Getting your medications without travelling - options

[Boomer6969]

On 3/22/2020 at 11:23 AM, ezzra said:

Not sure i thai medicines can trusted to be the real McCoy and not the local version, seen it before, also, some specialty meds will probably not available here if they do their cost would be enough to make sick...

The best way to avoid fakes is to buy local generic brands. For instance, Sidegra which works just as well as any "original" Pfizer product, is unlikely to be faked since you can get if for 220 Bahts at Bangkokdrugstore.com. You can believe me I used about three boxes a month and my ladies seem to be quite happy.

[Bogbrush]

As I have posted before, my problems with sourcing prescription meds here are threefold; price (Xarelto 4 times more expensive) quantity (Bilocor only sold in packs of 100) and availability (Zolpidem/sleeping pills virtually unavailable, and when located were 90 baht a tab).

I therefore went the ‘Import’ route by (1) asking my overseas doctor for a scrip (2) getting a friend to collect/package (3) using a reputable forwarding agent with a correspondent in Thailand.

The result: 4 months of meds arrived within a week to my door - no duty, due to value declared (see Commercial Invoice below).

 

Give it a go - but you MUST use a decent agent who knows the ropes and corresponds with his counterpart in LoS.

[Bluetongue]

Sheryl

 

What about aspirin, I've been taking soluble asprin (150mg) as a blood thinner for years on Doctors advice but without prescription. As I've nearly run out of my supply, I've haven't been able to find it here (I live rural). All I've been able to find is small packets of 81mg. Sometimes they don't have it, and some shops say they don't stock any as it is a controlled drug here only available at Hospitals. Yet another pharmacy today referred to it as baby aspirin. I guess I'm asking would 2 of these tablets, suffice for my needs? I'm also emailing my Australian GP to ask this, and the other question is the soluble aspirin available in for instance the online place you recommended or in pharmacies in Bangkok for instance?

[SteveK]

3 minutes ago, Bluetongue said:

Sheryl

 

What about aspirin, I've been taking soluble asprin (150mg) as a blood thinner for years on Doctors advice but without prescription. As I've nearly run out of my supply, I've haven't been able to find it here (I live rural). All I've been able to find is small packets of 81mg. Sometimes they don't have it, and some shops say they don't stock any as it is a controlled drug here only available at Hospitals. Yet another pharmacy today referred to it as baby aspirin. I guess I'm asking would 2 of these tablets, suffice for my needs? I'm also emailing my Australian GP to ask this, and the other question is the soluble aspirin available in for instance the online place you recommended or in pharmacies in Bangkok for instance?

In the UK, patients take 75mg a day. Hence one 81mg will be fine. You could take two, but long-term it would increase the risk of stomach issues.  

[lopburi3]

5 minutes ago, Bluetongue said:

Sheryl

 

What about aspirin, I've been taking soluble asprin (150mg) as a blood thinner for years on Doctors advice but without prescription. As I've nearly run out of my supply, I've haven't been able to find it here (I live rural). All I've been able to find is small packets of 81mg. Sometimes they don't have it, and some shops say they don't stock any as it is a controlled drug here only available at Hospitals. Yet another pharmacy today referred to it as baby aspirin. I guess I'm asking would 2 of these tablets, suffice for my needs? I'm also emailing my Australian GP to ask this, and the other question is the soluble aspirin available in for instance the online place you recommended or in pharmacies in Bangkok for instance?

The normal recommended dosage for blood thinning is one 81mg per day and that is exactly what it is sold for.  No issue getting most places as long as you do not call it baby aspirin (they believe you are going to give to a baby when you say that - which could be deadly).  100mg is available from hospitals but have never heard of using 150mg but guess the normal tablet is 300mg in Oz and that would be half.  Just as 81mg is 1/4 of the normal US size. 

[suzannegoh]

On 3/22/2020 at 12:02 PM, Don Mega said:

My Pharmacist asks me if i want brand name or generic..... I'd be gobsmacked if they asked if I wanted fake.

 

In other countries they would use the word "generic" rather than "fake".

[suzannegoh]

On 3/23/2020 at 12:05 PM, Bogbrush said:

Getting some meds here can be problematic and expensive; I’ve just paid 6 500 baht for Xarelto 20mg (28 tabs) which is twice what I pay in my home country. I cannot get Zopidem in any pharmacy as they all refer me to a hospital which, for opioids, I understand and respect. I suspect it will be a mission to get them, with a doctors consultation probably mandatory as well. 
 

is it not possible to have prescription meds couriered from overseas? Surely, if accompanied by a copy of the scrip and possibly an accompanying doctor’s letter stating the urgency, Customs would be pragmatic? (yes, I know....)

