What'S The Best Way To Get Lipitor, For Cholesterol Control?

[Zanby]

Greetings all,

I was wondering how would an expat (newbie here), get his/her Lipitor (or generic) drug for Cholesterol control?

How much would it cost?

Also, is there would insurance cover the cost or some of it?

Any details would be highly appreciated.

Cheers!

Zanby.

[davehowden]

I think any hospital pharmacy will stock it, as to price I cannot help. I have a large supply from the UK which I have stopped using (because of my non fat diet) which you are welcome to if you have difficulty finding it. Just PM me.

Dave

[ARISTIDE]

Pharmachoice has good price but that's as far as I know better price in BKK

http://maps.google.co.th/maps?hl=en&sugexp=kjrmc&cp=8&gs_id=21&xhr=t&safe=off&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&biw=1024&bih=601&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=pharmachoice&fb=1&gl=th&hq=pharmachoice&hnear=0x30da3a7741a936cf:0x30346c5fa8a6df0,Mueang+Chiang+Mai,+Chiang+Mai&ei=G_CpTsqJLIbtrAen9JzSDA&sa=X&oi=local_group&ct=image&sqi=2&ved=0CAQQtgM

Edited October 28, 2011 by ARISTIDE

[shepsel]

I have a member card at Fascino's and their prices are less expensive than at Pharma Choice on most medications.

[elektrified]

Just be careful of some of the generic Lipitor that is being sold here. It could be fake or come from unauthorized factories in India. There are only a couple of places that I know of that have the real thing. Dr. Morgan's clinic on the Hang Dong Road is one of them (Health Care Medical Clinic).

It is difficult to say how much it would cost without knowing what the dosage is. How many mg do you take daily?

[MrBrad]

Fascino at Tesco Lotus Kam Tieng on Highway 11 on the north side of town has higher prices than the other locations due to their rent. Their stores on Suthep Road and the one at the intersection of Kaew Nawarat and Ratanakosin Roads near the Arcade Bus Station have lower prices. I think they have a store near Chiang Mai University as well.

[Dante99]

CMU Pharmacy on Suthep road is a good place to check for reliable meds at fair prices.

[THAIPHUKET]

I am using Bestatin 40, may be around 250b for 30, no problem

Read this from the health forum, SHERYL, moderator, is always a good source

[Thighlander]

Pfizer's patent on Lipitor is expiring about now. Generics will be fully licensed--better than fake Lipitor. You can get a complete lipid panel done at McCormick for 600 THB--they will email you the results in an hour if you request it. The thai diet is generally very good for your count. Mine was 167 (total), but I need to watch the ratios of good and bad. High cholesterol is the single biggest indicator of CAD. Do a little research, find a reputable pharmacy, and get the generic. I believe their was a pretty big deal about intellectual property on this specific medication, and thailand ignored it, as they determined a high percentage of the national health budget was going to PFE. Might even be worth the 300 THB to speak with a specialist at Ram or McCormick (or others) and let them point you in the right direction. Let us know what you come up with.

[elektrified]

The thai diet is generally very good for your count.

You are joking about that aren't you???? Come on....

[elektrified]

I am using Bestatin 40, may be around 250b for 30, no problem

Read this from the health forum, SHERYL, moderator, is always a good source

Bestatin is not the same thing as Lipitor. It is the generic for Zocor. 2 different drugs. Not all statins are the same. Talk to a doctor before you change medication.

[sfokevin]

I am using Bestatin 40, may be around 250b for 30, no problem

Read this from the health forum, SHERYL, moderator, is always a good source

I switched from Lipitor 20 to Bestatin 40 when I moved here 3 years ago... Levels are fine

Pharmachoice on Sutep Road (across from hospital entrance)sells 30 tabs for 180 baht

[jko]

I have a member card at Fascino's and their prices are less expensive than at Pharma Choice on most medications.

I agree with this

Using a member card, I have not found lower or better prices than in Fascino's branch on Suthep Road close to Sripath/Suan Dork hospitals. They are also generally cheaper on some items than the CMU pharmacy further up the same road. You can call them to check price and availability (053-278259)

The difference between Fascino and big names is often considerable (10-25%) and if price is a consideration, or if you are buying a large supply of something, I would only use outlets such as Boots. Watsons etc. as a last resort.

Edited October 28, 2011 by jko

[dunrudin]

Lipitor (Atorvastatin) available at the Farma on the way up Mae Jo road, past Ruam Chok market and before the gas station. As a general comment, I wouldn't say that all generics are trustworthy. Coprofen (generic ibuprofen) makes me nauseous. I think there's something dicky in the matrix.

[moe666]

Pfizer's patent on Lipitor is expiring about now. Generics will be fully licensed--better than fake Lipitor. You can get a complete lipid panel done at McCormick for 600 THB--they will email you the results in an hour if you request it. The thai diet is generally very good for your count. Mine was 167 (total), but I need to watch the ratios of good and bad. High cholesterol is the single biggest indicator of CAD. Do a little research, find a reputable pharmacy, and get the generic. I believe their was a pretty big deal about intellectual property on this specific medication, and thailand ignored it, as they determined a high percentage of the national health budget was going to PFE. Might even be worth the 300 THB to speak with a specialist at Ram or McCormick (or others) and let them point you in the right direction. Let us know what you come up with.

