Vimovo - naproxen / esomeprazole

[Felt 35]

Anyone who know if Vimovo is considered a drug in Thailand? I mean Voltaren is a potential more dangerous NSAID that can be bought over the counter everywhere here!

VIMOVO 500 mg/20 mg modified-release tablets - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc)

 

Thanks

Felt

[Sheryl]

Vomovo brand is off market in Thailand.

 

It is just a combination of two drugs: Naproxen (an NSAID) and esomeprazole (a PPI, same class as omeprazole).

 

You can easily get those 2 things separately here without prescription. Sither those exact things, or any otger NSAID and PPI.

 

All of these things -- and voltaren, paracetemol, even vitamins - are considered drugs here. But being considered a drug (pharmaceutical) does not exclude being sold over the counter. Most drugs are sold over the counter in Thailand.

 

Voltaren (diclofenac) and Naproxen are similar in safety, no significant difference.

[Felt 35]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Vomovo brand is off market in Thailand.

 

It is just a combination of two drugs: Naproxen (an NSAID) and esomeprazole (a PPI, same class as omeprazole).

 

You can easily get those 2 things separately here without prescription. Sither those exact things, or any otger NSAID and PPI.

 

All of these things -- and voltaren, paracetemol, even vitamins - are considered drugs here. But being considered a drug (pharmaceutical) does not exclude being sold over the counter. Most drugs are sold over the counter in Thailand.

 

Voltaren (diclofenac) and Naproxen are similar in safety, no significant difference.

 

Thanks for replying. I ask because in most of Europe this is a prescription medication and I have asked a relative to pick it up for me there and send to Thailand! Will that be a problem if the customs check the parcel?

Felt

[Sheryl]

1 hour ago, Felt 35 said:

 

Thanks for replying. I ask because in most of Europe this is a prescription medication and I have asked a relative to pick it up for me there and send to Thailand! Will that be a problem if the customs check the parcel?

Felt

As long as not more yhsn 40 day supply  no. And they aten't strict on that.

 

But why on earth have it brought in when you can easily buy equivalent here? Just have to take 2 pills instead of one. 

[Felt 35]

1 hour ago, Sheryl said:

But why on earth have it brought in when you can easily buy equivalent here? Just have to take 2 pills instead of one. 

 

Ok, and on the label on box the reason underlined and in italic below.

Vimovo contains two different active substances: naproxen and esomeprazole. Each of the medications works differently.
Naproxen is anti-inflammatory and reduces stiffness and also pain. Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines called "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (NSAIDs).
Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid in the stomach and reduces the risk of ulcers and stomach problems in patients using NSAIDs. Esomeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called "proton pump inhibitors".
Pain relief is expected to come on quickly and last for several hours. Stiffness in the joints is reduced so that it becomes easier to be physically active. 

Thanks

Felt

[Sheryl]

15 hours ago, Felt 35 said:

 

Ok, and on the label on box the reason underlined and in italic below.

Vimovo contains two different active substances: naproxen and esomeprazole. Each of the medications works differently.
Naproxen is anti-inflammatory and reduces stiffness and also pain. Naproxen belongs to a group of medicines called "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs" (NSAIDs).
Esomeprazole reduces the amount of acid in the stomach and reduces the risk of ulcers and stomach problems in patients using NSAIDs. Esomeprazole belongs to a group of medicines called "proton pump inhibitors".
Pain relief is expected to come on quickly and last for several hours. Stiffness in the joints is reduced so that it becomes easier to be physically active. 

Thanks

Felt

Yes I know the actions. As I explained, naproxen n is an NSAID and esomeprazole is a PPI (proton pump inhibitor).

 

Since NSAIDs can irritate the gastric lining it is common to take a PPI when on them. 

 

2 different drugs and no need to pay extra/import  to have both in 1 tablet. Just take the 2 types of drug separately.

 

If you want to save money, can use omeprazole instead of esomeprazole.

 

As for the NSAID, many choices: ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen etc. 

