How Can I Get Levitra In Thailand?

[Erap]

Hello all

Before coming to Thailand, my doctor in my home country prescribed me with 6 tablets of Levitra 10 MG. Since my problem is mental and not physical, his assumption was that once I start taking the medicine and feel more confident, the problem would eventually go away.

This indeed has been the case for the most part, however there are a few occasions when I still feel taking the medicine would help. I went to a few pharmacies, however neither had Levitra in their stock. One pharmacy had a Chinese substitute called "Ya-Gel" sold at 180 Baht per tablet. It seemed somewhat shady, so I decided to pass on it for the meanwhile.

Anyway, my question is what are my options when it comes to purchasing the medicine. Do I must go to see a doctor and get a prescription, or is there another way? And if I should go and address a doctor, which hospital should I go to?

Serious replies only please. Thank you in advance for your help!

Erap.

[Erap]

No, it's not so easy, because pharmacies don't have Levitra in stock. I asked at a few, and they all told me that Levitra is only available in hospitals

[hhgz]

"Since my problem is mental and not physical..."

TMI. You should have simply asked where to buy the product. But, since you opened Pandora's box, your comment reminds me of a scene in "Birdcage". Nathan Lane felt so much better when he took "spirin" tablets. It turned out that the houseboy took aspirin tablets, and simply rubbed off the "a".

[Sheryl]

Viagra, Levitra, Cialis etc are all controlled drrugs in Thailand and cannot be legally bought over the counter. Hence the OP's report of pharmacies saying they do not carry it.

Any pharmacy that does sell these drugs OTC is breaking the law. as is the purchaser. In keeping with forum rules about discussion of illegal activities some posts have been deleted.

I am not sure whether the selling of fake preparations (i.e. not containing what the box xays they do) would also be considered illegal, there seems to be at least an unofficial policy of tolerating that and it is quite likely that when these products are openly displayed for sale in a pharmacy, that this is what is going on. Sometimes in collusion with police who then stop the buyer and threaten arrest (we have had reports of this, one TV member was shaken down for 10,000 baht).

In terms of cost, locally made generics will of course be cheaper, however there is no generic form of vardenafil (Levitra) licensed for manufacture in, or import into, Thailand as yet. Ditto Cialis. There is a local generic form of sildenafil (Viagra).

Op, , see a doctor at a hospital. Either an internist (GP) or urologist. If cost is an issue for you, try either Bangkok Christian Hospital or Saint Louis Hospital. the doctors there will speak English but the nurses and admin staff not so much, if you find yourself in a difficult position being asked what your problem is, just say "man problem". or you can look at their websites and pre-select a doctor to ask for by name.

If on the other hand you would like a consultation with a doctor specializing in male sexual problems 9as opposed to just a script for Levitra) , try one of these, who are at more expensive (but also more English-speaker friendly) hospitals:

Bumrungrad Hospital

Dr. Kavirach Tantiwongse - did a fellowhip in Sexual Medicine and Neurourology in the US, Fri 17:00 - 19:00 , Sat 09:00 - 12:00

Dr. Apichat Kongkanand - US trained and a Professor at Chulalonghorn: Mon, Wed, Fri 09:00 - 12:00 and 5:30- 8 PM ;Tue 13:00 - 16:00; Sat 09:00 - 12:00

Bangkok Hospital

Prof. Somboon Leungwattanakji, US trained. Monday, wed, Thurs, Fri and Sat 09:00 - 15:00, Tuesday 12:00 - 17:00

[FBN]

There was an article in the press a month or so ago that the very strict regulations concerning these medications would be relaxed to allow licensed pharmacies to dispense the drugs on basis of a repeat prescription even from outside Thailand.

So it seems the current strict regulations may be relaxing somewhat; I have no confirmation that this is actually in place yet...

[Sheryl]

The drugs are still listed as category "S" in MIMS but indeed, could change. In fact I hear all the drug classifications may get a rehaul in near future.

[britmaveric]

Hit a pharmacy - readily available. (with a prescription of course )

[Erap]

Indeed I was able to go to a pharmacy outside of Sirirag hospital and get the medicine. 1750 Baht for the package. It's possible to obtain prescriptions at the hospital

[Sheryl]

Thanks for sharing this.

Doctor prescriptions for outside fill has long been a puzzlement to me as in general there does not seem to be a system in place. This is only the second time I have heard of it, the other being at the Red Cross HIV clinic which will issue ARV meds on presentation of any signed request by a doctor.

May I ask what form the prescription took? I.e. does Siriraj have a computerized system linked to neighboring pharmacies, or was it on an actual prescription pad or what? Curious as this issue often arises (no pun intended!), both re ED meds and many others.

[nakachalet]

mine was written on a prescription pad, in thai.... but it was on the hospital notepad.

the prescription language was similar to the western counterpart in that it showed the date, the quantity and the name of the ed drug....

actually, i did not really want to respond for fear of being misinterpreted again.... lol and the price mostly differs drastically even among licensed pharmacies.... so some legwork yourself, it would save you tons of money.... try to locate some younger and more upbeat pharmacists, they seem to be more willing to negotiate with farangs.... lol