DEAR SUN SPOTS: Can anyone help me? I’m in need of some very expensive medications and have no extra money to buy some. Last week I received a flier from Global Pharmacy in Canada. The medications come from India. Has anyone bought some? Have you lost money or anything? — Jean, Auburn

ANSWER: Sun Spots did some research for you, visiting www.napra.org, the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities. That site says that all Canadian online pharmacies must be managed by a bricks-and-mortar operation and that any that meet that criteria will have a special green symbol (http://tinyurl.com/4e5omx7) on their sites.

Sun Spots did not see that symbol on Global Pharmacy’s site.

Apparently, a number of online pharmacies claim to be Canadian, but are not. According to at least one post online, medications received from Global have not been up to snuff.

Mr. Sun Spots’ doctor recommended MedSavers Pharmacy, an Austin, Texas, pharmacy that offers mail-order service. Sun Spots has found their rates for generic drugs to be competitive, but they don’t accept any insurance, only cash, MasterCard or Visa. You can check them out at www.medsaversrx.com or call 512-465-9292 to get a price. They are open weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Texas is one hour behind us.)

If the drug you need is not yet available as a generic, things get a whole lot more expensive. One option is to contact the company that makes it. Many have programs to provide assistance to those who lack insurance.

You did not say if you were a senior citizen, but if you are, you might want to look into Medicare Part D. There is help available for paying the premiums for prescription coverage if you meet the criteria.

AARP also has an online tool for researching the best prices — although it does not provide a recommended pharmacy — at http://drugsavings.aarp.org.

Another resource for checking on online pharmacies is www.pharmacychecker.com, but don’t consider it foolproof either.

Sun Spots recommends that patients check with their doctors if they are having trouble obtaining their medications — he or she may be able to provide assistance or samples — or before ordering from an unknown service, especially one overseas.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Attention all bakers and candy makers, Tommy’s Feral Feline Friends is having its annual Easter bake sale on Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Pet Quarters on Center Street in Auburn and needs your help. If you love to bake or make candy, why not do it for a great cause?

For those who are not aware, Tommy’s is a nonprofit shelter that provides food, housing and medical care for hundreds of feral cats and is always in need of donations.

Every year hundreds of feral cats are produced as the result of cats that have not been spayed or neutered. Other cats are abandoned because people move and can’t take them with them or just don’t want them anymore.

These cats would be left to starve and die horribly if it wasn’t for the wonderful people at Tommy’s. They do everything they possibly can to make sure they are taken care of, but, unfortunately, it is very expensive to do this and they need your help.

Something as simple as making a batch of cookies to donate for the bake sale can go a long way in helping Tommy’s care for these cats. If baking is not your thing, come to the bake sale and help support their efforts. There will be an Easter egg hunt and face painting, so bring your kids and grandkids. If you don’t have any children, bring your neighbor’s kids!

Please contact Norm at 650-8374 for more information. — Sherry, Mechanic Falls sherito@aol.com

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be e-mailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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