Getting Prescriptions Filled In Thailand

[Soundguy]

Whilst visiting a big pharmacy or hospital, could someone do me a favour?

Before I make my permanent move to Bangkok from the US I want to know whether or not to stock up on medicines here. Common sense dictates drugs should be cheaper in Thailand, but that often is not the case with other things in Thailand compared with the US...(eg. hitech things) I thought there would be a better way to research this but the drug manufacturers were predictably unhelpful, since they couldn't be sure of my motives, pricewise.

So here goes, I'm trying to find out if two specific medicines are available in Thailand, hopefully in BK. I read in another (quit smoking) forum here that Zyban is available in Thailand, which is just a low dose of Wellbutrin (bupropion HCL made by GlaxoSmithKline) under another name. So I'm optimistic about that. But does anyone know about availability and prices of a new drug called Cymbalta (duloxetine HCL, made by Lilly in the USA) ? It's too new to be available as a generic (local made) yet.

By way of an incentive, I'm in the USA for a couple of weeks, so the first person to post the answer will get any consumable they miss/want (within reason) from the USA... food, booze, book, whatever is legal.. I'll be in BK on the July the 17th.

And Thanks!!!!!!

[Prakanong2005]

Just a quck note about new drugs in Thailand

A new registered drug is only available in Hospitals or clinics for the first 2 years it is registered in Thailand according to the Thai FDA

Generics should follow the WTO standards on patent protection and still have to go through a registration process in Thailand.

The name in Thailand for the low dose anti-smoking stuff sems to be quomen

"US Brand Name: Wellbutrin / Wellbutrin SR / Wellbutrin XL

Other Brand Names: Zyban (for smoking cessation)

Odranal (Colombia)

Quomen (Thailand)

Well (Korea)

Zyban LP (France)

Zyban Sustained Release (Australia)"

[Soundguy]

"US Brand Name: Wellbutrin / Wellbutrin SR / Wellbutrin XL

Other Brand Names: Zyban (for smoking cessation)

Odranal (Colombia)

Quomen (Thailand)

Well (Korea)

Zyban LP (France)

Zyban Sustained Release (Australia)"

thanks PRA

[flightsong]

I am bipolar and I take the following medications, and I need to find out if they are available in Thailand or if I'll have to order them from outside of the country:

Wellbutrin (generic (called Brupopion) or name brand)

(I am not taking the stuff for smoking cessation, so I don't think it's the same kind.  I have to take either Wellbutrin or Bupropion, nothing else.)

Zoloft (generic or name brand)

Lamictal (generic (called Lamotrigine) or name brand)

Any information you could give me would be so greatly appreciated!

Edited March 23, 2010 by flightsong

[Sheryl]

I am bipolar and I take the following medications, and I need to find out if they are available in Thailand or if I'll have to order them from outside of the country:

Wellbutrin (generic (called Brupopion) or name brand)

(I am not taking the stuff for smoking cessation, so I don't think it's the same kind.  I have to take either Wellbutrin or Bupropion, nothing else.)

Zoloft (generic or name brand)

Lamictal (generic (called Lamotrigine) or name brand)

Any information you could give me would be so greatly appreciated!

Buproprion = only as Quomem (buproprion HCL 150 mg sustained release tabs) , the smoking cessation product, but it is generically identical to Wellbutrin SR in so far as I can tell. If you are taking a non-sustained release form of Wellbutrin or a dosage less than 150 mg then this would be an issue and you should discuss with your current doctorwhat best to do.

Zoloft - brand name form available (imported) but also an inexpensive generic sertraline.

Lamotrigine = available but onlky brand name imported Lamictal, so cost will be similiar to the west. .

All 3 are sold OTC without prescription in Thailand. That said, I find it odd that you are on both Wellbutrin and Zoloft. Not a usual combo especially for someone with BPD. While it is sometimes necessary for a person with BPD to be on an antidepressent (always, of course, with a mood stabilizer as well, never alone), to be on 2 is in my experience unusual. Also, BPD aside, the combination of SSRIs with Wellbutrin has not been well studied and the standard guidance is that "caution is warranted" in mixing of the two.

???

