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U.S. vs. International Drug Prices: Our 2026 Price Study
We compared U.S. drug prices with the lowest price at the pharmacies abroad we list for 103 medicines, using only prices we checked ourselves.
This study compares prescription drug prices in the U.S. with prices at the pharmacies in other countries that we list. It uses the same 90-day (or full-course) prices, shipping included, that we show on our drug pages. We did not use estimates or prices from other websites.
The short answer
- Most drugs we checked cost less abroad. 87 of 103 medicines had a lower price at a pharmacy we list outside the U.S.
- Brand-name drugs show the biggest gap. 80 of 81 brand-name drugs cost less abroad. The median saving was 80.6%.
- Generics are a different story. Only 7 of 22 generics cost less abroad. For most, the U.S. price was lower.
- Always compare your own medicine. Prices change, and the best deal depends on the drug, the strength and the pack.
What did we find?
Quick answer: brand-name medicines were much cheaper abroad. Generics were usually cheaper in the U.S.
| Group | Drugs | Cheaper abroad | Median saving abroad | Average saving abroad |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All drugs | 103 | 87 | 75.8% | -3.9% (see note) |
| Brand-name drugs | 81 | 80 | 80.6% | 73.1% |
| Brand-name, vs. a U.S. online pharmacy price | 53 | 53 | 83.1% | 78.0% |
| Brand-name, vs. the maker’s U.S. list price | 28 | 27 | 71.2% | 63.8% |
| Generic drugs | 22 | 7 | U.S. usually cheaper: the median price abroad was 3.17 times the U.S. price | |
What “median” and “average” mean: the median is the middle number when you line up every drug’s saving from smallest to largest. The average adds them all up and divides. Across all 103 drugs the average is pulled below zero by a few generics that cost many times more abroad than in the U.S. (for example, generic sildenafil), so the median gives a fairer picture.
A saving here is how much lower the international price is than the U.S. price, as a share of the U.S. price.
Which drugs did we compare?
Quick answer: every drug page on our site that had both a U.S. price and an international price for the same product and strength. The list starts with the biggest savings.
| Drug | Product and strength | Pack | U.S. price | Lowest price abroad | Difference | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tradjenta | brand Tradjenta 5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,631.12 U.S. online pharmacy | $78.41 ships from India | 95.2% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Xarelto | brand Xarelto 20 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,922 U.S. online pharmacy | $100.62 ships from Mauritius | 94.8% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Celebrex | brand Celebrex 200 mg | 90 days, 90 capsules | $1,562 U.S. online pharmacy | $99.42 ships from Mauritius | 93.6% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Farxiga | brand Farxiga 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,460 U.S. online pharmacy | $100.62 ships from Mauritius | 93.1% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Januvia | brand Januvia 100 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $990 Maker’s U.S. list price | $70.92 ships from Mauritius | 92.8% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Janumet | brand Janumet 50/1000 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $1,175 U.S. online pharmacy | $86.22 ships from Mauritius | 92.7% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Abilify | brand Abilify 5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,820.75 U.S. online pharmacy | $144.05 ships from Singapore | 92.1% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Entresto | brand Entresto 24/26 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $2,294.60 U.S. online pharmacy | $187.02 ships from India | 91.8% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Rexulti | brand Rexulti 2 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $4,667.58 Maker’s U.S. list price | $384.95 ships from Canada | 91.8% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Xeljanz | brand Xeljanz 5 mg tablet | 90 days, 90 daily doses | $13,925.72 U.S. online pharmacy | $1,221.01 ships from India | 91.2% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Zetia | brand Zetia 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,391.90 U.S. online pharmacy | $123.77 ships from Mauritius | 91.1% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Jardiance | brand Jardiance 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,110.20 U.S. online pharmacy | $99.86 ships from India | 91.0% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Biktarvy | brand Biktarvy 50 mg/200 mg/25 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $12,648 Maker’s U.S. list price | $1,185.24 ships from Mauritius | 90.6% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Vraylar | brand Vraylar 1.5 mg | 90 days, 90 capsules | $4,816.85 U.S. online pharmacy | $479.95 ships from New Zealand | 90.0% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Vumerity | brand Vumerity 231 mg | 90 days, 360 capsules | $27,169.11 Maker’s U.S. list price | $3,179.97 ships from Australia | 88.3% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| mirabegron (Myrbetriq) | generic mirabegron 50 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $716.98 U.S. online pharmacy | $84.37 ships from India | 88.2% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Spiriva Respimat | brand Spiriva Respimat 2.5 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $1,762.70 U.S. online pharmacy | $208.99 ships from Australia | 