"Buy $100 Worth for Just $3"... Why Americans Are Flocking to Mexico

Average $100 After Harmful Ingredients Ban
Only $5 in Mexico
Much Cheaper in Canadian Pharmacies Than in the US
26 Million Asthma Patients, 10 Die Daily
Calls to Reduce Burden in the US Too

Americans suffering from asthma are flocking to Mexico. This is because inhalers for asthma patients cost at least $100 in the United States, whereas in Mexico they can be purchased for only $3 to $5, less than one-tenth of the price.

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On the 11th, the US news outlet 'U.S. News' reported that American patients can buy the same expensive asthma medications much more cheaply in other countries such as Mexico and Canada. The reason Americans are flocking to Mexico is due to the soaring prices of inhalers for asthma patients. In 2008, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned albuterol inhalers using chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) because they destroy the ozone layer. Albuterol, also known as salbutamol, is a drug that acts on beta-2 receptors distributed in the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchi to dilate the airways.

From 2009, CFC inhalers were gradually phased out and replaced by the more environmentally friendly hydrofluoroalkane (HFA). Since then, the cost burden has increased. According to a 2015 study, for insured patients, the average out-of-pocket cost per inhaler prescription rose from $13.60 in 2004 to $25 immediately after the ban in 2008. Currently, the average retail price of an albuterol inhaler is $98. Although the FDA approved the first generic version of the HFA inhaler in 2020, the price difference was not significant.

As of 2023, more than 25 million Americans are uninsured. Even insured patients may have difficulty purchasing asthma medications. In particular, inhalers from the pharmaceutical company Teva are sold for $286. Some American patients have traveled abroad to obtain cheaper asthma medications. A representative location is Nogales, Mexico, about an hour south of Tucson, Arizona. The price difference is less than one-tenth, with only slight differences in efficacy. Some also visit Canadian pharmacies. While a three-month supply costs $857 at US pharmacies, it is only $134 at Canadian pharmacies.

Currently, there are more than 26 million asthma patients in the United States, and it is known that 10 people die from asthma every day. As the problem worsens, the US is exploring measures such as allowing imports or setting out-of-pocket cost caps to reduce the burden on asthma patients. The US had long prohibited personal importation of medicines, but in January, the FDA approved the import of certain prescription drugs from Canada. This is currently only implemented in Florida and is limited to drugs for HIV/AIDS, prostate cancer, and certain mental health conditions. For insulin needed by diabetes patients, a monthly out-of-pocket cap of $35 was set last year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.