We have FINALLY found something that works for my 12-year-old son as far as his allergies and decongestant needs this time of year. I had recently tried Allegra-D and found it controlled my allergies much better than anything else I'd been taking (including smaller doses of Allegra--this is a great combination of time release sudafed and the antihistamine). My doctor gave me a couple of Rx's to see what worked best for me, a once a day Allegra (it is very good) or the 12-hour (also very good).

The 12-hour works so well for my son that I've been giving him mine and switched over to the 24-hour Allegra. Yes, I know the "don't share Rx" dogma, but all of this is OTC in Canada and I can just go buy it for both of us, so I'm not concerned in this instance. And I'm sure I'm not the first parent who has scrimped on their own medication to share with a child. Neither of our insurance plans will pay much for the 24-hour pill, and nothing toward the 12-hour one.

When I made a recent trip to the Northwest I remembered it was OTC in Canada, so I went across the border to purchase a year's supply for him. What would cost me 1.45 a pill in a prescription down here costs .44 a pill OTC in Canada. I didn't load up for myself, though, so I'll be going the Rx route soon for a refill unless I figure out if I can have it mailed to me. I have family in Calgary, but can it be as simple as sending them money and having them mail the medication to me? I told the folks at the U.S. border what I had purchased (10 boxes of Allegra-D) and they didn't even bat an eye. But I was carrying it over, and had purchased it myself.

How have U.S. Mudcatters managed getting Rx type material back from Canada? Is there a limit on the amount to be mailed for personal use? Does it make a difference that this is non-narcotic OTC medicine? I live in Texas now, so though I'd still save enough on a bulk purchase to still experience a savings even with an airline ticket factored in, I would prefer not to have to fly to Canada to make these purchases.

But if I did fly there, should I carry it back or can/should I mail this to myself and my neighbor? I don't mind declaring my purchases, I'm not trying to avoid the duty, I'd still save a great deal even with the duty.

Are there any Canadian Mudcatters participating in this sort of cross-border cost savings arrangement?

Thanks, all!

SRS