Is anyone buying their meds online from India? From what I understand, the vast majority of online pharmacies in India are a total scam. So what I need is a reputable pharmacy, where I can be sure that I not only get what I ordered, but also the quality that I ordered. 
To be specific: I’m looking for Stromectol / Ivermectin. Which is quite expensive in Thailand, and apparently much more affordable in India.

I ordered from two different IndiaMart suppliers - without having any scam issues with the suppliers.

Maybe, go through the reviews to help sort scams from legit?

The ones like ‘arrived on time and well packaged’, repeated several times, are a turn-off.

 

The first supplier was about 10 years ago (no problem with multiple deliveries to Australia); the second supplier more recently – full of problems with Thai customs.

Customs at Laem Chabang exploded with anger and confiscated my shipment – never again.

Customs at Prachuap were sympathetic and did not confiscate but were difficult to different degrees (depended on the officer), and I obtained my several shipments after a tax payment.

 

So, success depends on the attitude of your local customs office.

 

There are threads on this forum relating to importing meds from India.

Sheryl has made the point a few times that "It is illegal to import any sort of medication without an FDA license."

This means that you personally need a Thai FDA licence to import any sort of medication to Thailand.

This is why Thai customs will most definitely raise objections.

On the other hand, arriving in Thailand hand carrying small amounts of meds for personal use is OK.

 

I forgot to mention that 3 or 4 of my about 8 med shipments got through without being intercepted by Thai customs i.e. they were delivered directly as addressed.

2 hours ago, John49 said:

I ordered from two different IndiaMart suppliers - without having any scam issues with the suppliers.

Maybe, go through the reviews to help sort scams from legit?

The ones like ‘arrived on time and well packaged’, repeated several times, are a turn-off.

 

The first supplier was about 10 years ago (no problem with multiple deliveries to Australia); the second supplier more recently – full of problems with Thai customs.

Customs at Laem Chabang exploded with anger and confiscated my shipment – never again.

Customs at Prachuap were sympathetic and did not confiscate but were difficult to different degrees (depended on the officer), and I obtained my several shipments after a tax payment.

 

So, success depends on the attitude of your local customs office.

 

There are threads on this forum relating to importing meds from India.

Sheryl has made the point a few times that "It is illegal to import any sort of medication without an FDA license."

This means that you personally need a Thai FDA licence to import any sort of medication to Thailand.

This is why Thai customs will most definitely raise objections.

On the other hand, arriving in Thailand hand carrying small amounts of meds for personal use is OK.

 

 

1 hour ago, John49 said:

I forgot to mention that 3 or 4 of my about 8 med shipments got through without being intercepted by Thai customs i.e. they were delivered directly as addressed.

Thanks for the info. I’m not so much worried about being scammed, as in not getting what I ordered, but much more about being scammed, as in getting what I ordered, but it not being up to standard. Apparently these meds often contain (much) less of the active ingredient than advertised. So when you order ivermectin pills of 12 mg each, it’s highly likely that it will contain only half that, or even less. And there’s no way for me to find out, except having it tested at a lab, which would probably cost quite a bit.

I did look at quite a few reviews, and most IndiaMart suppliers don’t appear to come off as very trustworthy, to say the least. Which makes me kind of reluctant to proceed with any of them. 

37 minutes ago, rudi49jr said:

Thanks for the info. I’m not so much worried about being scammed, as in not getting what I ordered, but much more about being scammed, as in getting what I ordered, but it not being up to standard. Apparently these meds often contain (much) less of the active ingredient than advertised.

Bull. Then that wouldn't just be a problem for shipments but for consumers in India too. Never heard of it and I travel on business to India frequently and source all my meds there. India has a pretty strong regulatory environment.

I had an Indian doctor friend living in Malaysia. I remember him telling me some 15 years ago that he was suspicious of meds sourced from India as being ‘underdosed’. Also, about that time there was some concerns on hygiene at Indian laboratories.

 

These days with the scale of India’s drug manufacturing industry exporting worldwide and well known names like Dr Reddy and Cipla, I no longer worry about these earlier criticisms that may have been valid at one time.

 

My much earlier treatment with Indian antivirals proved effective.

My recent treatment with Indian  immunotherapy drugs proved effective.

Part of my treatment at a Thai hospital involved immunotherapy drugs and I noticed that the drugs were sourced from Dr Reddy.

 

I would certainly go with the big names like Dr Reddy and Cipla.

 

9 hours ago, rudi49jr said:

Is anyone buying their meds online from India? From what I understand, the vast majority of online pharmacies in India are a total scam. So what I need is a reputable pharmacy, where I can be sure that I not only get what I ordered, but also the quality that I ordered. 
To be specific: I’m looking for Stromectol / Ivermectin. Which is quite expensive in Thailand, and apparently much more affordable in India.

Ivermectin? You got a horse at home (joking)?

