Can you deduct expenses of prescriptions imported from another country (by mail) if drug is FDA-approved, and have valid doctor's prescription for your personal use?

[soleil303]

FDA personal importation guidelines only state that it's "illegal in most circumstances" because the drugs are "not approved by the FDA". No guidance found on medication ordered internationally rather than domestically from a country that controls the pricing of the FDA-approved drug (otherwise not controlled in the US).

[ee-ea]

You can deduct expenses of prescriptions imported from another country.

[Mike9241]

Examples of Medical and Dental Payments You Can't Deduct

• Imported drugs not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This includes foreign-made versions of U.S.-approved drugs manufactured without FDA approval.

[soleil303]

While the IRS guidance states conditions in which imported medication cannot be deducted, it does not provide clear information outside of those unallowable conditions.  

The medications in question are all foreign-made (manufactured in Europe) and are exported for sale/dispense in many countries, including in the US, where they are sold by US pharmacies (not an issue, being that the medications are FDA-approved). The international pharmacy I ordered from verifies that the medications I’ve received were clearly identified to US customs, and passed US customs as part of the delivery process on the basis of meeting the following criteria:

- legal (implies FDA-approved)

- for personal use (verified by valid doctors prescription for recipient)

- quantity is within maximum (3 months of treatment)

[DaveF1006]

Yes, you may deduct these medications since they are FDA-approved and sold in US pharmacies.

@soleil303

[Jrueteo]

Absolutely! If you've got FDA-approved prescriptions shipped in from overseas, and you've got a valid doc's note for personal use, you might be in luck come tax time. However, it's always wise to double-check with a tax professional to be sure. Also, have you heard about Access Global Doctors & Hospitals Database? It's a fantastic resource for finding medical care worldwide. Discover More:- doctorsinfo.co