Medication in Mexico

Loïc wrote:

Good morning everyone,

Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture.

When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like Mexico with different rules can affect your daily well-being.

Some drugs also differ in name, price, dosage, active molecule, so we would like to hear your opinion on these issues:

Have you ever had difficulties finding familiar or useful medicines for your health in your host country?

Have you ever been faced with a shortage of medicines in Mexico?

Would you have said that in Mexico drugs are more or less expensive than in your home country? Do you find them more or less effective or of similar quality?

What is the place of alternative medicines in your host country? Have you ever used them?

Thank you in advance for your feedback,

Loïc

Ok Loic
Here are at least some of the answers to your questions.

The majority of drugs especially Generic drugs come from China. Since the virus issue, the supply chain has dried up.
Before the virus, it was tricky to get some drugs here in Mexico because drugs that were considered control drugs were restricted to only certain pharmacies.  Which means it might require 4 trips to different pharmacies.  Also, some drugs are not in common use here.

Most recently people have been angry about the health care system and the drug supplies which have all but disappeared for children's critical care.

Over the counter and not China dependent drugs seem to still be available. This is probably becoming a global issue. Many drug manufacturers have been using other countries to make their drugs which have led to a number of quality control problems.

Yes, drugs in Mexico have been cheaper. The U.S.  to my knowledge has been the only country that doesn't try to negotiate drug prices.

Some alternative medicines are available but then those tend to be natural medicines like food and herbs. Some can be found in pharmacies others in natural markets, or even supermarkets.

We do not have any kids so I cannot address the issue of scarcity of  children's medications. Just for the record, the controlled drugs requiring prescriptions and, perhaps, shopping around, are generally narcotics or related drugs and most medications are freely available in pharmacies generally and  without doctor's prescriptions. As an elderly guy, I take  several medications  for  problems from blood pressure to blood thinners and drugs for other maladies.  In my experience over 16 years living in both urban and rural Mexico, I have found the drugs I need on an ongoing basis with no supply  or quality control problems whatsoever and drug prices are quite inexpensive, especially compared to the dreadful U.S. with its inexcusably outrageous drug prices. Over the years, I have
Saved a fortune over whatI would have paid in the U.S. for top quality medications. No comparison.

Bubba2shoes wrote:

We do not have any kids so I cannot address the issue of scarcity of  children's medications. Just for the record, the controlled drugs requiring prescriptions and, perhaps, shopping around, are generally narcotics or related drugs and most medications are freely available in pharmacies generally and  without doctor's prescriptions. As an elderly guy, I take  several medications  for  problems from blood pressure to blood thinners and drugs for other maladies.  In my experience over 16 years living in both urban and rural Mexico, I have found the drugs I need on an ongoing basis with no supply  or quality control problems whatsoever and drug prices are quite inexpensive, especially compared to the dreadful U.S. with its inexcusably outrageous drug prices. Over the years, I have
Saved a fortune over whatI would have paid in the U.S. for top quality medications. No comparison.

Respectfully, for the most part, you are historically correct Bubb,

But things are not the same now. the drugs you are on are not controlled drugs. Five years ago someone who lived with me had problems requiring drugs that even with a script were hard to get and did require a specialty pharmacy. since then he has died and I don't use any drugs at all myself.

I do know a number of doctors and am a retired medical professional so I do have a pretty current picture of health care in general from that perspective. There are people you can read about that are upset because of problems getting drugs their children needed. and given that China has been a primary drug source there are supply issues everywhere now. There have also been quality issues you can read about with drugs from a French drug company. The stories are in the Mexican news.

I suspect you will continue being able to get your current drugs because Mexico is probably well stocked on those. You might want to see what's happening with the virus which could impact all of our lives in some way.

My experience with prescription and non prescription medications has been highly positive. When it comes to seeing a doctor  I have never paid more than $5.00 USD for a visit and I have never paid more than  $12.00 USD for a prescription medication. The doctors are very thorough in their checkup routines and they don't  bill you for unnecessary  bandages and other materials. The quality of healthcare exceeds US standards and  never leaves anyone out in the cold as the US currently practices. I had an asthma attack in Las Vegas and I was turned away because I was uninsured.  In Mexico this is not tolerated and you pay when you can pay.  Healthcare in Mexico compared to the USA is many levels above of US standards and it is why I will never return  to the USA. Mexico is not perfect but healthcare is on the same level as the European level,  if you  get sick, a doctor is there for you without the politics and credit check.  By the way  we  have  lived in Mexico for over 2 years and we love it.

Hi folks
I experience chronic pain due to fibromyalgia and severe degenerative disease of my neck and lumbar spine.  I take opiates daily and have done so for many years.  What is the availability of opiates in Mexico?  Will pharmacies fill a prescription from my USA pain specialist or is a prescription from a local physician required?  Is medical marijuana available?  Any other info regarding opiates or medical marijuana in Mexico is appreciated.Thanks.

well, 711.
It's probably doable at the moment with a script from your doctor in the U, S, but may be difficult given that it would require a specific pharmacy.

As for M.J., it has loosened up and CBD is available at the moment, It took quite a while to make it available for children with intractable seizure disorders. but at least CBD is out there at the moment. Yes, I used 'at the moment' twice that's because that is more or less the norm which may or may not continue. Something to keep in mind.