I too have found that a number of drugs that I've been prescribed in the US cost much more in Thailand, sometimes multiple times as much even for generic versions of those drugs.  This surprised me when I first encountered it because I thought that Americans in America paid more for everything.

[gamb00ler]

On 3/22/2020 at 9:58 AM, Sheryl said:

(Referring to essential medications  you normally take)

 

If you are unable to get your medication where you are:

 

1. https://www.medconsultasia.com/order-your-prescription

Can get meds and mail them to you. Recently confirmed to include ART.

 

This link is broken.  I checked out their website and they seem to now offer a limited selection.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, gamb00ler said:

This link is broken.  I checked out their website and they seem to now offer a limited selection.

The do not have a "selection", they source the meds from a pharmacy or distributor for you, it is not coming from their own stock, they are a GP practice not a pharmacy. They can  provide all medications that are available in Thailand except controlled substances.

 

I have updated the link.

 

https://www.medconsultasia.com/faqs

 

Best to emai lthem your request, or call

 

 

[gamb00ler]

On 12/22/2020 at 2:53 PM, Sheryl said:

The do not have a "selection", they source the meds from a pharmacy or distributor for you, it is not coming from their own stock, they are a GP practice not a pharmacy. They can  provide all medications that are available in Thailand except controlled substances.

 

I have updated the link.

 

https://www.medconsultasia.com/faqs

 

Best to emai lthem your request, or call

 

 

Thank you for your help.  I have contacted them through Line app.  They will sell me Vaspril 10mg X 100 for 2410B which is cheaper than I have found so far locally in CM.

[Lacessit]

On 12/22/2020 at 2:53 PM, Sheryl said:

The do not have a "selection", they source the meds from a pharmacy or distributor for you, it is not coming from their own stock, they are a GP practice not a pharmacy. They can  provide all medications that are available in Thailand except controlled substances.

 

I have updated the link.

 

https://www.medconsultasia.com/faqs

 

Best to emai lthem your request, or call

 

 

They charge 300 baht for a prescription ordered through them, which seems a bit steep to me. They would have to get a good discount on what I obtain from a pharmacy.

Sheryl, are you able to find out through your contacts the cost of 28X Co-Diovan 160/12.5 mg? It's 840 baht in Chiang Rai.

[JWRC]

On 3/23/2020 at 9:58 AM, lopburi3 said:

But aside from cost there are probably medications available here that could be used for his treatment if he consults a local doctor.  And often there are local made medications at a fraction of imported brand name prices that can be used if money is a problem.  

Did he just see the local doctor or find a cardiologist, because you need to go to the appropriate specialist for your condition I have a serious heart problem which needs daily medication. This medication prescribed by my cardiologist in Australia while I was visiting, on returning here I found it wasn't available, so I went to a cardiologist who made some changes to the medication, however still with the same desired result. The medication I take now is available from selected chemists also the hospital, but the hospital ones are nearly double the price. Always go to someone who specializes in your condition, that way you get the right advice.

[lopburi3]

14 minutes ago, JWRC said:

Did he just see the local doctor or find a cardiologist,

Almost all doctors here are specialists - GP is extremely rare species so in Thailand we always see specialist unless using a local clinic (and even they are often specialists).  My meaning was a specialist here rather than there - sorry if that was not clear.

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, Lacessit said:

They charge 300 baht for a prescription ordered through them, which seems a bit steep to me. They would have to get a good discount on what I obtain from a pharmacy.

Sheryl, are you able to find out through your contacts the cost of 28X Co-Diovan 160/12.5 mg? It's 840 baht in Chiang Rai.

 I do nto know the cost of Co-Diovan.

But for sure it would be much cheaper to get local brands of the 2 ingrediants rather than buy this imported combo.  Co-Diovan is  valsartan plus  hydrochlorthiazide

 

Valsartan local brands:

• Valsartan GPO
• Dioforge-160

Hydrochlorthiazide - too many local brands to list, all of them dirt cheap

 

Pay attention to the dosages, Co-Diovan comes in 2 different strengths so make sure to get the right dose of each of the two drugs

 

 

[Sheryl]

An abusive post has been removed

[connda]

On 3/22/2020 at 9:58 AM, Sheryl said:

(Referring to essential medications  you normally take)

 

If you are unable to get your medication where you are:

 

1. https://www.medconsultasia.com

Can get meds and mail them to you. Recently confirmed to include ART.

