Cost of prescription drugs

[hocuspocus]

Due to the high cost of some prescription drugs in Thailand has anyone tried to import any from one of the online pharmacies in Canada and are there any restrictions when they arrive in Thailand? I guess I could have them shipped to the UK and bring them with me to Thailand when I return from the UK, but do I need a letter from a doctor stating that I need them and would there be restrictions on the amounts?

[johnatong]

You would normally be allowed to bring 30 days supply of medication into the country with you. Certain medications are subject to strict controls in Thailand and specific permission supported by a Drs letter would be required for such drugs.

Importing medication by post etc is illegal without an import licence which is impossible to obtain.

[Sheryl]

Above is correct, not actually legal to import pharmaceuticals by mail.

However, in practice customs usually lets through small amounts provided not a controlled substance, and also provided it comes by regular post and not courier. (Delivery by courier guarantees major customs problems).

However in my experience the cost of imported drugs in Thailand is only a little more than that of the same drug in Canada or Europe and when you factor in the cost of shipping, usually no savings at all - the people for whom it saves money to ship are those who get their meds free under some health scheme back home. This is, of course, referring to the actual pharmacy retail price and not to what is charged by hospitals, where there is a huge mark up. Never buy meds at a hospital pharmacy unless it is a controlled drug not available OTC; the vast majority of medications are sold OTC here.

in addition, most drugs have locally made generic equivalent brands which are vastly less expensive than the imported brands.

Suggest you explore that if you haven't already before resorting to trying to import.

You might like to list what meds you are in need of here to see what others are paying for them and whether there are inexpensive local brands.

[Suradit69]

Above is correct, not actually legal to import pharmaceuticals by mail.

However, in practice customs usually lets through small amounts provided not a controlled substance, and also provided it comes by regular post and not courier. (Delivery by courier guarantees major customs problems).

However in my experience the cost of imported drugs in Thailand is only a little more than that of the same drug in Canada or Europe and when you factor in the cost of shipping, usually no savings at all - the people for whom it saves money to ship are those who get their meds free under some health scheme back home. This is, of course, referring to the actual pharmacy retail price and not to what is charged by hospitals, where there is a huge mark up. Never buy meds at a hospital pharmacy unless it is a controlled drug not available OTC; the vast majority of medications are sold OTC here.

in addition, most drugs have locally made generic equivalent brands which are vastly less expensive than the imported brands.

Suggest you explore that if you haven't already before resorting to trying to import.

You might like to list what meds you are in need of here to see what others are paying for them and whether there are inexpensive local brands.

"Delivery by courier guarantees major customs problems)."

True for anything sent by courier. They manage to screw up everything to do with customs clearance.

[Speedo1968]

Excellent answers from all postings above.

If you intend to be here a while generic alternatives is the best way to go.

My only further comment is that many years ago I used a pen injector for migraine, for this I had a special letter from my GP as well as the prescription.