Injectable Treatments: Botox & Filler Injections > Purchasing Botox & Restylane from Canada: legal or not?
Restylane is made in Sweeden and sold all over the world. I purchase mine from Columbia. It's the same Restylane sold here in the US for triple the cost. Never had any problems with it. I was leary at first and even called the manufacturer to verify the batch #'s etc. All is legit.
Hope this helps..
aestheticRN
mspaOwner
Poster aestheticRN has discussed buy her Restylane from Columbia. Please give specifics, so that I may contact those suppliers.
Thanks.
dermal filler
CZM, RN
CZM, RN
to patient. I have not purchased products from canada but if they are the same why not? why not make more money or pass the savings on.If we dont make a profit then we wont stay in business. this is the reason we need to have medical providers only on this site. Are you truly a patient or a medicis employee. What we need is a way to verify credentials on the site and remove everyone else. all the non medical personal on this site make it difficult to get good information.
slats
I agree that this site should be about exchange of information among professionals in the industry and any patents should stick to forums that help them understand what the product means to them not the aquisition or marketing of said products.
clearskindoc
is it legal to sell botox injections from say south america to the us without a doctor's prescription for personal use?
thanks in advance for any help.
nat
Nat,
100% illegal.
LH
to sell botox into the US, and many other countries, the buyer needs to provide:
-medical license
-prescription
or
-wholesale license
It is 100% legal to buy allergan botox from other countries! it may carry slightly different packaging, but the product is all the same, it's like going to another country and purchasing a cell-phone or any other piece of equipment, your local supplier of that equipment has no right to harass you about buying it "not from him" !!!
allegan botox is still verified by the ministry of health and the FDA upon arrival to the USA, and so is its authenticity.
it is safe and 100% legal, just make sure you are dealing with a legitimate supplier, (ask for lot/batch numbers!)
keep in mind that in case of fraud, credit card payments can be reversed by calling your CC company/provider and telling them that the product you've received is a fake and they will reverse the charges. with this said i remind all that botox and other products from other countries MAY contain different packaging, so do not get scared if they do, check the product and the manufacturer, and then act accordingly.
cheers
vp
where are you getting these products from? i called allergan in canada and several pharmacies who told me I need to contact my US rep
laserdoc
My Botox rep told me that Allergan will come in and shut your facility down if they think you are a US facility, buying and injecting Botox from a foreign company. I have no idea if this is true or if Allergan can actually do it - but it's what she said.
Matt at AMS
BS.
you live in a free country.
look at the above posts please
vp
Oh, and @ Matt,
Tell your Allergan rep that she doesn't know what she's talking about. I'd like to have her name. Please publish it here.
Allergan could no more shut down a clinic than I can move into my neighbors house and throw them out. What fluff.
Botox DC
I'm pretty certain it's against U.S. law to import prescription medication from other countries. Most of the "get your drugs cheaper from Canada" shops have closed. This summer I tried to write a prescription in Canada for my father who forgot one of his BP meds on vacation and was told by the Canadian pharmacist that the laws have changed and he needed a script written by a Canadian physician. Several years ago I was getting some Botox and Restylane from a fellow physician in Canada only to have one of my Restylane shipments turned back by U.S. customs.
Regardless, I still might try to purchase some Botox from MAPA to boost the sagging bottom line. I don't want to cut out my U.S. rep completely because she takes care of us in other ways and it would be less suspicious than stopping all orders. We get Radiesse from our rep cheaper than offered by MAPA and the Juvederm is close.
Not Saying
Has anyone ever bought botox online from Canada?
I'm wondering if the products are legitimate and if the act of purchasing this (I'm a licensed physician) is illegal or not? The FDA website is not clear on this.
inquisitive
Thanks for you post.
I've spent many hours reading through FDA website looking for information. There is nothing out there that says clearly - this is against the law. The most I found was: FDA does not recommend purchasing drugs out of US due to safety concerns. Our pharmacy is registered with the FDA and thus under their radar at all times.
Here is some literature:
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, you can only import prescriptions into the U.S. that you can also obtain in the U.S. Drugs that the FDA has not yet approved cannot come into this country. You can import drugs approved by the FDA and available by prescription in the U.S., though the FDA cautions against the practice because it has no way of verifying the safety of the imported versions.
