Prescribed Drugs Into Thailand

[psmith]

Due to age health etc, my doctor in the uk has said he can give me 3 months worth of prescribed drugs for my various ailments - would I have a problem brining in these amounts of drugs into the country ??

[harrry]

You are only alowed one month.

[psmith]

Could family send month by month ?? or would that no be cost effective ?

[stoneyboy]

I always bring in 3 months worth of Allopurinol,never had an issue,always in the original box with Pharmacists label on,showing that they are indeed prescribed to me.

This way there is no hassle if I am stopped,what more can you do than that,in fairness it's as cheap to buy the drugs I use here in Thailand,but who knows if the quality is the same.

Edited August 1, 2012 by stoneyboy

[tig28]

Hi psmith

Suggest that you simply bring your 3 months supply -- along with a photo copy of the prescriptions -- just in case. This may be in breach of the regulations but in literally dozens of similar entries I have never even had my baggage inspected.

Should you wish to cover yourself 100% write to your local Thai embassy enclosing a letter from your doctor explaining your requirements to obtain written authorization.

Some years past a friend who was being treated with high daily doses of oral morphine (MS Contin) visited for 3 months & this is the path he followed with no difficulties. This was despite the fact that opiate drugs are very severely restricted in Thailand.

[tig28]

I always bring in 3 months worth of Allopurinol,never had an issue,always in the original box with Pharmacists label on,showing that they are indeed prescribed to me.

This way there is no hassle if I am stopped,what more can you do than that,in fairness it's as cheap to buy the drugs I use here in Thailand,but who knows if the quality is the same.

To the OP

Excellent Idea:

"it's as cheap to buy the drugs I use here in Thailand"

Why don't you post in the Health section of this forum asking about the ease of availability (and cost) of your required medications in BKK. At the many reputable pharmacies I would not worry re quality.

[Huayrat]

You are only alowed one month.

you are allowed 3 months thats what the doctors surgery told me and gave me to come here to Thailand

[Sheryl]

The rule is one month. That said, they do not usually count out the tablets as long as they are in clearly laebelled prescription bottles and the overall amount doesn't look large enough to trigger suspicion that it is for resale.

HOWEVER of any of these medications are controlled substances in Thailand (narcotics, benzo tranquilizers, most sleeping pills etc) then it would be unwise toe bring in more than a month supply and in addition to being in a prescribed bottle you should also have on you a doctor's letter stating it was prescribed to you and why.

Many -- in fact most - prescription meds from the west are available over the counter in Thailand and often with locally made generic equivalents that cost less. Hence most people just buy their meds here. But of course it depends what they are.

[endure]

I always bring in 3 months worth of Allopurinol,never had an issue,always in the original box with Pharmacists label on,showing that they are indeed prescribed to me.

This way there is no hassle if I am stopped,what more can you do than that,in fairness it's as cheap to buy the drugs I use here in Thailand,but who knows if the quality is the same.

To the OP

Excellent Idea:

"it's as cheap to buy the drugs I use here in Thailand"

Why don't you post in the Health section of this forum asking about the ease of availability (and cost) of your required medications in BKK. At the many reputable pharmacies I would not worry re quality.

Because he's from the UK where his medication probably costs him nothing.

[Backwoods]

I brought 3 months worth with me in bottles in big ziplock bag, including Anbien, and because they were in original bottles from VA Hospital, they just let me pass, and mind you, this was a really big bag as I am a heart patient!

[DrTuner]

Get an account in MIMS and check there. Just google MIMS Thailand, psychotropic substances and narcotics act. The information is there, but as always in Thailand, enforcement is random.

[mickjn]

From Australia you can bring 6 months no problem.You have a doctors letter saying what they are and what you need need for,you have no problems.The only problem you have is if you are running low and want to stay.You might get away with some one sending them to you a couple of times then it is all over.

[Sheryl]

Again, the rule is one month. The concerns behind the rules are controlling the pharma industry (ensuring what is brought in is indeed only for personal use and not for retail) and of course regulation of controlled substances.

