Buying Hiv Med In Thailand Anonymously?

[ocean1617]

Hi all

I live in the U.S., and all my other family members live in Thailand. I have both Thai and US citizen. I just got diagnosed with HIV and started my medication here in the US. I'm on Complera, emtricitabine / rilpivirine / tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, 200 / 25 / 300 mg. My medication is dispensed every 30 days, and I'm a little uneasy about this. I would like to get extra medication just in case. I know that in Thailand I have to buy 2 or 3 medications to make up Complera, and that is ok as long as they are the same medication at the end. Here are my questions:

Privacy is of utmost importance to me. I don't want my family or the government to know about my status. That's why I don't want to give them my name or address to the doctor or pharmacy. From what I read, I need prescription in order to buy HIV meds. Is this still true? Is it possible that I go to an HIV specialist doctor with a copy of all my lab results, and ask him to just write me a prescription of the same drugs in separate pills? Is it possible to not give the hospital my name and address? I don't want them to send anything to my family's address? Does the doctor have to report my name to the government when he finds out that I'm HIV positive? I don't mind they look at my Thai Citizen card to check identity but I don't want it recorded anywhere.

Your input would be greatly appreicated. Thank you very much.

[OZEMADE]

How long do you plan on staying in Thailand. If it is for less than 6 months your doctor in the US can perscribe medication for up to 6 months, if you inform him that you are going on holidays.

If you are coming to Thailand to live permanently, I would suggest you bring a copy of your medical report with you. This way the doctor you see here will have a heads up straight away and know what to perscribe you.

I dont know of any doctors or hospitals that will perscribe medication of any sort without you giving your name, as it has to be displayed on the medication packet with the dosage etc.

In relation to postage, I suppose you could give them a mail box number? But if you were seeing the same doctor regularly at the hospital, there would be no need for them to send you mail, as you pay as you go in Thailand. The only thing they may want would be your mobile number.

Not much info, but it may help.

[ocean1617]

Thanks OZEMADE for your reply.

To answer your questions in short. It suffices to say that I only want to see the doctor once a year or every other year so that I can occasionally buy 30-day supply of medication. Can I just give them my name and cell phone number, and not address? Do they need to look at and record my ID card, passport, etc? And report to the government of my HIV status?

What hospital or clinic require minimal information about me?

Thank you.

[bangkokburning]

I presume that this medicine cannot be obtained in any general pharmacy/chemist?

Why don't you find a nice shop that you can order what you need from them? This is assuming that the medicine is not strictly controlled (by hospitals).

They will want your passport BUT ... It is not impossible for you to register under a fictitious name - be clever. Go in for a tetanus shot and "Forget" your pp, speak only English, use a Chinese surname and never ever respond to anyone that speaks Thai to you :-)) Come back next week for a simple checkup. OK, it works - now, get an HIV test and get a Dr assigned to your case.

Get a 2nd phone/number for your medical issues just to be safe. You will also need some sort of address.

Edited May 2, 2012 by bangkokburning

[OZEMADE]

Thanks OZEMADE for your reply.

To answer your questions in short. It suffices to say that I only want to see the doctor once a year or every other year so that I can occasionally buy 30-day supply of medication. Can I just give them my name and cell phone number, and not address? Do they need to look at and record my ID card, passport, etc? And report to the government of my HIV status?

What hospital or clinic require minimal information about me?

Thank you.

Obviously you are HIV Positive. In that case you should be having a complete blood test every 3 months in order to monitor your status and medication. In other words your blood tests will let the doctor know how your medication is working and if he has to up the dose or modify/change them in any way.

If you go to the top of the Health Body and Medicine, there it mentions clinics that will do what you ask of them.

Here is the link.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/285198-hiv-testing-and-treatment-in-los-doctors-meds-costs/

Edited May 2, 2012 by OZEMADE

[Sheryl]

Doctors and hospitals do not inform the government of people who are HIV positive. It would be illegal and unethical to do so. Neither will they disclose your condition to your family. They do, however, often disclose to insurance companies which can be a barrier if you later need to get health insurance here.

The Thai Red Cross Anonymous Clinic will treat you on a completely anonymous basis. They are also the least expensive source of meds. If you already have lab results and a prescription from home, bring that with you. details are in the pinned notice on HIV in Thailand.

[ocean1617]

Thank you OZEMADE, bangkokburning and Sheryl. I now have more information, and I can dedice what I want to do.

@Sheryl Good to know that Thai health care providers don't report patient's information to the government. Here in the US, they are required to report positive test results, I know for sure that the Health Department of my state has my status. Well, it is what it is. I am not very concerned about anyone in the US finding out about my status because I don't have any family members here and the law protecting patient's health information is very strict. I saw your post on Patient Rights in Thailand. Thank you for the information and raising awarenss on the topic. Keep up the good work!

Unfamiliar with Thai rules and regulations, I was uneasy about giving out my information. Thank you for the clarification.