Read more: Laws on Importing Prescription Drugs Into the U.S | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7282097_laws-importing-prescription-drugs-u_s.html#ixzz1N5kWpXzV
CosmeticsRX
Here is from an FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm170594.htm
Does this look like a clear law?
FDA's Main Concern: Patient Safety
FDA cannot ensure the safety and effectiveness of products that are not FDA-approved and come from unknown sources and foreign locations, or that may not have been manufactured under proper conditions. These unknowns put patient’s health at risk if they cannot be sure of the products identity, purity, and source. For these reasons, FDA recommends only obtaining medicines from legal sources in the U.S.
The bottom line is that European & Canadian government regulate and control these prices and do not allow them to sky rocket. In the US, these prices are controlled by the Allergan and the government tries to stand by their side to "boost" our economy. At this point this is called "the grey area" and until (if ever) it is lawfully enforced, US doctors can take advantage of lower prices coming from the same respective manufacturer but distributed in the UK under UK-controlled price levels.
CosmeticsRX
Will do, thanks for the information.
CosmeticsRX
Has anyone ever bought botox online from in Canada?
I'm wondering if the products are legitimate and if the act of purchasing this (I'm a licensed physician) is illegal or not? The FDA website is not clear on this.
10.9 | inquisitive
I am a US born/bred/trained/licensed physician and have been ordering cosmetic products from Canada for several years and have been very satisfied. This is absolutely the same product and absolutely legal. I typically use 150 to 200 vials per year.
FYI My local Allergan rep. stopped by the office on several occasions perpetuating the the misinformation that purchasing Botox from outside the US is illegal.
dk
I own a medical spa in CA and I started ordering Botox from Canada a couple of years ago. I also order from Allergan in smaller quantities because my rep told me it was illegal to import Botox and that they and the federal government would shut down any company importing. I typically order about 4 vials per week from Canada. At first I was paying $349 per vial (the box and vial is exactly like the US version). Then I started ordering one where the box was in another language but the vial exactly like the US version for $299. I've never had a problem but am always nervous because I don't really know if it's illegal or not.
I'd like to note that the Botox is sent overnight and is actually housed in a warehouse about 20 minutes from my office (but they will not let me go pick it up). It is my understanding they have distribution warehouses all over the US.
Recently my rep called and told me she couldn't ship for about 6 weeks because they are moving their distribution center. This made me very nervous for some reason. I've researched other companies but haven't moved forward with it yet. It makes me nervous that they require an online registration with all of my information in order to register. Both companies required my medical directors medical license.
I have found the Botox to be the exact same and would recommend using them. I would just really like to know if it is illegal or not. I don't like feeling like I'm doing something wrong. I also don't like that Allergan US charges us $525 for a vial when I'm getting the same stuff for $299-$349 per vial. The FDA website states that it "RECOMMENDS NOT BUYING FROM FOREIGN COMPANIES" not that it's illegal to do so.
Chabela106
Also: If any Botox rep or anyone else threatened or harassed me in my clinic, I'd kick their ass out the front door and post the entire incident here.
Dermgal
hello everyone.. very interesting posts here! Pretty much threw out my Allergan rep today as she came to my office threatening to "turn me in" (to whom i am unsure?) I have been purchasing ALLERGAN BOTOX from a reliable and reputable pharmacy in Canada for over a year and know its exactly the same as US manufactured Botox but 1/2 the cost.
Looks like manufactured by Ireland affiliate and distributed through This canadian pharmacy. Bottles ar e completely lotted , stamped and hollogrammed.
Honestly, i felt very upset after this altercation and wondering if any of you out there have had same happen.? Also wondering legality of reps coming into offices and threatening physicians? My staff were told not to let this rep walk in front doors any longer and police will be called.
DD1971
I had the same thing happen with my rep and her District Manager. They told me importation from Canada was illegal. My response was for them to show me something in writing either from their attorneys or the FDA that states it's illegal to import "FDA approved" meds, manufactured outside the USA into the USA.
Of course, they never came back because nothing like that exists. I did receive a letter from Allergan US warning us that the importation of non FDA approved meds is illegal. Dah, Allergan, we all know that.
