Seniors and Drug Prices in Canada and the United States, 2008 Edition

Seniors and Drug Prices in Canada and the United States, 2008 Edition
Source: Fraser Institute

This is the Fraser Institute’s third report comparing Canada-US price differences for the prescription drugs that are most important to Canadian seniors (aged 60 and older). This year’s report analyzes prices for the drugs most commonly prescribed to Canadian seniors in 2007, and compares Canadian and American prices for brand name and generic prescription drugs separately.

Main Conclusions

• On average, Canadian seniors pay 101 percent more than American seniors for identical generic drugs.
• On average, Canadian seniors pay 57 percent less than American seniors for identical brand name drugs.
• Higher Canadian generic prices are caused by government policies that shield retail pharmacies and generic manufacturers from competitive market forces that would put downward pressure on generic prices.

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