Of course, most times bags aren't checked but that is hardly the issue, the issue is what would happen if they were.

I have not heard of anyone having a problem with drugs that are not controlled substances, clealry lablled as prescribed to them, in amounts of say a few months worth -- if it is nto a controlled substance then the concern is whether or not they are being brought in for retail. Technically the rule is one month supply because most foreigners entering are tourists and don't stay more than that time, but I have not heard of customs bothering to count out the number of tabklets as long as it clealry looked to be a personal supply of non-con trolled substances.

If the OP would state what the meds are we could advise on availability of low cost generic equivalents here, in many cases they are available and it will cost less to purchase locally than to send by mail.

[mickjn]

Again, the rule is one month. The concerns behind the rules are controlling the pharma industry (ensuring what is brought in is indeed only for personal use and not for retail) and of course regulation of controlled substances.

Of course, most times bags aren't checked but that is hardly the issue, the issue is what would happen if they were.

I have not heard of anyone having a problem with drugs that are not controlled substances, clealry lablled as prescribed to them, in amounts of say a few months worth -- if it is nto a controlled substance then the concern is whether or not they are being brought in for retail. Technically the rule is one month supply because most foreigners entering are tourists and don't stay more than that time, but I have not heard of customs bothering to count out the number of tabklets as long as it clealry looked to be a personal supply of non-con trolled substances.

If the OP would state what the meds are we could advise on availability of low cost generic equivalents here, in many cases they are available and it will cost less to purchase locally than to send by mail.

Are you saying that you can get any drug in Thailand.By that I mean a drug that works the same for elilipsy might even be totally different ingredents but can help help with saizures.I went to Bangkok Hospital saw a neurolgist first one was ok 2 number and 3 Thailand do not have.Can you give me similar no do not have in Thailand cannot

[Sheryl]

Are you saying that you can get any drug in Thailand.By that I mean a drug that works the same for elilipsy might even be totally different ingredents but can help help with saizures.I went to Bangkok Hospital saw a neurolgist first one was ok 2 number and 3 Thailand do not have.Can you give me similar no do not have in Thailand cannot

Of course not "any" drug, but most. Including most anticonvulsents.

And of course we can tell you if a specific drug is available here, but you have to tell us the name of the drug(s) in question first!

[mickjn]

Are you saying that you can get any drug in Thailand.By that I mean a drug that works the same for elilipsy might even be totally different ingredents but can help help with saizures.I went to Bangkok Hospital saw a neurolgist first one was ok 2 number and 3 Thailand do not have.Can you give me similar no do not have in Thailand cannot

Of course not "any" drug, but most. Including most anticonvulsents.

And of course we can tell you if a specific drug is available here, but you have to tell us the name of the drug(s) in question first!

Kepra I can get at Fascino also Bangkok Hospital only problem is they are 500 mg not 1000 mg.Frisum and Vimpat I cannot get anywhere.Bangkok Hospital had 1 out of 3 Pattaya Memoral had nothing.If there were other 3 drugs that I could take in place of them I would be happy if you could tell me.I think the only way is to come and live in LOS and book in to hospital and change medication.If you can help me and way I would appreciate it,

Thank you

[lopburi3]

Is that perhaps Frisium? That should be available in Thailand as below.

http://www.mims.com/Thailand/drug/info/Frisium/#Distributor

Do not believe Vimpat has been approved for use in Thailand.

[ignis]

When I came here to live my UK Dr gave me 3 months supply, also printed off another copy of the prescription which he stamped and signed.....

After that for the 1st year found it hard....... Big Drug stores and Hospitals sock reply on some 'No have'......

Then found a small Thai Pharmacists, what he did not have in stock, he got within 7 days, one type came from Switzerland and very expensive, after a few visits then suggested locally made generic equivalents that cost a fraction of the price..

oddly many places in Thailand if you asked for Aspirin, answer would be No have, or forbidden to sell, the Pharmacists I use has them in blister packs of 10 or bottles of 100 pills...

