symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Read More

What should I know about Vosevi (sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir)?

December 02, 2019

The combination of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and voxilaprevir, otherwise known as Vosevi, is a medication that is used to treat hepatitis C (Hep C or HCV) in adults. Read More

How do I prevent prediabetes from developing into type 2 diabetes?

November 11, 2019

Over 100 million American adults have either prediabetes or diabetes, but according to a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine, a prediabetes diagnosis does not have to equal a future with type 2. Read More

What is prescription drug step therapy? How does it work?

November 11, 2019

One important cost-controlling policy of insurance plans is step therapy, a process that exists to prevent patients from taking high-cost medications unnecessarily. Read More

What's the difference between a brand name drug and a generic drug?

October 24, 2019

The word “generic” can have bad associations. Some people hear it and immediately think of a “grocery store brand” bag of chips that might be inferior to the brand name product. Read More

How do women treat low sexual desire? Do Vyleesi or Addyi work?

October 21, 2019

Yes, if you are a woman experiencing a decrease in sexual desire, you are certainly not alone. Popular culture leads us to believe that when women aren’t interested in engaging in sex, it’s simply a result of being vindictive or selfish or, yes, boring. Read More

Why won't the pharmacist fill my prescription?

September 30, 2019

Pharmacists have a great deal of responsibility in patient care when dispensing medications within their local community because they are often the most accessible health provider in the neighborhood. Read More

How can I travel with prescription drugs internationally?

August 22, 2019

People often pack their over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications while traveling. As they should! Read More

What are the best medications for Alzheimer’s dementia?

August 16, 2019

Receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease can be hard, but with the right information, you can learn what to expect. More importantly, you can learn what to do next. Patients who have just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s may feel isolated, disconnected, or abandoned from others. Read More

Benzodiazepines: How to quit your addiction and get help

August 06, 2019

Getting help for yourself, a friend, or a family member is imperative. You can easily reach out to your health care provider for medical recommendations. Another great resource is drug abuse helplines. Read More

What food and drinks should I avoid if I have hypertension?

July 25, 2019

Almost half of all adults in the United states (103 million) have hypertension according to the American Heart Association. There is no shortage of prescription drugs out there to treat hypertension. You need to abide by your providers advice and prescription on this matter. Read More

How does Zulresso (brexanolone) for postpartum depression work?

June 19, 2019

Brexanolone represents a novel approach to the treatment of depression. Traditional antidepressants, or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft (sertraline) and Lexapro (escitalopram), typically take 2 - 4 weeks to yield initial results. for people with depression. Read More

Is there a generic Tradjenta available? How can patients save money on Tradjenta?

March 19, 2019

Unfortunately, there is currently no generic version (i.e. therapeutic equivalent) of Tradjenta available in the United States. In the U.S., generic equivalents can only be approved and distributed once the patent granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for medication expires. Read More

How can I talk to my doctor about erectile dysfunction meds?

March 04, 2019

If you have been experiencing erectile dysfunction (ED), loss of interest in sex, and problems ejaculating, there is nothing to be ashamed about. You are certainly not alone. Read More

Is Prasugrel a safe, equal substitute for Effient?

March 04, 2019

Effient, the brand-name product of a prescription medicine containing generic active ingredient prasugrel, is a platelet inhibitor indicated for the reduction of thrombotic cardiovascular events. Effient (prasugrel) is distributed in the U.S. by Eli Lilly and Company. Read More

Which is the best medication for anxiety?

November 12, 2018

At some point in our lives, we may develop feelings of anxiety that usually subside without the need for medication. However, a diagnosed anxiety disorder may call for therapy with a licensed professional and/or medication (i.e. psychotherapy and/or pharmacotherapy). Read More

What are the different types of insulin? Which work best?

November 01, 2018

When it comes to insulin, and drug therapies in general, people have different needs. That's why there are so many types. For years, insulin has been trusted by physicians to help lower blood sugar in patients. Read More

I am traveling and forgot my medication at home. What can I do?

June 27, 2018

Forgetting medication while traveling abroad, or even within the U.S., is an inconvenience in the best of circumstances; scary in the worst. Read More

Can a doctor self-prescribe?

June 21, 2018

It's typically legal for doctors to self-prescribe, except in the case of controlled substances, which you cannot obtain internationally at PharmacyChecker-verified pharmacies. Read More

Compare Librax Alternatives

May 31, 2018

Librax is a medication that is safe and effective for the treatment of ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Librax is often used to treat gastritis, peptic ulcers, spastic colon, irritable bowel syndrome, stomach cramps, and spasms. Read More

Do I really need to adhere to medication expiration dates?

April 24, 2018

Drug Expiration Dates. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other drug regulatory authorities, such as Health Canada, require an expiration date on prescription and over-the counter medicines. The expiration date is located on the label or stamped directly onto the bottle or container. Read More

Are Revolade and Promacta the same drug? How much are they?

February 13, 2018

You can compare prices for Revolade 25 mg and Revolade 50 mg among verified online pharmacies on PharmacyChecker.com. You can also find international pharmacy price comparisons and U.S. pharmacy discount cards for Promacta 25 mg and Promacta 50 mg. Read More

Do Eliquis and Pradaxa work in the same way?

February 06, 2018

While both Pradaxa (dabigatran) and Eliquis (apixaban) are prescription medications used to lower the chance of stroke in people with a medical condition called atrial fibrillation, your healthcare providers, such as your doctor and pharmacist, are the best people to determine which medication is ri... Read More

Why isn't my medication listed on PharmacyChecker.com?

January 25, 2018

When using PharmacyChecker.com to find international online pharmacies and compare drug prices, it is important to make sure you enter the correct spelling of the medication name. Read More

Proctofoam HC vs. Proctofoam: Cost and Generic Alternatives

December 05, 2017

Both Proctofoam and Proctofoam HC are used to treat variations of swelling or irritation of the skin. Although both products contain the same active ingredient (pramoxine hydrochloride), Proctofoam HC is a combination product that contains pramoxine hydrochloride and hydrocortisone acetate. Read More

Is there any difference between Rasagiline and Rasagiline mesylate?

November 29, 2017

Rasagiline mesylate is the active ingredient in the brand-name product Azilect, a prescription medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Read More

Are Canadian pharmacies out of atenolol as the US pharmacies are?

November 12, 2017

Yes, the recent backorder of atenolol distributed by Teva Pharma has affected Canada in addition to the United States. Drug shortages and back orders by manufacturers can adversely affect drug therapy so it is no wonder consumers are concerned. Read More

How can I determine where a drug is manufactured?

October 15, 2017

Prescription drugs sold in the USA are manufactured in facilities located all over the world. Many medications you rely on are made in Australia, Canada, China, India, France, Germany, Japan, Malta, Singapore, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Read More

Is Cialis manufactured by Eli Lilly?

July 13, 2017

Cialis, a popular drug that treats erectile dysfunction, is distributed by Eli Lilly in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States — and other countries. Read More

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