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Prescription services feel heat from regulators
By JENNIFER LIBERTO SPRING HILL -- First, they couldn't get a license; then the state Department of Health started sniffing around. Two Spring Hill companies that help Americans purchase cheaper prescription drugs from Canadian pharmacies have found business is good, but politically challenging. Canada Drugs of Spring Hill and Discount Drugs of Canada are among some 40 businesses in Florida that help seniors order lower-priced medications from Canada. The stores offer the same service as many Web sites. Many of the stores' customers do not own a computer or are intimidated by ordering on the Internet. Despite an increase in the number of the discount stores nationwide, both Spring Hill store owners ran into trouble while applying for their county occupational licenses. County Tax Collector Juanita Sikes was suspicious and asked the State Attorney's Office for an opinion. Sikes has since given them licenses to operate as retailers. "I had to tell them, this isn't a hoax; it's a legitimate business, and one Spring Hill needs," said Peggy Emhardt, owner of Discount Drugs of Canada. Customers can walk in and give the store their prescription, medical history, release form and credit card number. The store then sends the paperwork to a Canadian pharmacy. The pharmacy bills the customer directly and sends a 90-day supply of drugs to the consumer's home, after a Canadian doctor has reviewed the paperwork. Customers who dropped by the store this week said they were pleased with the service. "I'm so sick and tired of paying American prices," said Robert Hemberger of Spring Hill, who was at Discount Drugs of Canada to price the hormone replacement drug Premarin for his wife. He usually pays about $245 for a three-month supply, but Discount Drugs offered it for $140. "It seems easy enough so far," Hemberger said. The stores make their money from the pharmacies, which cut them a commission on sales. But the federal Food and Drug Administration and the state Department of Health have called the businesses illegal. And last week, a state investigator paid both stores a visit. Basically, he suggested that the stores make changes that would make them seem less like pharmacies. "I don't understand what gives the government the right to tell people they can't get help buying something they need," said George Donnelly, who owns Canada Drugs. "People can turn on a computer and do the same thing, but the FDA isn't going to go after (those) individuals. They want to go after people like me who want to help them." Donnelly is considering making changes to avoid further government inquiry. For example, he may change his name or start contracting with an additional American pharmacy, which also provides lower-priced drugs. Both Canada Drugs of Spring Hill and Discount Drugs of Canada chose prime spots in the middle of health care office clusters on Hernando's west side. In late February, Canada Drugs, 8393 Northcliffe Blvd., opened next to the old Food Lion store that is being renovated into new offices for the Good Shepherd Medical Clinic. About a week later, Discount Drugs of Canada opened at 12116 Cortez Blvd., next to LabCorp of America's testing offices and a strip of other doctors' offices. -- Jennifer Liberto covers business and development in Hernando County and can be reached at 848-1434 or liberto@sptimes.com
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