So far in 9 year have never found a Thai Pharmacists that does not speak good English, so should not have any problem

[mickjn]

Is that perhaps Frisium? That should be available in Thailand as below.

http://www.mims.com/...um/#Distributor

Do not believe Vimpat has been approved for use in Thailand.

Yes Sir,that is the one.I take is morning and night.I do not what you call them but they are like Valium and you can get hooked on them easy.From what I have read about them you should only be on the a month at the longest then stop them.I have been on them 7 months and tried to get of them but I cannot.I might have to have another go.When Doctor at BKK told me about a month ago Vimpat was not availabe in Thailand but he was very interested.Here they cost $340 a month but I get them for free.I do not think there are a new drug but one that is not used often.Thank you for all you help

[mickjn]

When I came here to live my UK Dr gave me 3 months supply, also printed off another copy of the prescription which he stamped and signed.....

After that for the 1st year found it hard....... Big Drug stores and Hospitals sock reply on some 'No have'......

Then found a small Thai Pharmacists, what he did not have in stock, he got within 7 days, one type came from Switzerland and very expensive, after a few visits then suggested locally made generic equivalents that cost a fraction of the price..

oddly many places in Thailand if you asked for Aspirin, answer would be No have, or forbidden to sell, the Pharmacists I use has them in blister packs of 10 or bottles of 100 pills...

So far in 9 year have never found a Thai Pharmacists that does not speak good English, so should not have any problem

Could I ask you Sir was that in Pattaya, Bkk or elsewhere.Do not expect you to post the name etc but just where.Thanks very much

[Sheryl]

Are you saying that you can get any drug in Thailand.By that I mean a drug that works the same for elilipsy might even be totally different ingredents but can help help with saizures.I went to Bangkok Hospital saw a neurolgist first one was ok 2 number and 3 Thailand do not have.Can you give me similar no do not have in Thailand cannot

Of course not "any" drug, but most. Including most anticonvulsents.

And of course we can tell you if a specific drug is available here, but you have to tell us the name of the drug(s) in question first!

Kepra I can get at Fascino also Bangkok Hospital only problem is they are 500 mg not 1000 mg.Frisum and Vimpat I cannot get anywhere.Bangkok Hospital had 1 out of 3 Pattaya Memoral had nothing.If there were other 3 drugs that I could take in place of them I would be happy if you could tell me.I think the only way is to come and live in LOS and book in to hospital and change medication.If you can help me and way I would appreciate it,

Thank you

Kepra (assuming it is the oral form), can be purchased over the counter. it will still be expensive but less so than at the hospital pharmacy. It does not come in anything stringer than 500mg but of course you just take 2 to get the 1000mg.

Frisium is a controlled substance in Thailand (for the reasons you mention) and thus can only be obtained at a hospital.

Vimpat (lacosamide) is indeed not yet approved for use in Thailand.

That is an unusual and quite expensive mix of meds you are on. If these were resorted to only after first trying to control your seizures with more conventional, long-standing agents, OK. But if not, I think you might benefit from consulting a neurologist specializing in seizure disorders here to see if more conventional and less costly medications available easily in Thailand might suffice. (Be sure to bring all your records with you, of course, so you don't waste time trying drugs that already proved ineffective in your case).

I mention this because doctors are often unduly swayed by pharmaceutical companies who always push their "newest (= most profitable) drugs, but newer is not always, or even usually, better.

[ignis]

Could I ask you Sir was that in Pattaya, Bkk or elsewhere.Do not expect you to post the name etc but just where.Thanks very much

About 40 + km North West of BKK..

There is a place in BKK not far from the river BKK side, [not far from that green roof building the United Nations building I think] it is very small, and always a long Que outside, very good Thai Pharmacists, cheap wholesale prices, but difficult to park, and double parking is a problems as often 2 or 3 deep and expect to wait at least 1 hr for your turn.... Not been for some years but drove past a couple of weeks ago and 20 or so people waiting outside and it was raining.