[Sheryl]

P.S. while using s PPI will help reduce gastric irritation ftom NSAIDs, other risks and side effects remain  especially if use is prolonged and daily. These include liver and kidney toxicity, risk of bleeding (especilly if also on a blood thinner) etc.

 

And regular/prolonged use of PPIs also carries usadvantages/risks. 

 

[Felt 35]

2 hours ago, Sheryl said:

P.S. while using s PPI will help reduce gastric irritation ftom NSAIDs, other risks and side effects remain  especially if use is prolonged and daily. These include liver and kidney toxicity, risk of bleeding (especilly if also on a blood thinner) etc.

 

And regular/prolonged use of PPIs also carries usadvantages/risks. 

 

 

I do not doubt your knowledge of medicine Sheryl and understand that it is possible to take two different types of tablets to get the same effect, but I prefer to use medicines that I know and, at least for me, work as expected. But it is possible that the customs will seize the shipment (even if I am only sent for a month's use at first) and therefore it would be nice if you could give me the name of two brands, one with naproxen and the other with esomeprazole effects, which then basically would be equated with Vimovo!

Thanks

Felt

[Sheryl]

57 minutes ago, Felt 35 said:

 

I do not doubt your knowledge of medicine Sheryl and understand that it is possible to take two different types of tablets to get the same effect, but I prefer to use medicines that I know and, at least for me, work as expected. But it is possible that the customs will seize the shipment (even if I am only sent for a month's use at first) and therefore it would be nice if you could give me the name of two brands, one with naproxen and the other with esomeprazole effects, which then basically would be equated with Vimovo!

Thanks

Felt

There are more than 10 brands of Naproxen in Thailand. Just ask for Naproxen, any pharmacist will know. 

 

Brands of esomeprazole are:

 

Nexium

Axiago

Esomeprazole Mylan

 

Esomeprazole is expensive. Omrprazole is much chesper, available in several locally made brands.

[Felt 35]

16 hours ago, Sheryl said:

There are more than 10 brands of Naproxen in Thailand. Just ask for Naproxen, any pharmacist will know. 

 

Brands of esomeprazole are:

 

Nexium

Axiago

Esomeprazole Mylan

 

Esomeprazole is expensive. Omrprazole is much chesper, available in several locally made brands.

 

Thank you, Sheryl,🙏

Felt

[impulse]

On 10/31/2024 at 5:08 PM, Sheryl said:

Omeprazole is much cheaper, available in several locally made brands.

 

Some personal experience from the cheap seats...  I've used Miracid brand omeprazole in Thailand since 2011 and always found it easily available, pretty cheap and it always works consistently.  I tried some other brands, and had to double up on the 20mg dosage to get the relief.  (Not saying there aren't other good brands, but Miracid in the green box has always been my go-to in Thailand.  Made by Berlin Pharmaceuticals, who have a museum in Chinatown).

 

[Baht Simpson]

1 hour ago, impulse said:

 

Some personal experience from the cheap seats...  I've used Miracid brand omeprazole in Thailand since 2011 and always found it easily available, pretty cheap and it always works consistently.  I tried some other brands, and had to double up on the 20mg dosage to get the relief.  (Not saying there aren't other good brands, but Miracid in the green box has always been my go-to in Thailand.  Made by Berlin Pharmaceuticals, who have a museum in Chinatown).

 

I agree with impulse, Miracid is good, although I try to use Omeprazole sparingly these days.

[pattayasan]

Pantaprazole and antacids reduce the body's ability to make nitric acid, a problem leading to all kinds of chronic diseases. Fluoride in toothpaste as well. Try not to breathe through your mouth as it dries out the saliva and kills bacteria in the mouth. Nitric acid is produced in the nostrils.

[IC2000]

Diclofenac is cheap. I use it on rare occasion for when my lower back is giving me fits.