 

2. http://www.bangkokdrugstore.com/

will ship by mail. More limited range of meds but still quite a few.

 

I would advise everyone to make sure they have at least 2-3 month supply of medications they require on hand now. More if is is an imported drug. Travel within Thailand may get harder  and supply chains may get interrupted. No need to go to extremes and hoard a year's worth but do give yourself a cushion and don't let stock dwindle down too far before re-supplying.

1. https://www.medconsultasia.com

Broken link that goes to a 404 not found page.

 

2. http://www.bangkokdrugstore.com/

Very limited.  Can't even find a widely available drug like Doxazosin.

Nice idea but no selection to speak of.

[connda]

Just now, connda said:

1. https://www.medconsultasia.com

Broken link that goes to a 404 not found page.

 

2. http://www.bangkokdrugstore.com/

Very limited.  Can't even find a widely available drug like Doxazosin.

Nice idea but no selection to speak of.

And considering the real possibility of lockdowns in near future given the chickens believe the sky is falling in again, I want to stock up with at a least three months of medication within the next two days.

[Sheryl]

13 minutes ago, connda said:

1. https://www.medconsultasia.com

Broken link that goes to a 404 not found page.

 

2. http://www.bangkokdrugstore.com/

Very limited.  Can't even find a widely available drug like Doxazosin.

Nice idea but no selection to speak of.

I have updated the link

https://www.medconsultasia.com/

and also given their Line ID and Whats App number

 

Bangkok Drugstore has more drugs than shown on the website those are just the most common ones sold.

 

See updated OP as i also list another pharmacy with Line app.

[connda]

On 12/22/2020 at 2:53 PM, Sheryl said:

The do not have a "selection", they source the meds from a pharmacy or distributor for you, it is not coming from their own stock, they are a GP practice not a pharmacy. They can  provide all medications that are available in Thailand except controlled substances.

 

I have updated the link.

 

https://www.medconsultasia.com/faqs

 

Best to emai lthem your request, or call

 

 

Is CBD oil for insomnia still considered a "controlled substance" considering it has been removed for the Cat 5 narcotics list?
The reason I ask is that the standard Thai government hospital will give you benzodiazapines which are narcotics as well as highly addictive. I can obtain benzos like they are candy.  I understand what they are, what they can do, and their potential.  I hate using them, but a chronic insomnia is an utter bear to deal with and it gets worst as I age.
CBD even with small amounts of THC are not addictive.  They are just so regulated at to make them unattainable.  If I was in the US I'd just take CBD or a bedtime toke and it's good.  It works.  Here?  Addictive benzos.  You can't make this up.
I don't know if I can find CBD online. 
I also looked at the site you provided and still can not find a source of the Pencor 5 I take.  If I can not find it online I'll need to head to Chiang Mai tomorrow.  I need a three month (or more) stock because I get the feeling that lockdowns are coming.

 

 

Edited December 24, 2020 by connda

[Sheryl]

2 minutes ago, connda said:

Is CBD oil for insomnia still considered a "controlled substance" considering it has been removed for the Cat 5 narcotics list?
The reason I ask is that the standard Thai government hospital will give you benzodiazapines which are narcotics as well as addictive. 
C

 

It isn o longer Ctageory 5 but dispensing is limited to specific approved clinics (which many government hospitals have). I do not think you can get it legally online. where in Thailand are you?

 

Incidentally a specific doctor at the hospital you went to might have prescribed benzos but it is by no means common to do so and certainly not a standard "government hospital" thing to do.

[connda]

6 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

It isn o longer Ctageory 5 but dispensing is limited to specific approved clinics (which many government hospitals have). I do not think you can get it legally online. where in Thailand are you?

 

Incidentally a specific doctor at the hospital you went to might have prescribed benzos but it is by no means common to do so and certainly not a standard "government hospital" thing to do.

Lamphun / Chiang Mai.

I go to government clinics.  Their arsenal of drugs are limited to benzos.  Yeah, there are others like zolpidem (Ambian) but the price at private hospitals is so insane.  I bought a prescription a few years ago at CM Ram 5000 THB for on month's prescription.
I can't afford that.
And trust me.  Benzos are easy to obtain as opposed to to other drugs, like non-narcotic CBD which is just about impossible to obtain. I've gone to multiple doctors and that is all that's in their tool kit unless you go to a private hosptial or large government hospital.  I've contacted the single clinic in CM Nakornping hospital  dispensing CBD to be told that insomnia isn't on the list.  But, contacted a clinic in Pattaya that was advertised on TV and they do. But - they will only prescribe if I visit in person. 
Why the difference?  It's all counter intuitive.

