Sending prescription medications from UK to Thailand

[VBF]

Hello all,

 

Just been studying this archived thread:

 

Having read all the comments and suggestions within it, I would appreciate an update if anyone can help i.e if anything has changed in this area since 2017?

 

I have a friend in Jomtien who needs his prescription medications sent from UK to Thailand.  He normally returns to UK in July to collect them - of course that's impossible at present - he might get to UK (and quarantine) but then couldn't get back to Thailand. 

His sister has attempted to send by DHL but they say they cannot send medicine to Thailand.

 

Post Office also say prescription meds may not be sent internationally https://www.postoffice.co.uk/dam/jcr:f06f4f90-ba0b-416b-af4c-a22aab0a40ce/Prohibited-and-restricted-items.pdf

 

So anyone here got any helpful advice please?  Kindly resist the usual attempts at humour / sarcasm as this is a serious topic - included in these meds are those for diabetes and stroke.

He IS looking at getting them in Thailand but is worried that the locally available products may not be exact equivalents.

 

Hopefully someone knowledgeable (like @Sheryl perhaps ) might care to comment.

 

Thanks in anticipation 

 

VBF

[Puccini]

The first step should be to check whether the medicines your friend needs or other brands with the same active ingredients are available in Thailand.

[Sheryl]

Yes as above -- most medications are available here, though usually in a different brand name, and where not there is usually something very similiar that will suffice. Only rarely is it really necessary to receive from abroad.

 

If you can post the names of the medications I can advise specifically. Note that most things that are prescription only in the UK can be bought over the counter in Thailand.

 

The only thing that has changed since 2017 is the disruption in flights and postal service due to COVID. Though I believe air mail to and from the UK is now back on.

 

It remains technically illegal to receive meds by mail.  This would be why DHL told you no. Other couriers might agree ti send it but it would then get stuck in customs, at the recipient:s expense, with demands for an FDA import license that cannot be obtained.

 

Send by regular air mail and provided the package is small, good chance he will get it though I can:;t say how quickly given COVID and limited incoming flights.

 

[VBF]

19 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Yes as above -- most medications are available here, though usually in a different brand name, and where not there is usually something very similiar that will suffice. Only rarely is it really necessary to receive from abroad.

 

If you can post the names of the medications I can advise specifically. Note that most things that are prescription only in the UK can be bought over the counter in Thailand.

 

The only thing that has changed since 2017 is the disruption in flights and postal service due to COVID. Though I believe air mail to and from the UK is now back on.

 

It remains technically illegal to receive meds by mail.  This would be why DHL told you no. Other couriers might agree ti send it but it would then get stuck in customs, at the recipient:s expense, with demands for an FDA import license that cannot be obtained.

 

Send by regular air mail and provided the package is small, good chance he will get it though I can:;t say how quickly given COVID and limited incoming flights.

 

Thanks Sheryl  - I shall tell my friend to do as you say - post the names, that is. ????

[VBF]

21 hours ago, Sheryl said:

If you can post the names of the medications I can advise specifically. Note that most things that are prescription only in the UK can be bought over the counter in Thailand.

 

Hello again @Sheryl 

Apparently my friend can get most of his meds in Thailand as you surmised, just these 2 are the problem.

 

Isentress 400mg (takes 2/day)

Descovy 200mg / 25mg (takes 1/day)

 

Any suggestions would be welcomed.  ????

 

[Sheryl]

Isentress is available here but like all HIV meds must be obtained at a hospital or clinic, cannot buy over the counter.

 

Descovy is Emtricitabine plus Tenofovir. This specific brand is not available in Thailand but almost identical brands are: Truvada, Ricovir-Em, Teno-Em, Tenof Em ( these are all the same but the first is an expensive import the others local generic equivalent).  There is a slight difference in the Tenofovir formulation between Descovy and these but should be fine to substitute and I'm sure his doctor back home would agree if he contacts him and explains that only Emi plus Tenofovir disoproxil are available here.

 

The best places to go for these meds would be the following in Bangkok. If he is unable to go to Bangkok let me know.

 

Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic (see the pinned HIV thread for details)

 

Silom community clinic http://www.silomclinic.in.th

(Geared specifically to gay men and Trans)

 

Both are very low cost, up to date and completely non-judgemental. The Silom Clinic as indicated caters specifically to gay men and TG, while the Red Cross clinic caters to all sexual orientations.

 

 Also possible to get meds from any private  hospital upon consulting an HIV specialist but will cost much more. 

 

I suggest you direct your friend to the pinned thread in this forum on HIV treatment in Thailand.

[VBF]

13 hours ago, Sheryl said:

I suggest you direct your friend to the pinned thread in this forum on HIV treatment in Thailand.

Thanks Sheryl - I've just been chatting to my friend and have passed on all your advice - much obliged to you. 

[bert bloggs]

Send them by royal mail ,not listed as meds ,never a problem in 10 years or more ,