Now Allergan temporarily stopped Merz from rolling out Xeomin. I hate monopolies and Allergan is a beast that needs to be put into it's place. I had been buying Xeomin from Merz on the BYGO program that reduced the final price down to $212.50 a vial. Wish I could continue the program and will as soon as Merz figures out how to get the judge to come to his senses on his ruling.
Net, net is I can find no law or even interpretation of a ruling that forbids importing Botox (real Botox manufactured by Allergan in Ireland) into the US from Canada.
nickal
Our Allergan rep explained that Botox vials are sold for the exact same price everywhere in the world, so how are they selling it for less in other countries?
skingem
@skingem, That is most obviously incorrect since I'm aware that my US colleagues pay much more.
AD Mond MD
Here is a link to the customs website discussing the imporation of drugs from another country:
https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/320/~/purchasing-medications-from-a-supplier-outside-the-u.s
DFW Medspa
I just bought Botox from a licensed wholesaler in the United States and my rep called numerous times staing that the product was not FDA approved or authentic Allergan product. She called me at 7am the day of my big spa party and scared the BLEEP out of me. She sent me emails from Allergan stating what independent distributors were authorized by Allergan and sent me legal cases from the past where doctors got in trouble for embezzelment and fraud for using unauthorized Botox. I got so scared that I verified the licensure of the wholesaler and faxed a copy of the license to the Allergan rep. I'm also awaiting a discusseion with a person in their company to get exacts on the rules and asked for a letter in writing stating this. Thanks I'd appreciate any comments.
MKN
It's my understanding after lots of research, talking with other docs and legal personnel and insurance companies that its not illegal to import the botox ( or juvederm,etc) but it IS illegal to resell it. So unless you are NOT selling it and are giving it away ( friends,family,yourself) it is 100% illegal and no matter how irritated you are with Allergan and the monopoly it maintains, you CAN and WILL get yourself a little trip in front of your state board and then you are tarnished. Period. Whether that's a chance you're willing to take...well that's completely up to you
Chynna
I also did lots of research and must tell you that once you decide to purchase from outside the US, you have to make sure the following is true at all times:
1) Work with someone you can trust. Doctors that get in trouble are usually those that run after good prices at no regard as to were the product comes from. There are lots of counterfeit products out there, so once you find someone you trust, stick to them.
2) Botox from any country should have proper registration numbers. You can purchase from anyone as long as it is Allergan Botox.
3) Always keep a set % of your purchases with US Allergan rep. This will keep them happy and ensure your relationship with your local rep in case if any law comes out stating that it is only legal to purchase Botox from a US Allergan representative. SO far, there is no such law.
jspa
Thanks for the info. What is medical aesthetics training? I want my sons to go to college and be doctors. One of them said something about that. I have no idea what it is.
Steven Rogers
Steven I dont know either. It would be best to go to college then medical school become a physician and then choose a specialty or even FP. They can add to their training with aesthetics training. It sounds like they want to become " medical aestheticians" which is not a recognized practiced and in all likelihood with the ever growing concern for medi spas running amok will never get recognized.
Recently people have been calling themselves Medical and take courses but the fact is it dosent hold up in court and essentially get caught up im practicing medicine without a license to do so.
I would not recommend anyone to simply train to be an aesthetician at this time, there is alot of uncertainty in the field and states throughout the country are making it more and more difficult to run a "medi spa" . Some states require MD presence on every case some require then to review every patient while others demand spas be deemed medical practices.
gm
Scotty's got to be working for Allergan. His post a pile of garbage.
Really A
I totally agree with Really A :)
Sinaimeds
Can anyone recommend a reliable online drug store where I can buy authentic restylane and Juvederm, not for resell just for personal use, don't know how to choose since there's so many online seller out there.
ColeJ
For what ever reason people are making comments using my name Scotty W and supporting the purchasing of illegal Botox. Use your won name if you are so confident in you views. I Scotty W. know this is illegal and was almost coursed into this by Liam Scully with Pharmalogical inc. Now he has been shut down an arrested for his actions. This piece of scum was also selling fake cancer drugs. Luckily Damon Burrows with Allergan talked with me before I get involved with this. It is illegal. Just pay the extra money and sleep peacefully at night. IT IS ILLEGAL
Scotty W
Dont be cheap.
