Alphagan P 0.15% Eyedrops for Glaucoma.

[Jumbo1968]

Does anyone know a supplier of the eyedrops in the title in Pattaya area, I have tried pharmacies including online but it’s out of stock even at the hospital pharmacy.

[connda]

I use Lanotan which can be found in most Thai pharmacies. Similar medical profiles but much cheaper than Alphagan-P which you can't find anyway. 
You may want to ask @Sheryl who is our local medical expert.  ;)

Edited January 26 by connda

[Jumbo1968]

8 hours ago, connda said:

I use Lanotan which can be found in most Thai pharmacies. Similar medical profiles but much cheaper than Alphagan-P which you can't find anyway. 
You may want to ask @Sheryl who is our local medical expert.  ;)

Do you have any side effects from Lanotan ?

[Sheryl]

Alphagan-P is Brimonidine. Another brand (locally made) of this in Thailand is Brinidin.

 

Lanotan is a different drug than Alphagan-P. Do not change glaucoma drugs unless advised by your ophthalmologist. That said, latanaprost (brand names here: Lanotan and Prosdrop is generally the more effective treatment compared to brimonidine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Jumbo1968]

22 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Alphagan-P is Brimonidine. Another brand (locally made) of this in Thailand is Brinidin.

 

Lanotan is a different drug than Alphagan-P. Do not change glaucoma drugs unless advised by your ophthalmologist. That said, latanaprost (brand names here: Lanotan and Prosdrop is generally the more effective treatment compared to brimonidine.

 

 

 

Unfortunately my Doctor has no available appointments till the 3rd week in February,  I went to Jomtien Pattaya Hospital where he works on a Thursday. I couldn’t get to see him face to face even after he explaining to the nurse that I required advice. He wrote  Bimo Max on a piece of paper, currently I can’t even source that in Pattaya or online.

I certainly wouldn’t change my eyedrops without advice, he prescribed one before which contained a beta blocker which gave me low blood pressure.

 

 

 

 

 

[Sheryl]

That would have been Bimo Mac, not Bimo Max and it is another brand of same thing.

 

Which online sources have you tried? Did you ask Medisafe? (ask by generic name Brimonidine not brand name)

 

Can also ask Medconsult, they can usually get anything and will mail it but there is a 300 baht add on for the service   https://www.medconsultasia.com/pharmacy-refil-service/

 

 

 

 

[connda]

7 hours ago, Jumbo1968 said:

Do you have any side effects from Lanotan ?

My eye's sting a little and water a bit, but its a minor nuisance that usually resolves within 15 to 30 minutes. 

[connda]

3 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Alphagan-P is Brimonidine. Another brand (locally made) of this in Thailand is Brinidin.

 

Lanotan is a different drug than Alphagan-P. Do not change glaucoma drugs unless advised by your ophthalmologist. That said, latanaprost (brand names here: Lanotan and Prosdrop is generally the more effective treatment compared to brimonidine.

 

And I agree with Sheryl.  Talk with your entomologist about the pros and cons of different glaucoma treatment plans and drugs that fit your physiological profile.  Best of luck!

[Jumbo1968]

40 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

That would have been Bimo Mac, not Bimo Max and it is another brand of same thing.

 

Which online sources have you tried? Did you ask Medisafe? (ask by generic name Brimonidine not brand name)

 

Can also ask Medconsult, they can usually get anything and will mail it but there is a 300 baht add on for the service   https://www.medconsultasia.com/pharmacy-refil-service/

 

 

 

 

Tried Medisafe, no stock, called Medconsult, waiting fora call back, I won’t hold my breath on that though as they said I would need to see a Doctor.

[Jumbo1968]

4 minutes ago, connda said:

And I agree with Sheryl.  Talk with your entomologist about the pros and cons of different glaucoma treatment plans and drugs that fit your physiological profile.  Best of luck!

Unfortunately I can’t get to speak to him directly, appointment only and none available till mid February at Bangkok Pattaya, I will try for Thursday at Bangkok Jomtien as he is there.

