According to James H. Johnson, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has changed its rules to allow Americans to buy almost any legal drug, without a prescription, by mail order from another country. Exceptions are for controlled substances such as heroin, marijuana and LSD (FDA Schedule I drugs). Other FDA Scheduled drugs (II-V) can be brought in this country (by mail or person) if certain rules are followed. Quantities are limited by personal use considerations which generally consist to be amounts for patients' treatment for 3 months or less. Drugs derived from opium, morphine, codeine, cocaine and amphetamines must be imported with great care. You may have to hand carry Valium, Librium etc. into the country again complying with specific rules. The patient seeking to import drugs affirms in writing that it is for the patient's own use and provides the name and address of the licensed physician in the US responsible for his/her treatment with the drug. You might consider stocking up on prescription antibiotics such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, pain killers or even memory enhancers. Foreign suppliers will not send you a catalog. Some drugs, such as RU486 (the abortion pill), are completely banned in this country but considered safe in France. The drug import story is detailed in Dr. Johnson's book "How To Buy Almost Any Drug Legally Without A Prescription" published by Avon Books, 105 Madison Ave., New York, N.Y. 10016 (212) 481-5653 (cost $ 4.95). The book recommends Mexico as having the best pharmaceutical prices. You won't believe this, but Mexico's death rate per 1,000 population is lower than the U.S. According to the author, the average cost today of obtaining FDA approval for a new drug has grown to more than $ 231 million for a process that now takes an average of 12 years. You can save a lot of money be importing drugs. The high cost of medical care and drugs are the principal cause of why America no longer leads the world in health care and life expectancy. Also, you might want to be careful with generic drugs. The FDA has removed over 100 "generic" drug products from distribution. The few restrictions on importing drugs are designed to prevent people from importing huge quantities and selling them illegally. If you do import drugs, it would be wise to consult the latest edition of "Physicians' Desk Reference" and "Drug Tests and Comparisons" especially before taking any drugs. The only criticism I have of the book is that shelf life is not included. The following order blank has been used successfully. Mail Purchase Order for Importing Pharmaceuticals as Allowed under FDA "Pilot Guidance" Dated July 20, 1988. Name ____________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ City _________________ State _____ ZIP __________ Telephone Number____________ Fax Number _________ Drug Name Intended Use Quantity Price ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ Shipping Instructions __________________________ ________________________________________________ Shipping Charges _______________________________ Total __________________________________________ Amount of Money Order Enclosed _________________ Name of Supervising Physician __________________ I certify that I am ordering these drugs for personal use only for a period of less than ninety days. Signature ______________________________________ Please bill my MasterCard# _____________________ VISA# ______________ American Express# _________ Expiration Date ________________________________ Supplier addresses and telephone numbers are given in Dr. Johnson's book.