President Trump’s new 100% tariff on imported name-brand medications is set to take effect on October 1, potentially doubling the cost of some prescriptions.

HOUSTON — Starting tomorrow, prescription drug prices could rise dramatically. President Trump’s new 100% tariff on imported name-brand medications is set to take effect on October 1, potentially doubling the cost of some prescriptions. The tariff applies to drugs manufactured overseas unless the company is actively building facilities in the United States.

For millions of Americans who rely on daily medication, the move could mean serious sticker shock.

New mom Vanessa Celestino says she’s worried about what the increase could mean for families already struggling to afford care.

“I think all the policies that have been imposed already are just getting worse, especially for people who can’t afford them. I know a lot of Medicaid has been cut off, so it already puts people at risk, and I just think it’s unfair,” Vanessa Celestino said.

For Tkeyah Hamilton, the stakes are personal. Her mother is fighting Stage 4 breast cancer and depends on expensive treatments.

“If she does have medications that are produced overseas, it would make it very hard for her survival, having to pay for something that she probably can’t afford,” Hamilton said.

While patients brace for higher costs, some experts say the overall impact could be limited. Dr. Margaret Kidd, a lecturer and supply chain expert at the University of Houston, notes that most prescriptions filled in the U.S. are not affected.

“The good news is the majority of prescriptions written here in the U.S., about 90%, are actually generics, which are not impacted by the tariffs,” Kidd explained.

Still, for patients who rely on specialty name-brand drugs, the uncertainty is real. Kidd recommends checking where medications are manufactured.

“Many of your insurers now will allow you to order a 90-day supply. So, if that’s available on your plan, you should definitely consider doing that in advance just in case,” she said.

The unanswered question is how much of the tariff cost will ultimately be passed down to consumers.

“The access will be there. The question is how much of this tariff gets passed along to the consumer, and when you’re talking about a 100% tariff, this could be a substantive impact for someone with specialty drugs without a doubt,” Kidd said.

For now, patients and families are left waiting to see whether the new policy will make life-saving drugs even harder to afford.

Got a news tip or story idea? Email us at newstips@khou.com and include the best way to reach you.