Edit: that place in BKK mostly sells loose, so pills are counted out = takes time

Edited September 22, 2012 by ignis

[mickjn]

Are you saying that you can get any drug in Thailand.By that I mean a drug that works the same for elilipsy might even be totally different ingredents but can help help with saizures.I went to Bangkok Hospital saw a neurolgist first one was ok 2 number and 3 Thailand do not have.Can you give me similar no do not have in Thailand cannot

Of course not "any" drug, but most. Including most anticonvulsents.

And of course we can tell you if a specific drug is available here, but you have to tell us the name of the drug(s) in question first!

Kepra I can get at Fascino also Bangkok Hospital only problem is they are 500 mg not 1000 mg.Frisum and Vimpat I cannot get anywhere.Bangkok Hospital had 1 out of 3 Pattaya Memoral had nothing.If there were other 3 drugs that I could take in place of them I would be happy if you could tell me.I think the only way is to come and live in LOS and book in to hospital and change medication.If you can help me and way I would appreciate it,

Thank you

Kepra (assuming it is the oral form), can be purchased over the counter. it will still be expensive but less so than at the hospital pharmacy. It does not come in anything stringer than 500mg but of course you just take 2 to get the 1000mg.

Frisium is a controlled substance in Thailand (for the reasons you mention) and thus can only be obtained at a hospital.

Vimpat (lacosamide) is indeed not yet approved for use in Thailand.

That is an unusual and quite expensive mix of meds you are on. If these were resorted to only after first trying to control your seizures with more conventional, long-standing agents, OK. But if not, I think you might benefit from consulting a neurologist specializing in seizure disorders here to see if more conventional and less costly medications available easily in Thailand might suffice. (Be sure to bring all your records with you, of course, so you don't waste time trying drugs that already proved ineffective in your case).

I mention this because doctors are often unduly swayed by pharmaceutical companies who always push their "newest (= most profitable) drugs, but newer is not always, or even usually, better.

Thanks for your help.I was on 1 med to control seizures since 94 then got bad about a year ago.A neuro from India and a Scienist from the Philipines decided this was the way

to go control new seizures.I think they were wrong.

[Sheryl]

Thanks for your help.I was on 1 med to control seizures since 94 then got bad about a year ago.A neuro from India and a Scienist from the Philipines decided this was the way to go control new seizures.I think they were wrong.

If they went straight from monotherapy (1 drug) to this then I think your concerns are very well founded. there are less expensive, longer-standing therapies which could have been tried first.

Also, as you had previously been well controlled on a medication, some serious investigation into possible causes for the change would have been on order. If not already done, they perhaps should be.

I recommend going back to square 1 with a neurologist specializing in seizure disorders here. Where in Thailand are you located?

[mickjn]

Thanks for your help.I was on 1 med to control seizures since 94 then got bad about a year ago.A neuro from India and a Scienist from the Philipines decided this was the way to go control new seizures.I think they were wrong.

If they went straight from monotherapy (1 drug) to this then I think your concerns are very well founded. there are less expensive, longer-standing therapies which could have been tried first.

Also, as you had previously been well controlled on a medication, some serious investigation into possible causes for the change would have been on order. If not already done, they perhaps should be.

I recommend going back to square 1 with a neurologist specializing in seizure disorders here. Where in Thailand are you located?

I am back in Australia at the moment until Loy Kratong then I will be in Thailand permantley.I think it is best if I love in with my mate and his Thai wife of Pattaya until I went this sorted out.I can bring back medication for Australia but they will be the same as I am on now.I think it is best for me to go to BKK hospital in Pattaya and try to get this sorted.When it is I will be going to Uttraditt permantley.They have a new Fascinos there,also also a new hospital altough friends have told me better for Farang to go to Philaslock for big hospital about 120 klms away.Thank you