How to get cholestyramine (Questran) in Thailand?

[CrashTestDummy]

Greetings,

I recently moved to Chiang Mai from the US. I have to take cholestyramine (Questran) daily, due to a gallbladder removal. I've been taking this medication in the US for a couple years.

I've visited a few pharmacies in CM (including the ones that seem popular among local expats). I've consistently been told this medication is not available in Thailand.

Can anyone outside CM confirm this stuff is or isn't available?

If anyone's currently taking this medication, I'd be curious to know how you acquired it.

My American doctor doesn't seem to know any suitable alternatives and I'm usually in bad shape without this stuff.

[lopburi3]

Have you asked for Resincolestiramina? This appears to be the brand name sold here.

http://www.mims.com/thailand/drug/info/resincolestiramina/

[CrashTestDummy]

Have you asked for Resincolestiramina? This appears to be the brand name sold here.

http://www.mims.com/thailand/drug/info/resincolestiramina/

I haven't asked for that drug specifically (this is the first I've heard of it), but I did ask for any equivalent medication from any manufacturer. I was told it doesn't exist here by any manufacturer. I'll try again though and ask for Resincolestiramina.

Would I possible get different results if I see a doctor here rather than go to a pharmacy?

[Oxx]

Contact the distributor to find out where it's being sold. For the Resincolestiramina (which appears to be the only brand available here) that's these people: http://www.lfasia.com/en/distribution_contact_us_SEA.html

[CrashTestDummy]

I managed to find cholestyramine at a couple locations and wanted to update the thread, in case someone needs it in the future.

You can order directly from the manufacturer by emailing [email protected]. After my email was passed along to several people, I was told I could order boxes of 50 small packets for 1500 baht/box. I'm unsure if shipping would be additional. I ultimately bought it elsewhere.

I found that Health Care Medical Clinic (ph: +66 82 766 8672) on Hang Dong Road sells this for 1,960 baht/box.

With some help from a forum member, I found that Meechok Pharma (ph: 081-2882542) sells it for 1,800 baht/box.

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Here's another thread on the subject:

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/683985-cholestyramine-questran/

Mac

[sicsmoo]

Thanks for the info guys. Is it available from those sources without a prescription? 

[Thanyaburi Mac]

Crash

 

Some years back I used to buy Questran on Sukumvit for cholesterol control.  Later switched to another and much cheaper drug, Bestatin.

 

However, you said:  "I have to take cholestyramine (Questran) daily, due to a gallbladder removal."

 

Any idea why?  I had my gallbladder removed here five years ago, the doctor didn't say anything about taking any follow-on medications because of this.

 

Curious, have I been missing something?

 

Ah, see some answers when I Google:  gallbladder and questran

 

I don't seem to have these problems.

 

Mac

 

Mac

[Sheryl]

It does not require a prescrition in Thailand but it looks liek Qyestran brand is off market here now.

 

Resincolestiramina is a another brand of the same thing. But will need a really large pharmacy to have it.