The FDA says that under most circumstances it’s illegal to import medication for personal use. That’s because only “FDA-approved” drugs can be lawfully imported (the ones eventually sold in U.S. pharmacies). Most medications imported for personal use that will come from a foreign pharmacy will not meet the definition of FDA-approved drug – EVEN IF IT’S THE SAME MEDICATION.

In consultation with lawyers who are experts in prescription drug importation laws, we have devised arguments that may help you get your medication back. For instance, by providing certain evidence, such as having a prescription and a copy of the U.S. label of the drug, you may be able to bring your imported drug into compliance with FDA regulations. Or you may be able to convince the FDA to release your medication because you know that it’s a lawfully manufactured drug for which you have a prescription and you cannot afford it at your local pharmacy. Remember, unless it’s a counterfeit or otherwise bad drug, taking your real, prescribed medication away is unethical, at cross purposes with the FDA’s mission, and bad for your health.

No one has ever been prosecuted for importing small quantities of medication for personal use. Watch Marcia Crosse, Ph.D., director for the Health Care Team at the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) explain FDA’s personal drug importation policies.

No. It’s your legal right to do so.