Medicine from abroad through the airport (Suvarnabhumi)

[Felt 35]

I use Glucosamine 400mg and Calcigran Forte 1000 mg/800 IE for osteoporosis which is prescription medication back home. However the prescription goes online from doctor to pharmacy so I have no document to show the custom in Thailand except a sticker with my name on the boxes. Will this be a problem in the customs?

Thanks

Felt.

[Sheryl]

I am very surprised these require a prescription where you live as both Glucosamine and Calcium/Vit D preparations are over the counter meds in the vast majority of countries, including Thailand. Some countries do not allow sale of Calcium/Vit D in that dosage (1000 mg + 800mg) but you can get around that by just taking more than 1 tab. Never heard of anyplace that will not sell Calcium/D supplements in some dosage OTC.

The rule on brinnging in medication for personal use in Thailand is 30 day supply OK and in a labelled bottle.

You will be able to buy Glucosamine capsules and powder here easily. Also calcium + Vit D, which is what Calcigard is. Though you'll have to shop around to get the dosage tight and might need to take morer than 1 tab. The hardest part is the Vit D as most preparations have just 200mg. Best bet is probably Caltrate600 + D400 and take 2 tabs. Will be a little more calcium but that should be OK.

[Felt 35]

I am very surprised these require a prescription where you live as both Glucosamine and Calcium/Vit D preparations are over the counter meds in the vast majority of countries, including Thailand. Some countries do not allow sale of Calcium/Vit D in that dosage (1000 mg + 800mg) but you can get around that by just taking more than 1 tab. Never heard of anyplace that will not sell Calcium/D supplements in some dosage OTC.

The rule on brinnging in medication for personal use in Thailand is 30 day supply OK and in a labelled bottle.

You will be able to buy Glucosamine capsules and powder here easily. Also calcium + Vit D, which is what Calcigard is. Though you'll have to shop around to get the dosage tight and might need to take morer than 1 tab. The hardest part is the Vit D as most preparations have just 200mg. Best bet is probably Caltrate600 + D400 and take 2 tabs. Will be a little more calcium but that should be OK.

Thanks Sheryl!

I have however with me for some months and only have to hope it will be accepted.

[Sheryl]

Fr what is considered here to be just nutritional supplements, I think you'll be OK.

[NancyL]

While these are OTC products here, the OP should be advised that it will be difficult to have these products shipped here from overseas. I've had them stopped by customs when shipping FedEx/DHL/UPS because I don't have an import license. And it's impossible for a private individual to obtain an import license.

However, I've had the same products shipped via U.S. postal system, going thru the Thai postal system with no problems. I declare them as nutritional supplements and usually they ship with vitamins like Centrum Silver for Women, which you can't get here, Yes, you can get regular Centrum Silver, but not Centrum Silver for Women or for Men. Seems the Thai postal system and the commercial services like DHL/FedEx/UPS use different customs clearing procedures.

Incidentally, I order 90 day supply at once. If I were coming into the country, I'd bring a 90 day supply, not a 30 day. That is the most efficient way these products are packaged and priced, too.

What Sheryl said is what Thai law states. What I'm writing about is my personal experience, which will be different for each person, of course.

Edited October 4, 2014 by NancyL

[pmarlin]

The most you can bring in is a 30 day supply, been down that road already.

[Sheryl]

While that is indeed the rule, it is for pharmaceuticals and not clear it would apply to nutritional supplements.