[connda]

Wow.  I can pretty much walk in the the hospital and see my doctor.  Strange such a long wait.  Well, again, good luck.

[Sheryl]

7 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

Tried Medisafe, no stock, called Medconsult, waiting fora call back, I won’t hold my breath on that though as they said I would need to see a Doctor.

You do NOT need to see doctor in person for this, it can be handled on phone. Make sure they understand it is for refill of existing medication.

[Jumbo1968]

11 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

You do NOT need to see doctor in person for this, it can be handled on phone. Make sure they understand it is for refill of existing medication.

I am aware of that Sheryl but the lady on the phone was insistent, I explained it wasn’t a prescription drug, she said would contact the pharmacy and call me back, she hasn’t as yet.

i have managed to get an appointment for Thursday the 1st of February to discuss my medication.

[msbkk]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

You do NOT need to see doctor in person for this, it can be handled on phone. Make sure they understand it is for refill of existing medication.

I think it is not so easy anymore:

 

From the website 

If you are a patient with MedConsult, 
We kindly request you to contact us so that we may assist you in verifying your prescription or identifying your previous prescription. If you are not currently registered as a patient, we warmly invite you to visit our clinics for a consultation with our doctors.

-Controlled Medicine: Advanced refill for 1 month.

-General Medicines: Advanced refill for 3 months.

Request a refill for your medication with MedConsult via our contact methods or in person at our clinic. The doctor will discuss the best option and provide an advanced repeat prescription.

Once your prescription is ready, you have the option to have it conveniently delivered to your home (available for General Medicine prescriptions only) or pick it up at Medconsult Clinic. And that’s it – with Our Refill Service, getting your repeat medication has never been easier! Chat with us for clear your question.

Edited January 27 by msbkk

[Jumbo1968]

32 minutes ago, msbkk said:

I think it is not so easy anymore:

 

From the website 

If you are a patient with MedConsult, 
We kindly request you to contact us so that we may assist you in verifying your prescription or identifying your previous prescription. If you are not currently registered as a patient, we warmly invite you to visit our clinics for a consultation with our doctors.

-Controlled Medicine: Advanced refill for 1 month.

-General Medicines: Advanced refill for 3 months.

Request a refill for your medication with MedConsult via our contact methods or in person at our clinic. The doctor will discuss the best option and provide an advanced repeat prescription.

Once your prescription is ready, you have the option to have it conveniently delivered to your home (available for General Medicine prescriptions only) or pick it up at Medconsult Clinic. And that’s it – with Our Refill Service, getting your repeat medication has never been easier! Chat with us for clear your question.

Me being cynical they want you to consult with a Doctor to generate income.

As  said I am going on Thursday, one thing for sure I am not going through the procedure of being weighed, BP checked etc and being charged for it. I will pay for the consultation though.

[Sheryl]

49 minutes ago, Jumbo1968 said:

Me being cynical they want you to consult with a Doctor to generate income.

As  said I am going on Thursday, one thing for sure I am not going through the procedure of being weighed, BP checked etc and being charged for it. I will pay for the consultation though.

Medconsult does not levy additional charges for this. However, it is a one doctor place, a British GP, not opthalmologist so not really who can advise on what medication to take. If you are going to have to have a consultation anyhow, it would make more sense to have it with an ophthalmologist at Rutnin (eye hospital), if any place has the drops they will, and if the drops are truly off market now in Thailand the doctor could advise on alternatives. https://www.rutnin.com/en/home/

 

However if you are going all the way into Bangkok, you might like to first check at some of the larger pharmacies there e.g.

 

• RungRote Pharmacy on Soi Onnut (about 75 meters in from Sukhumvit, on right hand side)
• Siam Pharmacy on Ploenchit
• Southeast Pharmacy on Sukhmvit between I think Sois 13-25 (you might be able to call them first to ask, 095 905 8829) or message them https://www.facebook.com/SEPharmacy/  as they speak English
• Chulalongkorn Community Pharmacy (Opposite MBK, cross the footbridge to Siam Square)

 

[Jumbo1968]

11 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Medconsult does not levy additional charges for this. However, it is a one doctor place, a British GP, not opthalmologist so not really who can advise on what medication to take. If you are going to have to have a consultation anyhow, it would make more sense to have it with an ophthalmologist at Rutnin (eye hospital), if any place has the drops they will, and if the drops are truly off market now in Thailand the doctor could advise on alternatives. https://www.rutnin.com/en/home/

 

However if you are going all the way into Bangkok, you might like to first check at some of the larger pharmacies there e.g.