At 167 I hope you are not taking any form of cholestrol reducing medication. With all of the information out there there have been no studies that show taking statins increases your mortality over the age of 40. But the can cause a lot of problems and too low cholestrol is a health risk in of its self. Do a bit of reserch on to low cholestrol below 150 total. I have 136 my last test and have had some memory and low testosterone issues.

[Zanby]

All,

Many thanks!

It's good to know there are so many frequenting this forum! I thought I'd be lucky to get a reply or two over a week but got 14 in just one night!

Many thanks!

Zan.

Dave,

I just emailed you via this service.

I think any hospital pharmacy will stock it, as to price I cannot help. I have a large supply from the UK which I have stopped using (because of my non fat diet) which you are welcome to if you have difficulty finding it. Just PM me.

Dave

Edited October 28, 2011 by Zanby

[Thighlander]

Pfizer's patent on Lipitor is expiring about now. Generics will be fully licensed--better than fake Lipitor. You can get a complete lipid panel done at McCormick for 600 THB--they will email you the results in an hour if you request it. The thai diet is generally very good for your count. Mine was 167 (total), but I need to watch the ratios of good and bad. High cholesterol is the single biggest indicator of CAD. Do a little research, find a reputable pharmacy, and get the generic. I believe their was a pretty big deal about intellectual property on this specific medication, and thailand ignored it, as they determined a high percentage of the national health budget was going to PFE. Might even be worth the 300 THB to speak with a specialist at Ram or McCormick (or others) and let them point you in the right direction. Let us know what you come up with.

At 167 I hope you are not taking any form of cholestrol reducing medication. With all of the information out there there have been no studies that show taking statins increases your mortality over the age of 40. But the can cause a lot of problems and too low cholestrol is a health risk in of its self. Do a bit of reserch on to low cholestrol below 150 total. I have 136 my last test and have had some memory and low testosterone issues.

I never said I was taking them.....I will say that I was tested for HIV and HEP B/C when I gave blood a the TRC and would encourage all to do the same.

[Thighlander]

The thai diet is generally very good for your count.

You are joking about that aren't you???? Come on....

beef, butter, cheese.......ask some of your thai friends what theirs is?

[elektrified]

The thai diet is generally very good for your count.

You are joking about that aren't you???? Come on....

beef, butter, cheese.......ask some of your thai friends what theirs is?

Thai food is loaded with fat, sugar, salt, cholesterol...palm oil, MSG, etc...

gai yaang , somtam, things like that are healthy. But people don't eat that every single day.

[moe666]

Sugar will raise your cholestrol faster then protien or fat.

[Suradit]

I have a member card at Fascino's and their prices are less expensive than at Pharma Choice on most medications.

I get Lipitor 20 mg strip of 10 tablets @ Baht 613 from Fascino's in Pattaya.

As for insurance, if you don't already have insurance, I doubt you can expect to start insurance now that would immediately cover a pre-existing condition.

[Zanby]

Thanks for the info Suradit!

Actually, I am still in the US but I intend on coming over to Chiang Mai in couple of weeks on a 'retirement trial' basis hence, the question.

Now that you have mentioned insurance, what exactly would you recommend for a single newbie retiree like me to get? What's insurance is possible and/or recommended? Website?

PS: I take exactly what you take! Thanks god I don't take any other drugs though.

Rgds,

Zan.

I have a member card at Fascino's and their prices are less expensive than at Pharma Choice on most medications.

I get Lipitor 20 mg strip of 10 tablets @ Baht 613 from Fascino's in Pattaya.

As for insurance, if you don't already have insurance, I doubt you can expect to start insurance now that would immediately cover a pre-existing condition.

[meatboy]

I am using Bestatin 40, may be around 250b for 30, no problem

Read this from the health forum, SHERYL, moderator, is always a good source

http://www.thaivisa....bestatin-20-mg/

I switched from Lipitor 20 to Bestatin 40 when I moved here 3 years ago... Levels are fine

Pharmachoice on Sutep Road (across from hospital entrance)sells 30 tabs for 180 baht

i to switched from lipitor 12months ago to bestatin 2check ups since 4.8 which is fine.i pay 150bht x 30tabs=40mg.

[elektrified]

Thanks for the info Suradit!

Actually, I am still in the US but I intend on coming over to Chiang Mai in couple of weeks on a 'retirement trial' basis hence, the question.

Now that you have mentioned insurance, what exactly would you recommend for a single newbie retiree like me to get? What's insurance is possible and/or recommended? Website?

PS: I take exactly what you take! Thanks god I don't take any other drugs though.

Rgds,

Zan.

I have a member card at Fascino's and their prices are less expensive than at Pharma Choice on most medications.

I get Lipitor 20 mg strip of 10 tablets @ Baht 613 from Fascino's in Pattaya.

As for insurance, if you don't already have insurance, I doubt you can expect to start insurance now that would immediately cover a pre-existing condition.