[Felt 35]

The "better half" had an errand to the town's Fascino pharmacy today so I asked if she could check the price of Naproxen and Esomeprazole for me. (Want to add that we usually use a couple of other local pharmacies which are generally cheaper) And she came back with a picture of a box of NaproFazt Mega (Naproxen) 10 pcs softgels and the price quoted was Thb 120, - as well as a picture of a box of Nexium Esomeprazole (AstraZeneca) 14 pcs and the price stated was THB 645, -
Do these prices look normal to those who use the equivalents and know more about this medicine? 
In any case, it seems that with letter post a box of Vimovo with 60 tablets, shipped here that I will come out better with that solution. Now...the customs😟

Felt

[Sheryl]

Nexium is expensive because imported.

 

As previously mentioned omepraxole has same action and is very  inexpensive as available in local brands.

 

Omeprazole and esomeprazole are closely related chemicslly.  Basically esomeprazole is newer "tweaked" version of omeprazole. It has some advantages but for most people omrprazole does just as well. 

[Felt 35]

On 11/9/2024 at 9:29 PM, Sheryl said:

Nexium is expensive because imported.

 

As previously mentioned omepraxole has same action and is very  inexpensive as available in local brands.

 

Omeprazole and esomeprazole are closely related chemicslly.  Basically esomeprazole is newer "tweaked" version of omeprazole. It has some advantages but for most people omrprazole does just as well. 

 

Do you know if I risk any kind of fine or criminal prosecution if I am sent a month's supply (60 tablets) of Vimovo and the shipment is stopped in the postal customs clearance?

Thanks

Felt

[Sheryl]

On 11/16/2024 at 12:38 PM, Felt 35 said:

 

Do you know if I risk any kind of fine or criminal prosecution if I am sent a month's supply (60 tablets) of Vimovo and the shipment is stopped in the postal customs clearance?

Thanks

Felt

No prosecution, since not a controlled substance, they'll just confiscate it.

[Felt 35]

On 12/5/2024 at 1:58 PM, Sheryl said:

No prosecution, since not a controlled substance, they'll just confiscate it.

 

Thanks Sheryl. I have by now found out that hospitals and pharmacies in Malaysia administer Vimovo when it's a prescription medication and been in contact with a hospital there for an appointment to get a prescription and then bring with me back to Thailand. Feel that is safer. Not sure the amount allowed to bring in when prescription medication but will ask doctor in Malaysia for a prescription for 3 months of consumption.

Felt

[Sheryl]

Actually rule gor bringing in is 30 day duppky but not sttictly enforced.

 

Would have been perfectly safe, and chesper, to buy omeprazole and napraxan locally. 

[Felt 35]

4 hours ago, Sheryl said:

Actually rule gor bringing in is 30 day duppky but not sttictly enforced.

 

Would have been perfectly safe, and chesper, to buy omeprazole and napraxan locally. 

 

Oh, I have tried that, Naproxen and esomeprazole in two different tablets ,one before and one after meal, but get the same side effects as if use Voltaren. Vimovo is totally another story at least for me.

Felt

[Felt 35]

Nothing new, but as previously experienced a decade ago plus, when I regularly traveled to Malaysia for extracorporeal shockwave therapy (musculoskeletal conditions) which they at that time didn't have here yet, they are far ahead of the want to be seen as "health utopia here" when it comes to medicine and treatment. I got my prescription and medicine and a nice pre-Christmas🎄 break in KL.

Felt

 

[bendejo]

I heard something about one of the -prazoles being taken off the market in recent weeks, you might want to have a look.

 

[RayOday]

My response does not directly answer your question. It is solely to provide an alternative if it is appropriate for you. I am missing 2 lumbar disks and have spinal stenosis. I stay physically fit so I can manage through most periods of inflammation and can arrest inflammation with the proper natural rest, stretching, topical protocols. I don't like to take drugs that can have serious side effects or stress to the kidneys or liver. There are a few times per year where medicine is required and my first line anti inflammatory is Celoxicib aka Celebrex. It is sold in Thailand as a much cheaper generic. A popular brands is Zobrex. I only mention this alternative since you are looking for an NSAID+PPI. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means it primarily blocks the COX-2 enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation while sparing COX-1, which protects the stomach lining. This selectivity reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as upset stomach, compared to non-selective NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2.