 

• RungRote Pharmacy on Soi Onnut (about 75 meters in from Sukhumvit, on right hand side)
• Siam Pharmacy on Ploenchit
• Southeast Pharmacy on Sukhmvit between I think Sois 13-25 (you might be able to call them first to ask, 095 905 8829) or message them https://www.facebook.com/SEPharmacy/  as they speak English
• Chulalongkorn Community Pharmacy (Opposite MBK, cross the footbridge to Siam Square)

 

Thanks for the info Sheryl but  I am not going to Bangkok, I use the Eye Doctor at Bangkok Pattaya/Jomtien Hospitals who I consult with for my glaucoma the same Doctor who did my cataracts a few month back.

i had an eye check with an Ophthalmologist at Euro Optics last week for new eyeware, I go on Monday to collect them, I will seek her advice.

[Sheryl]

1 minute ago, Jumbo1968 said:

Thanks for the info Sheryl but  I am not going to Bangkok, I use the Eye Doctor at Bangkok Pattaya/Jomtien Hospitals who I consult with for my glaucoma the same Doctor who did my cataracts a few month back.

i had an eye check with an Ophthalmologist at Euro Optics last week for new eyeware, I go on Monday to collect them, I will seek her advice.

Sorry, I misunderstood - thought you were saying you were going not MedConsult, which is in Bangkok.

[charleskerins]

30 minutes ago, Sheryl said:

Medconsult does not levy additional charges for this. However, it is a one doctor place, a British GP, not opthalmologist so not really who can advise on what medication to take. If you are going to have to have a consultation anyhow, it would make more sense to have it with an ophthalmologist at Rutnin (eye hospital), if any place has the drops they will, and if the drops are truly off market now in Thailand the doctor could advise on alternatives. https://www.rutnin.com/en/home/

 

However if you are going all the way into Bangkok, you might like to first check at some of the larger pharmacies there e.g.

 

• RungRote Pharmacy on Soi Onnut (about 75 meters in from Sukhumvit, on right hand side)
• Siam Pharmacy on Ploenchit
• Southeast Pharmacy on Sukhmvit between I think Sois 13-25 (you might be able to call them first to ask, 095 905 8829) or message them https://www.facebook.com/SEPharmacy/  as they speak English
• Chulalongkorn Community Pharmacy (Opposite MBK, cross the footbridge to Siam Square)

 

You are very helpful,informative and knowledgeable.

[lopburi3]

Euro Optics is not listed as an ophthalmologist by Google search so would not be asking them glaucoma treatment advise.  Glaucoma medication is very much what works for you is what you should use in my experience - and can take some time to refine.

 

Quote

Optometrist in Pattaya, Thailand

 

[connda]

Just curious.  What is "Medconsult."  I've never heard of it.

[connda]

Just as an FYI, Ophthalmologists are doctors.  Optometrists are not.  However with that said, I have had refractions performed by Ophthalmologists.  However, most optical shops use Optometrists.  Don't have to pay them doctor's wages.

[lopburi3]

2 minutes ago, connda said:

Just curious.  What is "Medconsult."  I've never heard of it.

From an above Sheryl post - A GP clinic that can provide home delivery of medications from my understanding - located in central Bangkok.

Quote

Medconsult does not levy additional charges for this. However, it is a one doctor place, a British GP,

 

[Doctor Tom]

I come to this post a bit late.  Firstly, I wouldn't take any eye drop medication unless I had competed a comprehensive examination investigation by a Specialist on what the issue is and how it may progress and submit to regular 12 monthly checks.  I did just that and I now take Xalatin each day, which is readily available from a local Pharmacy who now stock it after my request. I do not have Glaucoma, but it is in my immediate family and the Xalatin is there to regulate the pressure in the eye, which was on the high side, so that I don't develop the condition. I will now take the `drops for the rest of my days.   However, It was pointed out to me by the Specialist that it can have side effects if not used, stored and handled correctly. 

