To the editor:

Recently, Gov. Sebelius announced Kansas has partnered with three other states in the I-Save Rx program to provide Kansans access to medications from Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland at a lower cost. On the surface, this looks like a reasonable solution for those who cannot afford their medications. However, as a registered pharmacist, I feel obligated to warn the citizens of Kansas about the risks of such a program.

First, this practice violates the federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act and is therefore illegal. Unbelievably, our governor is recommending Kansans violate federal law with no liability whatsoever.

Importation exposes our citizens to counterfeit, subpotent, adulterated and misbranded medications. Although these are concerns here, opening the borders and going around the state and federal regulatory programs creates a control issue for which we are not prepared.

We have arrived at this point because the political system has failed us. With over 500 lobbyists in Washington, the pharmaceutical industry dictates the laws that affect their industry. Research and development are important and have provided us with powerful medicines. However, in recent years, the marketing expenditures have outpaced those for research.

Kansans deserve better health care than a link to a foreign Web site in hopes of obtaining safe and effective medications. I strongly believe that the endorsement of this illegal and risky practice by a public official is a great injustice to Kansans. Please review the information at www.fda.gov/importeddrugs/ carefully before participating in this program.

James Lichauer,

Lawrence