FDA says Canadian drugs are illegal

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27 (UPI) -- The Food and Drug Administration is warning state and local governments buying prescription drugs from Canada is illegal.

It's still illegal for anyone but a drug's maker to re-import U.S.-made drugs from abroad, and no drugs are supposed to be used in the United States that aren't made in FDA-inspected facilities, the Wall Street Journal reported.

"We want to send a very strong message, which is that safety is absolutely crucial, and they need to be aware that these activities are inherently risky," said Peter J. Pitts, associate FDA commissioner for external relations.

In a separate move, the FDA plans to send CanaRx Services Inc. a warning letter saying sending unapproved drugs to U.S. patients is illegal.

CanaRx, a Canadian company, has been supplying pharmaceuticals to the 20,000 municipal employees, dependents and retirees of Springfield, Mass., since July 8. It's expected the cheaper drugs will save the city up to half of its $18 million annual pharmaceuticals bill.