88.1% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Trelegy Ellipta | brand Trelegy Ellipta 100/62.5/25 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $1,190 U.S. online pharmacy | $148.97 ships from India | 87.5% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Brilinta | brand Brilinta 90 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $1,515.20 U.S. online pharmacy | $190.62 ships from Mauritius | 87.4% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Anoro Ellipta | brand Anoro Ellipta 62.5/25 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $1,523.99 U.S. online pharmacy | $192.76 ships from Mauritius | 87.4% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Ibsrela | brand Ibsrela 50 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $6,132 Maker’s U.S. list price | $779.19 ships from Canada | 87.3% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Trintellix | brand Trintellix 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,675.40 U.S. online pharmacy | $213.16 ships from Singapore | 87.3% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Breo Ellipta | brand Breo Ellipta 100/25 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $1,280.15 U.S. online pharmacy | $166.10 ships from Mauritius | 87.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Spiriva HandiHaler | brand Spiriva HandiHaler 18 mcg | 90 days, 90 capsules | $1,058 U.S. online pharmacy | $138.22 ships from Mauritius | 86.9% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Restasis | brand Restasis 0.05% | 90 days, 180 vials | $2,051 U.S. online pharmacy | $276.67 ships from India | 86.5% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Xifaxan | brand Xifaxan 550 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $12,103.44 Maker’s U.S. list price | $1,655.33 ships from New Zealand | 86.3% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Xtandi | brand Xtandi 40 mg capsule | 90 days | $46,058.82 Maker’s U.S. list price | $6,460.68 ships from Mauritius | 86.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Synjardy | brand Synjardy 12.5/1000 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $1,171.40 U.S. online pharmacy | $164.81 ships from India | 85.9% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Myrbetriq | brand Myrbetriq 50 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,465.70 U.S. online pharmacy | $214.99 ships from Mauritius | 85.3% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eliquis | brand Eliquis 5 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $1,025 U.S. online pharmacy | $154.78 ships from Mauritius | 84.9% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Ofev | brand Ofev 150 mg | 90 days, 180 capsules | $41,360.19 Maker’s U.S. list price | $6,266.77 ships from New Zealand | 84.8% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Breztri Aerosphere | brand Breztri Aerosphere 160/9/4.8 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $2,264 U.S. online pharmacy | $344.97 ships from India | 84.8% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Rybelsus | brand Rybelsus 7 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $3,272 U.S. online pharmacy | $507.41 ships from India | 84.5% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Premarin | brand Premarin 0.625 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $544.61 U.S. online pharmacy | $85.44 ships from Canada | 84.3% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Otezla | brand Otezla 30 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $16,769.67 Maker’s U.S. list price | $2,694.63 ships from New Zealand | 83.9% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Gemtesa | brand Gemtesa 75 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,730 U.S. online pharmacy | $289.99 ships from Mauritius | 83.2% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Invokana | brand Invokana 100 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,600.31 U.S. online pharmacy | $269.97 ships from United Kingdom | 83.1% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Kerendia | brand Kerendia 20 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $2,146.50 Maker’s U.S. list price | $374.95 ships from New Zealand | 82.5% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Viagra | brand Viagra 100 mg | 90 days, 24 tablets | $2,373.07 U.S. online pharmacy | $423.14 ships from Canada | 82.2% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Motegrity | brand Motegrity 2 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,671.60 Maker’s U.S. list price | $305.35 ships from Australia | 81.7% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Multaq | brand Multaq 400 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $2,589.80 U.S. online pharmacy | $500.40 ships from United Kingdom | 80.7% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Synthroid | brand Synthroid 50 mcg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $205.70 U.S. online pharmacy | $39.99 ships from Canada | 80.6% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Pradaxa | brand Pradaxa 150 mg | 90 days, 180 capsules | $693.44 U.S. online pharmacy | $143.85 ships from India | 79.3% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Eucrisa | brand Eucrisa 60 g tube | 90 days, 3 tubes | $2,554.97 U.S. online pharmacy | $534.94 ships from Canada | 79.1% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Ubrelvy | brand Ubrelvy 100 mg | 90 days, 30 tablets | $3,644 U.S. online pharmacy | $764.72 ships from Canada | 79.