<p>Canada on Saturday blocked bulk exports of prescription drugs if they would create a shortage at home, in response to outgoing US President Donald Trump's efforts to allow imports from Canada to lower some drug prices for Americans.</p>.<p>"Certain drugs intended for the Canadian market are prohibited from being distributed for consumption outside of Canada if that sale would cause or worsen a drug shortage," Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement.</p>.<p>"Companies will now also be required to provide information to assess existing or potential shortages when requested, and within 24 hours if there is a serious or imminent health risk," the statement said.</p>.<p>The Canadian measure went into effect on Friday, just days before a US "Importation Prescription Drugs" rule that would eventually allow licensed US pharmacists or wholesalers to import in bulk certain prescription drugs intended for the Canadian market.</p>.<p>Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services had an immediate response to a request for comment.</p>.<p>Trump touted the plan in his first debate with President-elect Joe Biden, who has also said during his campaign that he would set up a similar import plan to try to reduce prescription drug costs for Americans.</p>.<p>"Canada is a small market, representing 2% of global drug sales, that sources 68% of its drugs internationally. The need for vigilance in maintaining the national drug supply continues," the statement said.</p>.<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September he was willing to help other nations with pharmaceutical supplies if possible, adding that his priority was protecting the needs of Canadians.</p>.<p>Many of Canada's drug suppliers opposed Trump's plan, saying it could lead to shortages.</p>
<p>Canada on Saturday blocked bulk exports of prescription drugs if they would create a shortage at home, in response to outgoing US President Donald Trump's efforts to allow imports from Canada to lower some drug prices for Americans.</p>.<p>"Certain drugs intended for the Canadian market are prohibited from being distributed for consumption outside of Canada if that sale would cause or worsen a drug shortage," Health Minister Patty Hajdu said in a statement.</p>.<p>"Companies will now also be required to provide information to assess existing or potential shortages when requested, and within 24 hours if there is a serious or imminent health risk," the statement said.</p>.<p>The Canadian measure went into effect on Friday, just days before a US "Importation Prescription Drugs" rule that would eventually allow licensed US pharmacists or wholesalers to import in bulk certain prescription drugs intended for the Canadian market.</p>.<p>Neither the White House nor the Department of Health and Human Services had an immediate response to a request for comment.</p>.<p>Trump touted the plan in his first debate with President-elect Joe Biden, who has also said during his campaign that he would set up a similar import plan to try to reduce prescription drug costs for Americans.</p>.<p>"Canada is a small market, representing 2% of global drug sales, that sources 68% of its drugs internationally. The need for vigilance in maintaining the national drug supply continues," the statement said.</p>.<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in September he was willing to help other nations with pharmaceutical supplies if possible, adding that his priority was protecting the needs of Canadians.</p>.<p>Many of Canada's drug suppliers opposed Trump's plan, saying it could lead to shortages.</p>