How hard is it to get an antibiotic through Thai customs from the US?

[dblaisde]

Hi,

I'd like to have my son ship an antiparasite antibiotic (nitazoxanide) to me in Bangkok. The antibiotic isn't available in Thailand. The antibiotic would be in a labelled container with my and the doctor's name and the prescription papers perhaps included (not sure because the prescription won't arrive till I'm back in Thailand).

Is this going to be a problem or gigantic hassle?

thanks

[h90]

if a small package, just post it, most probably no one cares about it.

[Sheryl]

Depends on how it is sent. Technically you cannot import a medication through the post without an FDA license (which you cannot get). Having a prescription from the US makes no difference (though indeed should be sure it is a well labelled bottle lest it be suspected of being a banned substance).

If it comes by a courier, it will get stuck at customs on this account and be a ridiculous hassle.

If sent by regular mail a small package with small quantity of meds for personal use will usually be let through but no guarantee.

Is it not possible to bring it with you? You are allowed to bring in up to a 30 day supply.

[h90]

Depends on how it is sent. Technically you cannot import a medication through the post without an FDA license (which you cannot get). Having a prescription from the US makes no difference (though indeed should be sure it is a well labelled bottle lest it be suspected of being a banned substance).

If it comes by a courier, it will get stuck at customs on this account and be a ridiculous hassle.

If sent by regular mail a small package with small quantity of meds for personal use will usually be let through but no guarantee.

Is it not possible to bring it with you? You are allowed to bring in up to a 30 day supply.

And the 30 day supply aren't enforced on normal medications...no one will complain if it is a 50 day supply of heachache, heart, infection medications.....anything that is not suspicious for doing something illegal with it.

[keeniau96]

I had glaucoma medicines mailed regularly from Canada. 6-month supply at a time, small packet containing 12 little plastic 5 ml dropper bottles. Had customs declaration on packet, never a problem with mail or customs, never an inquiry.

[h90]

I had glaucoma medicines mailed regularly from Canada. 6-month supply at a time, small packet containing 12 little plastic 5 ml dropper bottles. Had customs declaration on packet, never a problem with mail or customs, never an inquiry.

I think customs here still use common sense.....small amount, not a narcotic, obviously for own use, let it go thru.....

Don't try it in Germany, they are complete hysteric and you'll surely died from an antibiotics from USA not prescribed in Germany....And if you die is not your problem it is theirs....

I always get a culture shock when I am back in Europe....

[NancyL]

I had glaucoma medicines mailed regularly from Canada. 6-month supply at a time, small packet containing 12 little plastic 5 ml dropper bottles. Had customs declaration on packet, never a problem with mail or customs, never an inquiry.

I think customs here still use common sense.....small amount, not a narcotic, obviously for own use, let it go thru.....

Don't try it in Germany, they are complete hysteric and you'll surely died from an antibiotics from USA not prescribed in Germany....And if you die is not your problem it is theirs....

I always get a culture shock when I am back in Europe....

As said, no problem if shipping via the postal service. But, big problems if shipping via the courier services. They've stopped shipments of vitamins and nutritional supplements for lack of a license. Avoid them at all cost.

[h90]

I had glaucoma medicines mailed regularly from Canada. 6-month supply at a time, small packet containing 12 little plastic 5 ml dropper bottles. Had customs declaration on packet, never a problem with mail or customs, never an inquiry.

I think customs here still use common sense.....small amount, not a narcotic, obviously for own use, let it go thru.....

Don't try it in Germany, they are complete hysteric and you'll surely died from an antibiotics from USA not prescribed in Germany....And if you die is not your problem it is theirs....

I always get a culture shock when I am back in Europe....

As said, no problem if shipping via the postal service. But, big problems if shipping via the courier services. They've stopped shipments of vitamins and nutritional supplements for lack of a license. Avoid them at all cost.

yes only normal post...I think the Americans call it USPS at home...

[Lefty]

Every 3 months my daughter in US sends me 7 90 day supply of prescription drugs via USPS International mail,takes about 5-6 days to receive.Cost about $50. No customs problems so far.

Lefty

[dblaisde]

Thanks all very much for the kind replies.

I'll do as directed, or rather instruct my son the same. I'll also try to get the original written prescription included in the package. I won't be here to receive it myself because it now takes ridiculously long for a US citizen to get drugs from Canada due to the passive-aggressive actions of US Big Pharma against Canadian pharmacies who dare sell the identical drugs for a quarter or a tenth of the price demanded in America. It's 2-4 weeks just to get the drugs through customs, and the USG has now banned using Visa or Mastercard to buy them with, so you have to snail mail a paper check up to Canada to pay <end of rant>.

I've never tried to get anything through Immigration before (though it's ridiculously easy walking stuff in--no questions asked), but sounds like I have a fighting chance. I suppose I should send it USPS "return receipt requested", just to keep the Thais honest? (and so at least I know that it actually made it to Thailand)

Much appreciated. My belly thanks you!

Edited September 19, 2015 by dblaisde

[h90]

Thanks all very much for the kind replies.

I'll do as directed, or rather instruct my son the same. I'll also try to get the original written prescription included in the package. I won't be here to receive it myself because it now takes ridiculously long for a US citizen to get drugs from Canada due to the passive-aggressive actions of US Big Pharma against Canadian pharmacies who dare sell the identical drugs for a quarter or a tenth of the price demanded in America. It's 2-4 weeks just to get the drugs through customs, and the USG has now banned using Visa or Mastercard to buy them with, so you have to snail mail a paper check up to Canada to pay <end of rant>.

I've never tried to get anything through Immigration before (though it's ridiculously easy walking stuff in--no questions asked), but sounds like I have a fighting chance. I suppose I should send it USPS "return receipt requested", just to keep the Thais honest? (and so at least I know that it actually made it to Thailand)

Much appreciated. My belly thanks you!

Could you try to send direct form Canada to here? (Or any other country that has it?)

USPS you must send registered if you want it to arrive, but "return receipt" is not necessary (so far....I received a lot different things and never lost anything registered)