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Rinvoq | brand Rinvoq 15 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $21,271.23 Maker’s U.S. list price | $4,617.49 ships from New Zealand | 78.3% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Edarbi | brand Edarbi 80 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $905 U.S. online pharmacy | $197.94 ships from Canada | 78.1% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Advair Diskus | brand Advair Diskus 250/50 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $347.96 U.S. online pharmacy | $78.35 ships from India | 77.5% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| budesonide and formoterol (Symbicort) | generic budesonide and formoterol 160/4.5 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $377 U.S. online pharmacy | $85.45 ships from India | 77.3% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Myfembree | brand Myfembree 40/1/0.5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $4,258.86 Maker’s U.S. list price | $1,004.99 ships from Canada | 76.4% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Estring | brand Estring 2 mg | 90 days, 1 ring | $559.61 U.S. online pharmacy | $134.99 ships from United Kingdom | 75.9% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Glyxambi | brand Glyxambi 25/5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,110.02 U.S. online pharmacy | $268.88 ships from India | 75.8% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Symbicort | brand Symbicort 160/4.5 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $764.99 U.S. online pharmacy | $186.32 ships from Australia | 75.6% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Nurtec ODT | brand Nurtec ODT 75 mg | 90 days, 45 tablets | $6,360.75 U.S. online pharmacy | $1,563.74 ships from Canada | 75.4% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Fetzima | brand Fetzima 40 mg | 90 days, 90 capsules | $1,579.17 Maker’s U.S. list price | $452.02 ships from Canada | 71.4% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Ibrance | brand Ibrance 125 mg tablet | 90 days | $52,913.58 Maker’s U.S. list price | $15,360.95 ships from New Zealand | 71.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Verquvo | brand Verquvo 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $2,079.90 Maker’s U.S. list price | $612 ships from Canada | 70.6% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Trulance | brand Trulance 3 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $2,049.86 U.S. online pharmacy | $614.72 ships from Canada | 70.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Cequa | brand Cequa 0.09% | 90 days, 180 vials | $2,135 U.S. online pharmacy | $644.97 ships from United Kingdom | 69.8% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Osphena | brand Osphena 60 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $768 Maker’s U.S. list price | $244.58 ships from Canada | 68.2% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Jakafi | brand Jakafi 10 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $54,570 Maker’s U.S. list price | $18,015.77 ships from Canada | 67.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Nexlizet | brand Nexlizet 180/10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,298.04 Maker’s U.S. list price | $433.90 ships from United Kingdom | 66.6% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Ozempic | brand Ozempic 1 mg | 90 days | $3,302.70 Maker’s U.S. list price | $1,124.97 ships from Canada | 65.9% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Tamiflu | brand Tamiflu 75 mg | one 5-day course | $249 U.S. online pharmacy | $84.99 ships from United Kingdom | 65.9% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Nexletol | brand Nexletol 180 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $1,355.90 U.S. online pharmacy | $466.04 ships from United Kingdom | 65.6% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Dovato | brand Dovato 50/300 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $9,751.41 Maker’s U.S. list price | $3,369.13 ships from Australia | 65.4% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Slynd | brand Slynd 4 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $806.07 U.S. online pharmacy | $293.30 ships from Australia | 63.6% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Xiidra | brand Xiidra 5% | 90 days, 3 boxes | $2,312.99 U.S. online pharmacy | $849.95 ships from Canada | 63.3% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Trulicity | brand Trulicity 1.5 mg | 90 days | $3,331.08 U.S. online pharmacy | $1,285.68 ships from Canada | 61.4% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Cialis | brand Cialis 5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $941 U.S. online pharmacy | $363.87 ships from Australia | 61.3% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Olumiant | brand Olumiant 2 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $8,551.23 Maker’s U.S. list price | $3,336.63 ships from India | 61.0% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Dulera | brand Dulera 200/5 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $1,087.01 U.S. online pharmacy | $444.74 ships from Canada | 59.1% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Dificid | brand Dificid 200 mg | one 10-day course | $5,205 Maker’s U.S. list price | $2,289.73 ships from Canada | 56.0% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| EpiPen | brand EpiPen 0.3 mg | 90 days, 2 auto-injectors | $620.39 U.S. online pharmacy | $279.95 ships from New Zealand | 54.9% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Linzess | brand Linzess 145 mcg | 90 days, 90 capsules | $908.60 U.S. online pharmacy | $414.95 ships from Canada | 54.3% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| sitagliptin (Januvia) | generic sitagliptin 100 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $117.92 U.S. online