Prescription Meds in Mexico

[jdarbonne]

Originally Posted by cathertonpowell

Whether or not you need a prescription will depend upon the medication. You certainly can try to get the Mexican equivalent without one. Our experiences in Mexico have been that the prices at various pharmacies are quite similar unless you go to the "Farmacia Similares" for the generic; but we have also discovered they seldom have the medication we need. I can't specifically address Ajijic as we live in an area with fewer expats.

Thank you very much.

[jdarbonne]

Originally Posted by RVGRINGO

You have misinterpreted jdarbonne's post.
No, you do not need to see a physician for a prescription. That would only be necessary for controlled substances. Simply ask for the medication by it's brand name (more expensive) or the generic equivalent by using the appropriate name. For example: Lasix is furosomide/furosimida in Spanish. You may order 'simvastatina' instead of the various more expensive statins line Zocor, etc. Some things, still under patent, like Spiriva or Plavix, have no generic equivalent yet. We use Farmacia Similares for some generics, Chapala's Farmacia Ahuacatlan for others and for proprietary medicines. Sometimes we use Walmart, Costco, Sam's Club or Mega. Prices are close.

Thank you so much!

[masmgt]

Originally Posted by HolyMole

On a somewhat related topic, if (when?) my wife and move full-time to Mexico, my healthcare plan as a Canadian government retiree pays 80% of the cost of prescription drugs. I'm corresponding with the insurer now to confirm what documentation they will require, considering that all the drugs we currently take are available in Mexico without prescription, and the receipt you get from a farmacia is the same as the one you get for purchasing a candy bar.

Ask for a factura, an official receipt for tax purposes. It will show the item and the price and carry the tax id of the store.

[RVGRINGO]

In the larger stores, like Walmart, Costco, Mega, etc., the register receipt will contain all of that information and the identification of the medicine.