Is Saphris (Asenapine) available in Thailand?

[cozysox]

I'm just wondering if anyone knows if this medication is available here? Also, any tips on how to stay well in Thailand with bipolar disorder?

 

Thanks so much!

 

[Oxx]

According to MIMS no brand of asenapine is available in Thailand.

[Sheryl]

As above, nto available here so if you are doing well on it might want to think twice about moving here. If coming here for just a short visit, bring it with you (labeled prescription bottle and have doctor's letter with you). You are allowed to bring in 30 day supply of medication andi n practice can get by with 2-3 months worth.

 

Quality and availability of psych care in Thailand is poor outside the major cities.

[cozysox]

17 hours ago, Oxx said:

According to MIMS no brand of asenapine is available in Thailand.

Thank you!

[cozysox]

12 hours ago, Sheryl said:

As above, nto available here so if you are doing well on it might want to think twice about moving here. If coming here for just a short visit, bring it with you (labeled prescription bottle and have doctor's letter with you). You are allowed to bring in 30 day supply of medication andi n practice can get by with 2-3 months worth.

 

Quality and availability of psych care in Thailand is poor outside the major cities.

Thank you kindly. I am doing well on Saphris. Would it be possible to bring a 6 month supply if I am living there for a longer period of time? I will be in Bangkok so I know there are good psychiatric services there. I may just need to switch medications, although the thought of switching medications is a little worrisome for me. Again, thank you! 

[Oxx]

Could you get someone to post a couple of months supply every two months? (Use regular mail and it's unlikely to attract attention.  And send the first supply immediately, just in case there are problems with the mail.)  Note, however, that this is illegal.

 

Alternatively, Saphris is available in Malaysia, which is only a short flight away.  You'd need to research what needs to be done to buy it there.

[Sheryl]

Legally you can neither bring in more than 30 days supply nor have any mailed to you.

 

In practice, customs (if they even check your bags) will usually not ocunt out number of tablets and as long as it is clearly not a controlled/banned substance and amounts are consistent with personal use, will let it in. Also, in practice, small amounts sent by regular mail (not courier!) will usually be allowed through by customs.

 

If it were me, I'd  try bringing in 6 month supply all in clearly labelled prescription bottles and with an accompanying doctor's letter. If worse comes to worse and your bags are checked and the quantity questioned, they might confiscate the excess - when they do so it is held at customs and can be retrieved on leaving the country.

 

Basically their interest is in (1) prevent contraband (illegal substances, controlled substances) from coming in and (2) preventing people from bringing in any pharmaceutical product for resale.  they do not really much care about non-controlled items for strictly personal use. Your biggest problem would be if they suspected it of being something other than what it is, so be sure re the labelling and accompanying doctor letter.

[cozysox]

On June 13, 2018 at 9:28 PM, Oxx said:

Could you get someone to post a couple of months supply every two months? (Use regular mail and it's unlikely to attract attention.  And send the first supply immediately, just in case there are problems with the mail.)  Note, however, that this is illegal.

 

Alternatively, Saphris is available in Malaysia, which is only a short flight away.  You'd need to research what needs to be done to buy it there.

Thank you for the ideas! Really appreciate it! ? 

[cozysox]

On June 14, 2018 at 12:58 AM, Sheryl said:

Legally you can neither bring in more than 30 days supply nor have any mailed to you.

 

In practice, customs (if they even check your bags) will usually not ocunt out number of tablets and as long as it is clearly not a controlled/banned substance and amounts are consistent with personal use, will let it in. Also, in practice, small amounts sent by regular mail (not courier!) will usually be allowed through by customs.

 

If it were me, I'd  try bringing in 6 month supply all in clearly labelled prescription bottles and with an accompanying doctor's letter. If worse comes to worse and your bags are checked and the quantity questioned, they might confiscate the excess - when they do so it is held at customs and can be retrieved on leaving the country.

 

Basically their interest is in (1) prevent contraband (illegal substances, controlled substances) from coming in and (2) preventing people from bringing in any pharmaceutical product for resale.  they do not really much care about non-controlled items for strictly personal use. Your biggest problem would be if they suspected it of being something other than what it is, so be sure re the labelling and accompanying doctor letter.

Thank you Sheryl! This is remarkably helpful!