pharmacy | $59.92 ships from India | 49.2% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Asmanex | brand Asmanex 220 mcg Twisthaler | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $366.59 U.S. online pharmacy | $194.92 ships from Canada | 46.8% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Qulipta | brand Qulipta 60 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $3,723.80 U.S. online pharmacy | $2,046.42 ships from United Kingdom | 45.0% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| sitagliptin and metformin (Janumet) | generic sitagliptin and metformin 50/1000 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $166.33 U.S. online pharmacy | $95.66 ships from India | 42.5% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Tagrisso | brand Tagrisso 80 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $54,479.13 Maker’s U.S. list price | $31,800.84 ships from Australia | 41.6% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Vascepa | brand Vascepa 1 g | 90 days, 360 capsules | $1,311.80 U.S. online pharmacy | $1,026.95 ships from Canada | 21.7% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| rivaroxaban (Xarelto) | generic rivaroxaban 2.5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $36.98 U.S. online pharmacy | $29.21 ships from India | 21.0% less abroad | Oct 25, 2026 |
| nintedanib (Ofev) | generic nintedanib 150 mg | 90 days, 180 capsules | $976.31 U.S. online pharmacy | $836.11 ships from India | 14.4% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus) | generic fluticasone propionate and salmeterol 250/50 mcg | 90 days, 3 inhalers | $137.90 U.S. online pharmacy | $121.99 ships from Mauritius | 11.5% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Lokelma | brand Lokelma 10 g | 90 days, 90 packets | $2,662.11 Maker’s U.S. list price | $2,414.97 ships from United Kingdom | 9.3% less abroad | Oct 26, 2026 |
| Epclusa | brand Epclusa 400/100 mg | one 12-week course | $74,760 Maker’s U.S. list price | $72,253.76 ships from Canada | 3.4% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| Imbruvica | brand Imbruvica 140 mg capsule | 90 days, 90 daily doses | $31,860.24 Maker’s U.S. list price | $31,364.72 ships from Canada | 1.6% less abroad | Oct 27, 2026 |
| epinephrine auto-injector (EpiPen) | generic epinephrine 0.3 mg | 90 days, 2 auto-injectors | $170 U.S. online pharmacy | $242.05 ships from Australia | 1.42 times the U.S. price | Oct 25, 2026 |
| Mavyret | brand Mavyret 100/40 mg | one 8-week course | $26,400 Maker’s U.S. list price | $38,014.73 ships from Canada | 1.44 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| dabigatran (Pradaxa) | generic dabigatran etexilate 150 mg | 90 days, 180 capsules | $52.03 U.S. online pharmacy | $105.22 ships from India | 2.02 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| cyclosporine eye drops (Restasis) | generic cyclosporine ophthalmic emulsion 0.05% | 90 days, 180 vials | $166.28 U.S. online pharmacy | $337.14 ships from Mauritius | 2.03 times the U.S. price | Oct 25, 2026 |
| dapagliflozin (Farxiga) | generic dapagliflozin 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $17.53 U.S. online pharmacy | $51.90 ships from India | 2.96 times the U.S. price | Oct 25, 2026 |
| celecoxib (Celebrex) | generic celecoxib 200 mg | 90 days, 90 capsules | $14.60 U.S. online pharmacy | $49.20 ships from India | 3.37 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| ezetimibe (Zetia) | generic ezetimibe 10 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $14.39 U.S. online pharmacy | $48.67 ships from India | 3.38 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| oseltamivir (Tamiflu) | generic oseltamivir 75 mg | one 5-day course | $18.13 U.S. online pharmacy | $69.46 ships from Canada | 3.83 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| icosapent ethyl (Vascepa) | generic icosapent ethyl 1 g | 90 days, 360 capsules | $101.65 U.S. online pharmacy | $428.56 ships from Mauritius | 4.22 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| tadalafil (Cialis) | generic tadalafil 5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $13.15 U.S. online pharmacy | $55.60 ships from India | 4.23 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| prucalopride (Motegrity) | generic prucalopride 2 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $31.99 U.S. online pharmacy | $135.68 ships from India | 4.24 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| ticagrelor (Brilinta) | generic ticagrelor 90 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $27.15 U.S. online pharmacy | $119.94 ships from India | 4.42 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| sacubitril and valsartan (Entresto) | generic sacubitril and valsartan 24/26 mg | 90 days, 180 tablets | $22.13 U.S. online pharmacy | $113.96 ships from India | 5.15 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| aripiprazole (Abilify) | generic aripiprazole 5 mg | 90 days, 90 tablets | $16.04 U.S. online pharmacy | $84.93 ships from India | 5.29 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| tofacitinib (Xeljanz) | generic tofacitinib 5 mg tablet | 90 days, 90 daily doses | $70.49 U.S. online pharmacy | $529.77 ships from India | 7.52 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
| sildenafil (Viagra) | generic sildenafil 100 mg | 90 days, 24 tablets | $11.60 U.S. online pharmacy | $314.69 ships from Canada | 27.13 times the U.S. price | Oct 27, 2026 |
Prices are totals with shipping included. The U.S. column says whether the price is the lowest U.S. online pharmacy price we found or the drug maker’s U.S. list price (the price before discounts). Pharmacy names abroad are shown to members on each drug page.