Concerning drugs from India: I'm sure is not legal to import them. And concerning the safety: A high percentage of medicine in EU comes from India.

Very easy to source meds online via India Mart. However, as per posts above, there is a very high probability that your shipment will get confiscated at Thai Customs and won't be released to you without any recourse. If it is available OTC in Thailand, get it here as any potential saving from ordering from India will be cancelled by the risk of confiscation. 

 

Your best bet is to make friends with an Indian. Earlier this year I wanted to try a particular med that could only be sourced from India, so asked an Indian guy who travels there frequently to source it and bring it back. It was easy for him to obtain the med in India without prescription from his usual pharmacy.That being said, he had some concern about getting queried on his return at Thai customs as Indians are screened more frequently than other arrivals. End of the story is that I got my meds with success.

 

My experience with India-made meds has been good so far. My go-to ED booster for the past 20 years is the Apcalis-SX 20mg Tadalafil made by Ajanta. I source that from SouthEast Pharmacy near Soi15 in BKK. Need to ask for it as it is not in the display case. Good luck. 

I'd never do it unless you want to play the russian roulete with your health.

On 12/12/2025 at 9:12 PM, pub2022 said:

I'd never do it unless you want to play the russian roulete with your health.

US market: Indian companies provide 40-47% of generic prescriptions filled in the US (IQVIA 2022 data; various reports cite ~40%).

Many medicines from India are safe, especially the generic drugs approved for sale in regulated markets like the US, EU, or other countries with strict oversight.India has the highest number of US FDA-approved manufacturing plants outside the US (around 650-750 as of 2025), meaning those facilities meet the same rigorous standards as American ones. The FDA insists that approved generics—regardless of origin—are safe, effective, and bioequivalent to brand-name drugs.

genuinedrugs123.com 

I haven’t used them personally but they have been recommended 

Probably going to be harder to get shipments starting in January.  As they are supposed to start charging customs on every shipment regardless of value.  Up til now anything less than 1,500 baht and 2 kilos was exempted and got thru pretty much unchecked.  

 

But if they actually go through with it every package will be getting checked.  As previously mentioned it is illegal to import drugs/vitamins without a license.

Don't do it! Last year I ordered my Leukemia medicine from India because it was 75% less in price than the government hospital. The first shipment came directly to my home with no complications, but the second shipment was stopped by Thai Customs. It turns out they already had a record of my first shipment stored on their computers, so a red flag went up when the second shipment came in. After much wrangling and a few tears, my wife was able to get them to release the meds, but I was severely admonished, and Customs promised to take me directly to the Nong Khai jail if I attempted to import meds into Thailand again. Now, my name is directly linked to the import of foreign meds on the Thai computers. 

India is the pharmaceutical supplier to the world. As long as you're buying from reputed companies like Dr Reddy's, Cipla, Sun Pharma, Ranbaxy etc - all their factories are regularly audited by US FDA inspectors. All the supplements we are buying from Costco or Walgreens in the US are coming in big drums from India. So, quality is not an issue. 

 

Now, Thai customs is another story. As someone here suggested, make friends with Indian guys and have them buy in India and hand carry to Thailand. I recently transited through New Delhi from San Francisco and spent 3 days there and picked up all my meds for the next 3 months. No issues at Suvarnabhumi. 

On 12/11/2025 at 10:29 AM, rudi49jr said:

Is anyone buying their meds online from India? From what I understand, the vast majority of online pharmacies in India are a total scam. So what I need is a reputable pharmacy, where I can be sure that I not only get what I ordered, but also the quality that I ordered. 
To be specific: I’m looking for Stromectol / Ivermectin. Which is quite expensive in Thailand, and apparently much more affordable in India.

I have been getting medication regularly from India for over 10 years without a problem, my doctor at the government hospitalis well  aware and writes the prescriptions.

If you want any info PM me as I do not want to attract any more garbage to the topic than already exists.

PS I would advise against India Mart.

it is, and always has been, illegal to import pharmaceuticals by mail without an FDA license.

 

In practice, until recently, small size & value parcels usually got through customs OK if sent by regular mail (not courier). This was mainly customs just not bothering with something that from appearance and declaration was unlikely to have duty due. 

 

However in the wake of recent changes on customs duties for  small value parcels (no longer exempt even if of nominal value) , everything is now getting more scrutiny by customs and once they scrutinize they are apt to confiscate and ask to see the FDA import license.  Starting to see more and more reports of this happening.

IMO, should use a Thai based online pharmacy like Medisafe who (most likely) source their meds from India.  Decent prices, reputable in my experiences - why take a risk otherwise?  

21 hours ago, captpkapoor said:

So, quality is not an issue

Whoa.

Actually the US FDA is responsible for assuring quality aka efficacy of any imported drug. Cost of the drug is not a factor in allowing import (well except when a US POTUS places a tariff on imported drugs).

