Scottish Tourist on Cannabis, Suffers Hallucinations & Causes Public Disturbance: Pattaya

[jimmym40]

Anyone ever heard of any place that could verify a medication (pill form) of authinicity? Like all the generics sold over the counter. Anyway of verifying a generic of valium for example, is in fact the same ingredients of the brand name valium? I've horror stories about viagra, etc. Is it possible to find out?

[james24]

Good idea. One thing I picked up was to make sure that the item you have bought has a barcode. It sounds simple but many copies get sold/through without one.

[fritter1970]

I am unaware of where you can get such a service in Chiang Mai. I think this is a very good thread though. Fake drugs are commonplace in asia. Aside from possibly being placebo's, occasionally they can contain toxic substances that have severe ramifications for one's health.

I tend to purchase my drugs from Boots as it is a reputed retail establishment. I have to admit though, I am not sure as to exactly how the Boots business model is set up. I would lose confidence in it if it is a franchise operation as it would then be in the franchisee's interest to purchase their product from the black market and sell it on at a much greater profit.

[uptheos]

Good idea. One thing I picked up was to make sure that the item you have bought has a barcode. It sounds simple but many copies get sold/through without one.

The OP talks about Valium, which as we know is Rx only, but can be obtained at certain pharmacies.

However, I doubt that they will start talking barcodes if you ask for them.

[hellodolly]

Good idea. But I do not know where you can have it done. I purchase all my drugs from my doctor. Yes I know the cost is higher but it is worth it to me. I like security.

I trust my doctor. when I first started seeing her she had me bring in all my pills. Most of them she OK ed. One she traced the manufacture down to see what was in it. Turned out to be just a real mild pain reliver and did nothing to help the problem.

I am a big believer in putting all my eggs in one basket when it comes to my health. I have a doctor I can trust who makes sure my medication is what it is supposed to be. Lastly she is not out to rip me off. Two of my medications she suggested buying back in Canada when I go back there. She said they are a lot cheaper there.

In my opinion going from Doctor to Doctor and drug store to drug store in not a good idea.

Find a doctor you can trust and a drug store you can trust.

I heard about one out Majo way where the pharmacist will tell you what is good and what is not. Also what you can not take with some of the medications you are on.

[elektrified]

If you buy from a reputable pharmacy they will not sell you fake medications.

[uptheos]

If you buy from a reputable pharmacy they will not sell you fake medications.

Right on and there are lots of reputable pharmacies that are most helpful.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Hm. Strange topic. I'm not convinced yet that everyone sees the clear difference between 'brand name', 'generic', and 'fake'.

Valium for starters has been around for Donkey years, and I really doubt a lab would be able to tell brand name Valium from generic Diazepam, which is completely legal, 'real' and genuinely sold by pharmacies all over the world, typically on doctor's prescription. The same substance is marketed under different names as well.

All you ever wanted to know about the stuff is here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diazepam

So good luck finding a lab that will tell any of these apart. It's like asking a lab to tell brand name Tylenol apart from generic Paracetamol/Acetaminophen.

It's kind of silly. As is Valium itself, it's not nice substance because you stay drowsy for a long period of time after taking it.

[DavidOxon]

try taking a whole tablet instead of half

David

[jimmym40]

I have been buying from a reputable pharmacy; however, this last time I bought my valium from them, it's a darker color and looks not professionally manufactured. It's not "clean" on the edges. Rough looking. That's what brought to mind if there is such a service somewhere where you can get any drug (pill) tested to see if it's "real".

[TheFishman1]

Even in the states large pharmacy get a lot of fake drugs threw wholesaler without knowing it.

[jimmym40]

Just to add a bit of info I was told today. I went to see my GP doctor, Dr Morgan. Many of you here know her, near Hong Dong. Anyway, I asked her what the best generic forms of medication is available in Thailand. She said ask for the medications manufactured by the GPO (Government Pharmaceutical Organization). You can google them and check them out. Seems as if they are governmental and trustworthy of all their medications. I'm pretty sure you won't get any fakes or inferior medications from this organization. I bougth some valium from her and I inspected the large bottle they took from. And it was from the GPO, clearly on the label of the medications. So, I'm a bit smarter today and every time I need a generic forms of a medication, I'll ask the pharmacy I go to if they have the GPO brand and ask to see the bottle. It may cost a baht more than aonther generic brand, but I believe it would be safer.

Cheers to all...