[lopburi3]

4 minutes ago, connda said:

Just as an FYI, Ophthalmologists are doctors.  Optometrists are not.  However with that said, I have had refractions performed by Ophthalmologists.  However, most optical shops use Optometrists.  Don't have to pay them doctor's wages.

Suspect many eyeglass shops do not even have an optometrist as this only became a legal profession in 2010.  There is a real shortage.

[connda]

2 minutes ago, Doctor Tom said:

I come to this post a bit late.  Firstly, I wouldn't take any eye drop medication unless I had competed a comprehensive examination investigation by a Specialist on what the issue is and how it may progress and submit to regular 12 monthly checks.  I did just that and I now take Xalatin each day, which is readily available from a local Pharmacy who now stock it after my request. I do not have Glaucoma, but it is in my immediate family and the Xalatin is there to regulate the pressure in the eye, which was on the high side, so that I don't develop the condition. I will now take the `drops for the rest of my days.   However, It was pointed out to me by the Specialist that it can have side effects if not used, stored and handled correctly. 

I really doubt anyone takes glaucoma meds unless they are diagnosed with glaucoma.  Why would anyone want to buy a ฿600+ THB bottle of drops just for the heck of it.  Unless you are already going blind, most people don't know they have it unless they are tested. I wasn't diagnosed until this year during a regular examination.

[Jumbo1968]

40 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Euro Optics is not listed as an ophthalmologist by Google search so would not be asking them glaucoma treatment advise.  Glaucoma medication is very much what works for you is what you should use in my experience - and can take some time to refine.

 

Edited January 27 by Jumbo1968
Edit

[lopburi3]

3 minutes ago, Doctor Tom said:

I come to this post a bit late.  Firstly, I wouldn't take any eye drop medication unless I had competed a comprehensive examination investigation by a Specialist on what the issue is and how it may progress and submit to regular 12 monthly checks.  I did just that and I now take Xalatin each day, which is readily available from a local Pharmacy who now stock it after my request. I do not have Glaucoma, but it is in my immediate family and the Xalatin is there to regulate the pressure in the eye, which was on the high side, so that I don't develop the condition. I will now take the `drops for the rest of my days.   However, It was pointed out to me by the Specialist that it can have side effects if not used, stored and handled correctly. 

I take both Cosopt and Xalatin - and Xalatin must be refrigerated when unopened and even when in use should not go above 25c - even for travel from hospital to home it is packed in ice.

[Jumbo1968]

42 minutes ago, lopburi3 said:

Euro Optics is not listed as an ophthalmologist by Google search so would not be asking them glaucoma treatment advise.  Glaucoma medication is very much what works for you is what you should use in my experience - and can take some time to refine.

 

 

Opticians are technicians who fit eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other vision-correcting, Optometrist examine, diagnose and treat patients eyes.Ophthalmologists are eye doctors who perform medical and surgical treatments for eye conditions

Euro Optics is listed as an Optometrist on Google I went there for an eye test for glasses. I was diagnosed with glaucoma at Bangkok Pattaya Hospitsl.

[Doctor Tom]

13 hours ago, connda said:

I really doubt anyone takes glaucoma meds unless they are diagnosed with glaucoma.  Why would anyone want to buy a ฿600+ THB bottle of drops just for the heck of it.  Unless you are already going blind, most people don't know they have it unless they are tested. I wasn't diagnosed until this year during a regular examination.

You would be surprised at what meds people take here without ever being properly diagnosed with a condition by a Specialist Consultant.  Self medication is rife here, hence so many people using a forum to ask questions about possible medical conditions that clearly need investigation by a doctor, in hospital.  I don't know if it's some twisted thinking to avoid medical bills, or some people just being as dumb as a brick, but it happens a lot.