Generally, a doctor's prescription (in Thailand a Medical Certificate) issued by the Provider (ie., hospital or clinic) to place a foreign order and be attached to the imported drug to clear Thai Customs. 

The FDA of many countries such as Thailand maintain an "Orange Book" (https://en.fda.moph.go.th/) that identifies foreign drugs as legitimate (ie., equal efficacy) generic drugs. If a foreign generic drug such as Dasatinib manufactured in India is not in the Orange Book, it implies to me that it is not considered comparative in terms of efficacy. 

Bottom line one should consult with their doctor prescribing the drug in considering a generic foreign drug or Thai manufactured generic drug to assure equal efficacy.

 

 

13 hours ago, Sheryl said:

However in the wake of recent changes on customs duties for  small value parcels (no longer exempt even if of nominal value) , everything is now getting more scrutiny by customs and once they scrutinize they are apt to confiscate and ask to see the FDA import license.  Starting to see more and more reports of this happening.

Anyone know if this has started affecting purchases from iHerb?

On 12/17/2025 at 9:21 AM, rwill said:

Probably going to be harder to get shipments starting in January.  As they are supposed to start charging customs on every shipment regardless of value.  Up til now anything less than 1,500 baht and 2 kilos was exempted and got thru pretty much unchecked.  

 

But if they actually go through with it every package will be getting checked.  As previously mentioned it is illegal to import drugs/vitamins without a license.

 

 

Thai Customs is getting really strict. I just tried to send a Christmas package out of Thailand and it got sent back because one of the gifts was medicine - those herbal inhalers that are little plastic bottles with herbs that Thai people sniff.

 

13 hours ago, TimBKK said:

IMO, should use a Thai based online pharmacy like Medisafe who (most likely) source their meds from India.  Decent prices, reputable in my experiences - why take a risk otherwise?  

 

I asked them if they sold Ivermectin and they said they did not.

30 minutes ago, davb said:

 

I asked them if they sold Ivermectin and they said they did not.

 

Did you ask them if they can order it.  As my local pharmacy can, and it's expensive, relative to how inexpensive other anti parasitic and deworming meds are.

 

I don't think you'll find it in the tube / cream form here like on YT / TT.   Tablets ... "dose is usually 150 micrograms (mcg) per kilogram (kg) of body weight taken as a single dose'  ...

 

Or smaller doses over longer treatment time.

35 minutes ago, srowndedbyh2o said:

Anyone know if this has started affecting purchases from iHerb?

Doesn't seem to. They will include in price any expected duty. 

Yes, tax and duty paid in advance ...

 

On 12/17/2025 at 11:06 AM, fittobethaied said:

Don't do it! Last year I ordered my Leukemia medicine from India because it was 75% less in price than the government hospital. The first shipment came directly to my home with no complications, but the second shipment was stopped by Thai Customs. It turns out they already had a record of my first shipment stored on their computers, so a red flag went up when the second shipment came in. After much wrangling and a few tears, my wife was able to get them to release the meds, but I was severely admonished, and Customs promised to take me directly to the Nong Khai jail if I attempted to import meds into Thailand again. Now, my name is directly linked to the import of foreign meds on the Thai computers. 

 

My first month's supply of immunotherapy meds was bought from a Thai public hospital and very, very expensive - they charged me an original manufacturers price (like from Europe or USA) for a Dr Reddy's generic from India – the price was factored something like 10 times.

Straight away, I placed my order with a supplier in India.

 

Much later, at Siriraj hospital, I changed to a second generation immunotherapy drug that was not available at the hospital.

Not wanting to have further issues with Thai customs, I was able to find a contact outside Siriraj and bought this second drug near Siriraj hospital.

 

Most interestingly, the price was about double the price I would pay ordering myself from India. I thought that was not such a bad deal.

Siriraj, being the the largest public hospital in Thailand, has many pharmacies nearby.

In particular, there are people importing and selling drugs not readily available, or high demand late generation drugs.

At a guess, if like me, you could end up having to pay twice your from India price?

Otherwise, it's a short trip to India.

1 hour ago, John49 said:

 

My first month's supply of immunotherapy meds was bought from a Thai public hospital and very, very expensive - they charged me an original manufacturers price (like from Europe or USA) for a Dr Reddy's generic from India – the price was factored something like 10 times.

Straight away, I placed my order with a supplier in India.

 

Much later, at Siriraj hospital, I changed to a second generation immunotherapy drug that was not available at the hospital.

Not wanting to have further issues with Thai customs, I was able to find a contact outside Siriraj and bought this second drug near Siriraj hospital.

 

Most interestingly, the price was about double the price I would pay ordering myself from India. I thought that was not such a bad deal.

Siriraj, being the the largest public hospital in Thailand, has many pharmacies nearby.

In particular, there are people importing and selling drugs not readily available, or high demand late generation drugs.

At a guess, if like me, you could end up having to pay twice your from India price?

Otherwise, it's a short trip to India.

🙏