 

[Sheryl]

It is indeed posisble that insomnia (something very few Thais suffer from) is not on the list of indications and at a government hospital that would be a constraint.

 

 

There is something called "Cannabiz Connection "  in CM .  Seems to be a private clinic and I have no feedback on it

51/1 Wua Lai Rd, Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 5010

Phone: 061 010 9709

[Sheryl]

Updated to include new source https://medtide.com/

 

i have no feedback yet in them, just started up

[Sheryl]

On 5/21/2021 at 5:09 PM, Sheryl said:

Updated to include new source https://medtide.com/

 

i have no feedback yet in them, just started up

 

Starting to hear good feedback

[Sheryl]

SC poharmacy in Bangkok will take orders by email and ship meds

[email protected]. 

[NONG CHOK]

On 3/22/2020 at 11:25 AM, Don Mega said:

Buy from the hospital Pharmacy and you should be safe from fakes.

The times that I've purchased medications from a Thai hospital I've found them to charge well over the normal prices. If I were you I'd try Fascino. Go to their website and check their locations maybe there's one in your area.

[NE1]

This sight is so informative at times.

I read the Headlines about picking up meds without travelling , so I read your posts and looked into my own scenario.

I have been visiting the Bangkok Mungraj hospital in Ratchaburi every month to pick up a repeat prescription , 

but like most hospitals , you cannot get a repeat prescription until the Doctor has seen you.

 

So every month I have been paying 200 baht for Reception and Blood Pressure and weight check.

400 baht for a minute with the Doctor.

1,857 baht for Medication 

801 baht for case medication what ever that is I do not know , and I have asked numerous times and nobody can give a answer in English that I can unsderstand.

So a total of 3,258 baht , with a 120 kilometre round trip.

 

A new Pharmacy has opened within the last year about 10 klms from us.

I took my tablets there today and asked him if he could get them for me.

He produced them within 5 mins and charged me 850 baht for One months supply......

 

Medication alone is 1,808 baht more expensive in the hospital , 

I don't mind a bit of a mark up to cover costs , but is this extracting the urine ?

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

8 hours ago, NE1 said:

This sight is so informative at times.

I read the Headlines about picking up meds without travelling , so I read your posts and looked into my own scenario.

I have been visiting the Bangkok Mungraj hospital in Ratchaburi every month to pick up a repeat prescription , 

but like most hospitals , you cannot get a repeat prescription until the Doctor has seen you.

 

So every month I have been paying 200 baht for Reception and Blood Pressure and weight check.

400 baht for a minute with the Doctor.

1,857 baht for Medication 

801 baht for case medication what ever that is I do not know , and I have asked numerous times and nobody can give a answer in English that I can unsderstand.

So a total of 3,258 baht , with a 120 kilometre round trip.

 

A new Pharmacy has opened within the last year about 10 klms from us.

I took my tablets there today and asked him if he could get them for me.

He produced them within 5 mins and charged me 850 baht for One months supply......

 

Medication alone is 1,808 baht more expensive in the hospital , 

I don't mind a bit of a mark up to cover costs , but is this extracting the urine ?

 

 

 

This is very typical. Sometimes the mark up is even higher. Even 3-4 fold is not unusual.

 

never buy medications at a private hospital pharmacy unless you have to (i.e. it is a controlled drug not sold over the counter)

 

Most medications that require a prescription back home, do nto ere.

 

[lopburi3]

8 hours ago, Sheryl said:

This is very typical. Sometimes the mark up is even higher. Even 3-4 fold is not unusual.

Or even more for less expensive drugs - but for high priced imports find markup much less and normally about 1 1/2 times drug store price (if you can find in drug store).  So if one off might be worth using hospital IMHO.  Being treated like a baby killer if asking for aspirin at drug stores did not make for pleasant outings.  In my case insurance makes it more of a wash and a lot easier to use hospital.  

[Bogbrush]

My problem revolves around two drugs:  Xarelto, which are roughly 4 times the overseas price, and sleeping pills - Zolpidem - which are virtually nonexistent in Thailand. 200 baht/30 overseas, here a doctor offered a strip at 80 baht a tablet…