The I-SaveRx multi-state program, which facilitates the purchase of lower-cost pharmaceuticals from other countries, is expanding its network to include Australia and New Zealand. Previously, the program's network included more than 60 approved pharmacies and prescription drug wholesalers in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland. The announcement of the expansion was made on July 18, and the new countries should be integrated into the program within six to eight weeks. The expansion came after a study by the Illinois Prescription Drug Advocates highlighting the safety and cost savings of prescription drugs in the two countries. These savings could be substantial; the study noted that prices for the 78 most-used drugs in I-SaveRx cost 51% less in Australia than in the U.S.— making them even cheaper than in Canada, where they cost 31% less.
I-SaveRx was launched in October 2004, with Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Vermont, and Wisconsin participating. The program has various quality and safety protections and includes oversight of network pharmacies. It is available to all state residents, irrespective of income or age. Thus far, more than 10,000 orders have been filled and average savings have ranged between 25% and 50%.
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