The profit margin is still very high even getting the drug locally.
it is not the right thing to do.
we have worked so hard, and its not worth such risk.
wii
Allergan should be ashamed. Lower the price and make it more affordable to the patient and more profitable for the injector. Good luck to US company, Dysport! If people start using them more it will force the price of Botox down.
shesean
After researching to see if it would be feasible to purchase our Botox from Canada to increase my margins at the clinic, but a little hesitant- appears the govt is cracking down on these folks! FDA warning letters to practices/docs importing Botox and even doing sting operations and jail time for some. Not sure that's a risk I'm willing to take.
http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/DrugIntegrityandSupplyChainSecurity/ucm330610.htm
Worse yet- if the FDA, or the FBI Office of Criminal Investigation learns I have purchased any drug outside the US, as they seize these pharmacies, they post my name on their website- letting all of my patients and spa customers know that I have been called out for this illegal activity with patient risks. Patient risks?
Skinprof
Asthetix Doc why would you risk everything to save a few dollars. I checked with a Canadian rx company and found the botox takes 5-7 business days to arrive. It is a delicate protein and must be continuously cooled. Also several significant injuries have occurred in this country when a drug was administered that was an illegal import. One instance was botox that was significantly more potent that botox cosmetic another was a filler product that was not filled with the labeled medication but an industrial compound.
Vi peel is investigating a situation where someone bought a Vi peel from an internet selling site internet and the vial was filled with another acid causing burns.
I can not in any good conscience administer anything to my patients that I can not account for.
gm
To the RN with all the patronizing comments. Your an RN woooohooooo try writing a script.
MD@35
This is hot off the press 18 June 2015:
FDA News Release
FDA takes action to protect consumers from potentially dangerous counterfeit medicines and devices sold online
International Operation Pangea VIII combats the unlawful sale and distribution of illegal prescription medicines and medical devices on the Internet
http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm451755.htm
Anyone have experiences to report based on this activity?
Sfemina
FDA is going after ILLEGAL counterfeit products, I have colleagues in the US ( I work from Australia) who have been purchasing like me online. They have been approached by FDA with threats, however nothing happened because the products were genuine from Allergen Ireland. FDA uses scared tactics, however if the product is legitimate they don't do anything.
However, if you are purchasing counterfeit products, you will DO JAIL TIME AND pay FINES. It is totally immoral to purchase counterfeit products and not be licensed and administer injections. I seriously hope these people get violated in prison, for the harm and misery they cause.
Rob Ford
Per the FDA website
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-supply-chain-integrity/fda-issues-letters-doctors-who-may-have-purchased-counterfeit-or-unapproved-prescription-drugs
Under the Drug Supply Chain Security Act, as of January 1, 2015,
all health care providers who dispense or administer prescription drugs to patients are required to purchase their prescription drug products only from authorized trading partners licensed by or registered with the state or federal government, as applicable.
This will help ennsure that these prescription drugs are purchased from legitimate sources who are subject to oversight by the state or federal government. To verify a wholesale drug distributor is licensed in the state(s) where it is conducting business, see Verify Wholesale Drug Distributor Licenses.
Content current as of:
08/17/2017
Aesthetics4ever
I would really caution anyone from sourcing products from outside of the US and FDA realm of oversight for personal reasons. We are currently undergoing investigation by the FDA and have had to retain a lawyer. We are at the very early stages of this process so I can't share what will happen or even what is at risk. It is just absolutely not worth it to save a few dollars. If you are trying to plump your bottom lines....why not try something else that won't risk your livelihood? Provide a new service or add a new piece of machinery if at all possible. Sigh. Our one saving grace in this process that we will hold on to tightly is that we had a change of heart sourcing from outside of the US several months before the investigation began so we have proof that were rebuilding a relationship with US suppliers (Allergan) before we even knew we were in trouble. I hope others will take this as a cautionary tale to avoid future headaches, potential fines and business closures.
AboutTown
Buy Allergan botox, juvederm,BUY DYSPORT, azzalure etc.
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Ryan Cooper
I'm in Canada and our FDA is more strict than the US.
Tara
Is it legal for a US practitioner to purchase Botox or Restylane from Canada outside the US, where the price is much cheaper than purchasing directly from Medicis? Does Medicis or Allergan have the right to call and harass you about buying Botox or Restylane from other distributors?