All NSAIDS can interact with other meds you may be taking. Check the interaction checker on drugs.com. Be safe.

[Letseng]

Hasn't Celebrex been taken off the market in Europe for a reason?

[Sheryl]

2 hours ago, Letseng said:

Hasn't Celebrex been taken off the market in Europe for a reason?

No. Still approved for use in both Europe and US (with prescription)

 

There have however been changes over the years in the approved infications

[Felt 35]

6 hours ago, RayOday said:

My response does not directly answer your question. It is solely to provide an alternative if it is appropriate for you. I am missing 2 lumbar disks and have spinal stenosis. I stay physically fit so I can manage through most periods of inflammation and can arrest inflammation with the proper natural rest, stretching, topical protocols. I don't like to take drugs that can have serious side effects or stress to the kidneys or liver. There are a few times per year where medicine is required and my first line anti inflammatory is Celoxicib aka Celebrex. It is sold in Thailand as a much cheaper generic. A popular brands is Zobrex. I only mention this alternative since you are looking for an NSAID+PPI. Celebrex (celecoxib) is a selective COX-2 inhibitor, which means it primarily blocks the COX-2 enzyme responsible for pain and inflammation while sparing COX-1, which protects the stomach lining. This selectivity reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, such as upset stomach, compared to non-selective NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen that inhibit both COX-1 and COX-2.

All NSAIDS can interact with other meds you may be taking. Check the interaction checker on drugs.com. Be safe.

Thanks for the information and good advice. I am very careful with the use of Vimovo and medicines in general and even avoid paracetamol. As a former athlete and even at this age still try and join in some fun runs etc. annually, I have never really believed that any medicine makes the disease / injury better and perhaps especially so with wear and tear injuries. But, as mentioned, you reach an age and a point in your life after which, in my opinion, it is better to try and keep active inside one's own capacity than to sit down and look at this screen 24/7, even if you sometimes have to have a little help from medicine to avoid greater inflammation and thereby the risk of worsening the injury. I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis already 12 years ago and have lived well with it and still manage to jog, cycle etc., (I don't call it running anymore)🙂 The reason I traveled to Malaysia for Vimovo is that the medicine is not available here and its Vimovo my doctor has prescribed and not anything else and the cost include everything is only approx. 15% of the cost of a long trip to my home country and as long as the medicine is available in most of the free world but not here, I have nothing against a trip inside my means for a few days.  

Felt

 

[CanadaSam]

Kudos to Sheryl for calmly answering OP's questions numerous times, him obviously being unwilling to take (valuable) advice.

 

I personally used to import medicines at the beginning of my stay in Thailand, but very quickly found out there is a world of difference in cost by buying it here, even if taking two tablets to make up for one imported tablet.

[KannikaP]

On 12/8/2024 at 1:14 PM, Sheryl said:

Actually rule gor bringing in is 30 day duppky but not sttictly enforced.

 

Would have been perfectly safe, and chesper, to buy omeprazole and napraxan locally. 

What is gor.... duppky......sttictly.....chesper.....napraxan... please?

[SiSePuede419]

On 11/1/2024 at 7:34 AM, pattayasan said:

Nitric acid is produced in the nostrels

May I suggest you run your so-called "knowledge" to ChapGPT so it could shoot down your erroneous uhhh malaprops in private instead of looking foolish in front of dozens of people 😛

 

No, nitric acid (HNO₃) is not produced in the nostrils. However, nitric oxide (NO), a different chemical compound, is produced in the nasal passages and other parts of the body.

Key Differences:

Nitric acid (HNO₃): A highly corrosive and toxic acid used in industrial processes.

Nitric oxide (NO): A gas that plays a crucial role in physiological functions, such as vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), immune response, and neurotransmission.

Nitric Oxide in the Nose:

The nasal sinuses produce nitric oxide, which helps:

1. Dilate blood vessels.

2. Improve oxygen exchange in the lungs.

3. Act as a defense mechanism against pathogens due to its antimicrobial properties.

 

This confusion likely arises from the similar names but completely different roles and properties of nitric acid and nitric oxide.