BTW there have been prior threads in this forum with details of Thai pyschiatrists specializing in BPD, might be worth doing a search so you know where to go if the need arises during your stay

[quindaro]

Hi, I've got another question about a couple of prescription meds. 

My husband takes both temazepam and Nuvigil (armodafinil) for treatment of sleep disorders. Before traveling to Bangkok his employer assured him getting prescriptions filled would not be a problem. Now his 30 day supply he brought with him is nearly out and after visiting both a pharmacy and hospital, he's not been able to refill his meds.

We're trying to find out if these drugs are available in Thailand, and if so, where to get them. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks-

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Hi, I've got another question about a couple of prescription meds. 

My husband takes both temazepam and Nuvigil (armodafinil) for treatment of sleep disorders. Before traveling to Bangkok his employer assured him getting prescriptions filled would not be a problem. Now his 30 day supply he brought with him is nearly out and after visiting both a pharmacy and hospital, he's not been able to refill his meds.

We're trying to find out if these drugs are available in Thailand, and if so, where to get them. Any info or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks-

Temazepam is listed as available in Thailand: Euhypnos 20 Soft gelatin cap® [ Pfizer ] [ Zuellig ] - temazepam

Don't see "armodafinil."

If you visit a large pharmacy with an actual pharmacist in residence, ask if they have the MIMS for Thailand (www.mims.com). I note that sometimes the MIMS online works fine, other times need to register. ??

Mac

[quindaro]

Temazepam is listed as available in Thailand: Euhypnos 20 Soft gelatin cap® [ Pfizer ] [ Zuellig ] - temazepam

Don't see "armodafinil."

If you visit a large pharmacy with an actual pharmacist in residence, ask if they have the MIMS for Thailand (www.mims.com). I note that sometimes the MIMS online works fine, other times need to register. ??

Mac

Thank you! Very helpful info. This gives us a good place to start.

[Sheryl]

Euhypnos (temazepam) is a controlled subtsance and can only be obtained at a hospital pharmacy with doctor's presecription.

Armodafinil is not approved for use in Thailand. Modafinil is, but no brand has ben registered. It is possible that a hospital might have these or something similiar, some of the large international hospital;s have drugs not yet approved for general use in Thailand. I don't know quiote how that works, but they do.

Since he is going to need a prescription for the temazepam anyhow suggest you see a doctor specializing in sleep disorders.

This doctor at Bumrungrad did a fellowhsip in sleep disorders in the US:

Dr. Paisan Vachatimanont

Specialty: Neurology (Nerve)

Language: Spoken: English,Teo Chew,Thai

Qualifications: Medical School:

- M.D., Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand, 1977

Board Certifications:

- Diploma of The Thai Board of Neurology, 1984

- Diplomate of The American Board Eligible of Neurology, 1994

Fellowships:

- Clinical Electrophysiology, The University of Iowa College of Medicine, USA, 1988-1989

- Sleep Medicine, Minnesota Regional Sleep Disorder Center, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minnesota, USA, 1993-1994

Day Time Location

Mon 08:00 - 16:00 NS 16B (Neuro/Uro/Men center/Physical Med)

Tue 08:00 - 16:00 NS 16B (Neuro/Uro/Men center/Physical Med)

Wed 08:00 - 16:00 NS 16B (Neuro/Uro/Men center/Physical Med)

Thu 08:00 - 16:00 NS 16B (Neuro/Uro/Men center/Physical Med)

Fri 08:00 - 16:00 NS 16B (Neuro/Uro/Men center/Physical Med)

Sat 08:00 - 16:00 NS 16B (Neuro/Uro/Men center/Physical Med)

They have other docs specializing in sleep medicine but these focus on sleep apnea/respiraory probklems, from her meds doesn't sound like what he needs. I am assuming that sleep apnea has been ruled out. If not, then you might do well to have him evaluated at the sleep clinic there.

Thai doctors are very reluctant to prescribe these drugs. If possible, a letter from his regular doctor would help. At a minimum, bring the prescription bottle(s) that she has with you.

[quindaro]

Wow, great information. My husband's being treated for both sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, so you can see why he really needs those meds to function well during the day. 

We can probably get a letter from his U.S. sleep specialist detailing his situation and get him in to see the doctor you suggested. 

Thanks so much for your help.