Getting Medications shipped to Thailand - customs

[Skytrain2hell]

Hi All,

 

I'm getting Naltrexone shipped into Thailand, about 4,000 Baht worth. Has anyone ever had issues with customs on that?

[Thanyaburi Mac]

"Shipped" from what country?

 

And, how?  DHL, FedEx, UPS, or another courier company?

 

FYI, the national postal services is probably better than one of the couriers, less likely to be checked by Customs.

 

Here's a thread on the med:  

 

[Thanyaburi Mac]

And, a more recent thread:

 

 

Mac

 

"Shipped" from what country?

 

And, how?  DHL, FedEx, UPS, or another courier company?

 

FYI, the national postal services is probably better than one of the couriers, less likely to be checked by Customs.

 

Here's a thread on the med:  

 

[Sheryl]

Somewhat surprisingly it is not on the list of controlled substances.

 

However, it is technically not legal to import any medication, and an injectable like this is apt to get much more scrutiny than would a small quantity of pills.

 

In terms of getting it here, a physician specializing in addiction disorders would be the best recourse, there are a few in Bangkok.

 

 

[Skytrain2hell]

I called the major hospitals, and none had Naltrexone. This is taken orally an hour before you want to drink.

 

I ordered it from India and it came through without any problems. I've been on it for a week and my drinking is down about 70%. Pretty amazing stuff, though I've read on other forums that there is a honeymoon period followed by an uptick in drinking - followed by getting things under control/addiction extinction. I'm holding on for the rollercoaster :)

[Sheryl]

It never works to call hospitals and ask if they have specific drigs, because hospital pharmacies do not dispense to the general public. Furthermore, the people who answer the phones do nto know the names of all the medications available i  the hospital and the Thai response to anything that sounds unfamiliar is a reflex"no have", often untrue.

 

You would have to consult a doctor on staff in the hospital. I would be amazed in Bumrungrad, which has an excellent specialist in addiction disorders on staff, did not have naltrexone, but you will not get that information by calling and asking.

 

Even with your own supply of it, it would be well worth having some professional guidance.  DIY has definite limitations.

 

https://www.bumrungrad.com/doctors/Pichai-Saengcharnchai

[Skytrain2hell]

Thanks Sheryl. I actually emailed hospitals rather than calling...not sure why I wrote calling, though it doesn't make a huge difference.

 

You're right that I should have professional guidance. I do worry, however, about this going on my medical record. Though I should probably follow your advice, I doubt that I will for that reason plus things are going so well at the moment. I feel ready for the ups and downs, but nothing is ever like actually going through it all. I might be back here in 6 months saying that I should've consulted a professional :)

We'll see.

[al007]

19 hours ago, Sheryl said:

It never works to call hospitals and ask if they have specific drigs, because hospital pharmacies do not dispense to the general public. Furthermore, the people who answer the phones do nto know the names of all the medications available i  the hospital and the Thai response to anything that sounds unfamiliar is a reflex"no have", often untrue.

 

 

A couple of observations

 

The NO HAVE, syndrome, is the way they all get rid of you, this is especially true in Global House, it gets rid of the interruption by the customer, till I find the item high up on the shelves, and then call for Mr No Have to assist, at this stage many come running, they all understand NO HAVE  ! !

 

Consultations at all the hospitals tend to be inexpensive, like around 1000batt in BKK, and half that in the provinces, it is generally money well spent, ask for a copy of the consultants notes

 

I have found email to the hospitals gets ignored, do some research; find the name of the consultant; then make an appointment on the phone and go there, even with BumrungradI tried making an appointment on line it did not work; but on the phone was easy

Edited December 8, 2016 by al007

[Sheryl]

emails are usually answered by clerical staff (if answered at all) with no medical training who will seldom have asked the appropriate medical staff for the information. NEVER the way to get detailed information about services or drugs available in a Thai hospital. If they don't know what it is you are asking about (almost surely the case here) they will automatically say they don't have it/can't do it, without having troubled to find out what it is. In other cases they will make incorrect guesses about what it is you were asking about and give completely misleading information. Emails to Thai hospitals are not a suitable means of doing more than getting an appointment (and even then you need to know exactly, by name, the doctor you ant to see).

 

Your medical records are confidential except to insurance companies - for sure if you claim the cost on insurance the company will have the records and in addition Thai-based insurance companies (but not international ones) seem to manage to get their hands on medical information from hospitals even if not part of a claim. That's about it.  Employers etc will not have access to this information, neither will immigration if that is what you are concerned about.

 

Many TV members with addiction issues have gotten good care and guidance from Dr. Phichai.