How old are you? If under 65, there are many choices. There are perhaps 75 or more insurance companies in Thailand that you can purchase various levels of coverage from. Some are very basic, others aimed at the ex-pat and are much more expensive. If you are 65 then you are out of luck.

As for the Lipitor, Dr. Morgan's clinic has the (real) generic for much less than the Pfeizer brand. I think 10 X 20 mg. tablets are around 400 Baht. I used to take 20 mg. but she lowered the dose to 10 mg. 10 X 10 mg. cost 200 Baht.

[cobra]

Sugar will raise your cholestrol faster then protien or fat.

This is unsubstantiated.

Source ?

[Thighlander]

Sugar will raise your cholestrol faster then protien or fat.

This is unsubstantiated.

Source ?

What I read was that sugar increases your tryglycerides, which in turn raises your cholesterol. Don't think it could be worse than bad fat, though. Would welcome any links...

Eliminating sweetened drinks is the easiest way to combat high added sugar intake.

[Zanby]

Thanks elektrified!

Actually, I am 54ish and don't have much to take careof except the hi Cholesterol issue.

Depending on how hi it is, diet may work for some but it never made a big dent in my case ? Too hot blooded

I know Pfizer is going to lose its monopoly on this drug this month, here in the US, and generics will start selling at a much lower cost but I assume it's already being done in Thailand?

Certain generics will do the same.

Not sure about Dr. Morgan though? I see a lot of people recommending her which makes leery a bit. leery. I tend to shy away from Doctors who treat their profession like an assembly line. But it won't hurt checking since all I need is normal tests.

Any insurance you recommend? If without one, would it make much difference in cost? Any idea?

Cheers!

Zan.

Thanks for the info Suradit!

Actually, I am still in the US but I intend on coming over to Chiang Mai in couple of weeks on a 'retirement trial' basis hence, the question.

Now that you have mentioned insurance, what exactly would you recommend for a single newbie retiree like me to get? What's insurance is possible and/or recommended? Website?

PS: I take exactly what you take! Thanks god I don't take any other drugs though.

Rgds,

Zan.

I have a member card at Fascino's and their prices are less expensive than at Pharma Choice on most medications.

I get Lipitor 20 mg strip of 10 tablets @ Baht 613 from Fascino's in Pattaya.

As for insurance, if you don't already have insurance, I doubt you can expect to start insurance now that would immediately cover a pre-existing condition.

How old are you? If under 65, there are many choices. There are perhaps 75 or more insurance companies in Thailand that you can purchase various levels of coverage from. Some are very basic, others aimed at the ex-pat and are much more expensive. If you are 65 then you are out of luck.

As for the Lipitor, Dr. Morgan's clinic has the (real) generic for much less than the Pfeizer brand. I think 10 X 20 mg. tablets are around 400 Baht. I used to take 20 mg. but she lowered the dose to 10 mg. 10 X 10 mg. cost 200 Baht.

[elektrified]

Thanks elektrified!

Actually, I am 54ish and don't have much to take careof except the hi Cholesterol issue.

Depending on how hi it is, diet may work for some but it never made a big dent in my case ? Too hot blooded

I know Pfizer is going to lose its monopoly on this drug this month, here in the US, and generics will start selling at a much lower cost but I assume it's already being done in Thailand?

Certain generics will do the same.

Not sure about Dr. Morgan though? I see a lot of people recommending her which makes leery a bit. leery. I tend to shy away from Doctors who treat their profession like an assembly line. But it won't hurt checking since all I need is normal tests.

Any insurance you recommend? If without one, would it make much difference in cost? Any idea?

Cheers!

Zan.

Generic Lipitor is very new in Thailand (due to patent issues) and difficult to find, but that will change soon.

Dr. Morgan is a great doctor. She does not treat patients like an assembly line at all; quite the contrary.

As for insurance, there are limitations to what can be recommended in the open forum due to paying sponsors. But send me a PM and I can give you some information.

Insurance is a very good idea. If you become seriously ill and require surgery or an extended hospital admission, you could spend a fortune on medical care. Insurance premiums are very reasonable here.

[Thighlander]

I just saw a commercial on America TV. www.lipitorforyou.com they will cover the patent information and they are promoting a 4 dollar per month plan for those who need assistance (bless their hearts). Let us know.

[CaptHaddock]

I just saw a commercial on America TV. www.lipitorforyou.com they will cover the patent information and they are promoting a 4 dollar per month plan for those who need assistance (bless their hearts). Let us know.

Lipitor controlled my cholesterol very well for the five years I took it. That was until I developed severe muscle pains and weakness from it. Some of the pain stopped within a week of stopping the pills. Four years later I still have continual, bothersome pain. These complications have been the worst health problem I have actually experienced in my life. For the past four years I have controlled the cholesterol with niacin which is cheap and safe. I get mine at 8 cents a pill from endur.com. Myopathy (muscle pain and weakness) is associated with all statins. I would never, under any circumstances, take another statin.

Niacin is also the only medication that in tests has actually shown reduced mortality.