Buying OTC in Cozumel with Dr's note? No flames please..

[Mickeyhugger]

My parents, (both in their 80's) pay a fortune each month for their prescriptions. I remembered last time we did the western, that certain meds were available over-the-counter at local pharmacies. I don't even know if their's are available, but wondered how one, if permitted, buys them in Mexico? I remembered recent news shows how many seniors are flocking to Canada, as Canada supposedly manufactures the same pills for less. Our Dr. even said he'd fill out necessary forms (I've seen Canadian forms, they ask for U.S. Dr's prescription). I don't know what the rules/regs are for Mexico? My hairdresser has purchased antibiotics there before, but how does one get them into the U.S. Wouldn't they be confiscated? Again, please don't flame this. This is an honest question. And I would love to be able to save my parents just one month of their 600.00+ prescription bill.

 

[glindamood]

No flames from me - my parents are paying the same as yours are for perscriptions - DM gets quite a bit from Canada too. I will be interested in any response you get to.

 

[r3ngels]

No flames either... I just wanted to wish you luck on helping your parents

 

[Kim&Chris]

No flames here either. In fact, good luck. If they can get their meds cheaper, then go for it. I really hope someone has the info you're looking for.

 

[natsmom125]

No flames here either. HOWEVER, just make sure that if you do this, that you get the meds that the RX is written for and that they don't give you a substitute and say "oh yeah that's the real thing". Check the color, the shape, the size, even the the smell, see if their is a number or something embossed on the pill itself and compare it to the ones they already have.

I'd just be VERY, VERY cautious if I were you.

Good luck
Phyllis

 

[newcruiser05]

A few years back, I filled a prescription for fertility drugs for a friend saving her and her hubby about $8000. But it is risky. If the drugs are not for you, you are not able to bring them back. And you MUST have the prescription with you when you go through customs.

I told customs that the pharmacist kept the prescription (they are over the counter but they don't keep the drugs on the shelves, you need to have someone pull them for you). I know if I showed them the prescription with some one elses name they would take the drugs. The customs agent told me that I was not permitted to return drugs to the US without a prescription. I started to cry because my friend would lose about $2000. I think when I started to cry (and they were fertility drugs) she deduced they were for me and let me in. I was lucky.

I do not know all the legalities and I am not an expert, so maybe you can do some research on-line.

 

[Bethipooh4]

Knowing what my grandfathers prescription bills were like, I wish you all the luck in the world. I agree with the previous poster, and if you can, I would take one of each of your parents pills, take a picture of them, so you can compare.

 

[kbkids]

Oh, my parents are just beginning to be in this same situation. My dad retires in 2 weeks, and they just refilled (90 day refills) every drug they take for the last time with it being covered by their insurance. After this, they are on their own.

If the prescriptions have to have your name on it, I don't see how I could get around this for them though. I'd be too chicken to try to get them through customs.