How did we do this study?
Quick answer: we used our own dated price checks and compared like with like.
- Same product, same strength, same pack. For each drug we compared the same type (brand with brand, generic with generic) and the same strength, for a 90-day supply or one full course.
- U.S. price. The lowest price we found at a U.S. online pharmacy for the FDA-approved product, shipping included. When we had no U.S. pharmacy price for a brand-name drug, we used the maker’s published U.S. list price for 90 days.
- Price abroad. The lowest price we found at a pharmacy outside the U.S. that we list, shipping included. These products are not FDA-approved for the U.S. market.
- Which drugs. All 103 drug pages that had both prices on October 31, 2026. Drug pages that had only one of the two prices were left out.
- Dates. Each price was checked between October 25 and 27, 2026. The date for each drug is in the table. Prices change, so today’s prices may be different.
- Limits. These are cash prices. They don’t include insurance, Medicare, coupons or drug maker programs, which can lower what you pay in the U.S. A list price is often higher than what people actually pay.
Why do drug prices differ between countries?
Quick answer: the gap is mostly about brand-name drugs. U.S. generics are often cheaper than generics abroad.
A RAND study for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services compared drug makers’ prices in 2022. U.S. prices for all drugs were 278% of prices in 33 other OECD countries, and 229% of prices in Canada. For brand-name drugs, U.S. prices were 422% of prices abroad. Even after counting rebates, U.S. brand-name prices were still more than three times as high (HHS ASPE; RAND).
Generics went the other way. U.S. prices for unbranded generics were 67% of prices in other countries. RAND also found that brand-name drugs made up only 7% of U.S. prescription drug volume but 87% of U.S. prescription drug spending (RAND). That matches what we found: the big savings abroad are almost all on brand-name drugs.
Competition matters too. The FDA reports that one generic competitor can lead to price cuts of 30%, and five competing generics are linked to price drops of nearly 85% (FDA). That fits what we saw: most of the generics in our study cost less in the U.S.
Is it legal to buy medicine from another country?
Quick answer: it is usually not allowed by law, but the FDA has long let some small personal orders through.
Federal law generally doesn’t allow individuals to import prescription drugs. Under its personal importation policy, the FDA has long used enforcement discretion for some personal-use shipments, generally no more than a three-month supply (FDA). Congress declared in FD&C Act 804(j)(1), 21 U.S.C. 384(j)(1), that enforcement against individuals should focus on imports posing a significant threat to public health (U.S. Code).
Mail rules change on January 20, 2027, when U.S. Customs starts requiring a new electronic entry for mail under FDA rules (CBP). Read how to buy prescription drugs from Canada safely and what changes for mailed prescriptions in 2027.
Questions about this study
Are drugs really cheaper in other countries?
For brand-name drugs, usually yes. In our study, 80 of 81 brand-name drugs cost less at a pharmacy abroad that we list, with a median saving of 80.6%. For generics, the U.S. price was usually lower.
Why is my generic cheaper in the U.S.?
U.S. generics often have many competing makers, which pushes prices down. In our study, only 7 of 22 generics cost less abroad.
How often do you update this study?
We plan to update this study as we recheck prices. The date on each row tells you when that price was checked.
Does this include insurance or coupons?
No. These are cash prices with shipping included. Insurance, Medicare, coupons and drug maker programs can lower what you pay in the U.S. See help paying for prescriptions.
eDrugSearch gives price information, not medical advice. Your prescriber decides which medicine is right for you.
Sources
Checked October 31, 2026, unless another date is shown.
- Drug prices: eDrugSearch price checks, October 25 to 27, 2026 (date for each drug in the table). See how we check prices.
- HHS ASPE: Comparing prescription drugs in the U.S. and other countries (January 31, 2024)
- RAND: International prescription drug price comparisons, estimates using 2022 data (February 1, 2024)
- FDA: Generic Drug Facts
- FDA: Personal importation
- 21 U.S.C. 384: importation of prescription drugs (FD&C Act section 804) (checked October 23, 2026)
- CBP: International Mail Entry Type 13 mandatory date extended to January 20, 2027 (October 14, 2026)