Thank you, travellight,
I'll check in with some pharmacies next time I am in Mexico

I relocated to Mexico approximately 5 yrs ago when Obamacare was in play in the US. I've been a type 1 insulin dependent diabetic for most my life but the final yrs in US I saw my insulin prices spike to unbelievable heights. On the average  my insulin cost about 75-150$$ per pen. In mex I pay 12$. Big difference. Same exact product!! It's the main reason we left the Good ol USA

Medication of every kind has ALWAYS been far cheaper in Mexico, also in Canada.  It is shameful... no, A CRIME that Big Pharma has always artificially jacked up drug prices to gouge the public, in plain sight.  They all think this is their "right."  But although I think it is any company's right to make a profit, when they suddenly increase their already insane prices by THOUSANDS OF PERCENT, it becomes price fixing, and worse, actually killing the people whose lives DEPEND on these life saving drugs, but can no longer afford them.  Today we are facing a global health emergency, and after the US has already outsourced 90% of its drug manufacturing to India, China, and Mexico, we have only shot ourselves in the foot, now unable to import the antibiotics, antipsychotics, and even vital diabetes medications for our own citizens.  That will leave a lot of sick, crazy people in its wake, the most visible proof of our utter folly and inability to plan for the future.
Buena Suerte to all,
NYC Rob

I spent a few months in MX in 2018. I was able to find all off my medicines easily. I take insulin and the same insulin pens I use were readily available. AND MUCH CHEAPER! However, at some drug stores, they would have to order the insulin and have it for me the next day. Sometimes it was because they did not have refrigeration on site. Tresiba is the brand of insulin I use. Each of my other meds (Metformin, simvastatin, lisinopril, etc) were easy to obtain. Gk

Please reach out to me for high volume hospital supplies. I have a Chinese source, 3 days delivery to any country.  I will provide the source at no charge.
i am not sure how it will be paid for however, we all need to help, this is the beginning, I am trying to help us confront this before the need is more urgent. This is not for my profit, i just simply want to connect the dots and i do have the contacts, if we all band together we can help make a difference and may be contribute a small part.
I used to be in the garment industry and I learned how to source, so I found the Chinese distributor/manufacturer of medical supplies, i can share the contacts with any one who need it

Personally I love the natural alternatives here and home remedies. Just ask 5 people (women mostly) about a medical situation and normally you will get a common thread to follow. In the last year (the time I have been here) I have cured a life long case of cronically dry scalp. I've lost 75 lbs and don't have high blood pressure anymore. My energy and metabolism is much better. What do I do different?
   There is a soap called creolina that is used by vetinarians to control fleas, ticks, etc...It is very strong and must be used cautiously but two of the ingredients are tar and turpentine. Mixing a teaspoon with a full bottle of shampoo, 10 tsp honey and some Vitamin E has completely cured my itchy scalp, dandruff and dry scalp that was so bad I had scabs. My hair is healthier and it improves growth because it prevents the build-up that shampoos and conditioners cause.
   I also drink green tea every morning and Chamomile tea (mazanilla) every night. These are also known in the USA but the many uses of Chamomille I first learned from Mexican women. Anytime my children had tummyaches, even as babies, it was always the answer
   Look up the moringa tree. They grow in hot, dry places and are everywhere here in Puerto Peñasco, Sonora where I live I eat two seeds evey morning for general well being. The tree originates in India and the benefits are amazing. These are just a few examples of alternative ideas here in México.

pgarrod71114
Pgarrod did you have any luck finding your opiate meds and marijuana for fibromyalgia? I am older and have similar issues with chronic pain and wish to know how difficult it may be to find a doctor to prescribe what I need, or just get it from a pharmacy

In regard of pain killer med: you will need a prescription by a specialist dr. Please note medecine can be expensive.

No, I didn't find out any information about obtaining opiates and medical marijuana in Mexico.  Although, I didn't look very hard.  I'll be back in México in the winter for three months (mid-Jan through mid-April) and will spend more time researching treatment modalities.  I'll be sure to find out some answers and let you know.  Sorry for lack of information up to now.   I hope you are able to effectively manage your pain problems now.

Pgarrod711

pgarrod71114
Yes please and thank you very much.  Please let us know about pain meds. I too am going to retire in Mexico and will need to know if I will be able to continue my treatment. This forum sounds like a site with expats that will help others with important information.   😊

Welcome to expat Mexico goldenmain5

Like many things Pain Rx depend. If you have a valid prescription for those drugs it would likely not be a problem , once again depending on if Mexico has that drug.

I was helping someone who had cancer look for his pain med. and it took me 4 pharmacies and a half hour drive to do it but I finally found it. If it's a very common drug it can likely be found.

Thank you for your reply.
I have a spinal cord injury with Chronic Pain Syndrome so I've been on pain medicine for several years.
Its good to know someone else was able to obtain needed medication so hopefully I will be able to also. I suppose I should go to a major city there and look for Dr then proceed from there.
Thank you again.

Guess I should have mentioned that we're wanting to move to Mexico so I wouldn't be filling a Rx as I would bring my meds with me. But I would needing to find a dr to continue my treatment before moving down. That is my task. Hopefully my previous comment makes more sense.
Thanks again