ARLINGTON, Va. – The National Association of Chain Drug Stores highlighted consumer safety risks from prescription drug importation as the Senate mulls budgetary measures this week.

NACDS said Monday that it has written a letter to all 100 U.S. senators that describes the ways importation threatens the prescription drug safety net and cites other risks, including increased chances of counterfeit drugs, the lack of recall communications and the inability of consumers to talk with a pharmacist about the medications.

In making its case to the Senate, which is expected to consider proposed amendments to the budget resolution (S. Con. Res. 3), NACDS noted that the push to rein in the cost of prescription drugs — including via the use of less-expensive generic medications — can’t overlook the need to uphold patient safety and product quality.

“We do not believe that consumer safety can be ensured in any system that allows for the personal or commercial importation of prescription medications. The United States has an extensive safety net of federal and state laws to ensure that prescription drugs are manufactured, stored, shipped, dispensed and used in a safe manner. That safety net is eliminated, however, when prescription drugs are imported from foreign suppliers,” NACDS explained in the letter.

“Drugs coming into the United States from foreign websites and mail order operations are not subject to U.S. regulation, nor are they subject to regulation in the country from which they originate. The Food and Drug Administration has stated that it ‘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 patients’ 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 association pointed out.

NACDS said there’s “very high” potential for counterfeit prescription drugs coming into the United States from foreign Internet sellers. What’s more, if a foreign-dispensed drug is subject to a recall or is pulled from the market, patients have no way of being informed.

“In addition to questions concerning the safety and effectiveness of the drugs, individuals who obtain prescription medications through personal importation schemes do not have a licensed pharmacist available to consult with them about using the medications safely and effectively. Every day, retail pharmacists assist customers with obtaining the most cost-effective, therapeutically appropriate drug therapies,” NACDS added in the letter. “As the Senate moves ahead to debate on S. Con. Res. 3, we look forward to working with you to advance alternative policies that expand access to prescription medications in safe, affordable and effective ways.”