Mexican Pharmacy

[sukhakuli]

This isn't meant to be controversial.

I live in So Cal and a lot of people we know go to TJ for cheap meds or things their doctors won't prescribe. We have great insurance so I have never done so.

I have some serious medical conditions, including an eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness. I take a fair amount of medications. The eye meds are the most important to preserve my vision. I'm looking for reassurance that there are Pharmacies that you can walk to in port in case something happens to my meds and I need more. A physician on site is a bonus because I'm nervous if I get a prescription I won't get through customs with it without a prescription.

Has anyone gone to a Pharmacy in Mexico while on a cruise? Any problems getting through customs?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

This isn't meant to be controversial.

I live in So Cal and a lot of people we know go to TJ for cheap meds or things their doctors won't prescribe. We have great insurance so I have never done so.

I have some serious medical conditions, including an eye disease that is the leading cause of blindness. I take a fair amount of medications. The eye meds are the most important to preserve my vision. I'm looking for reassurance that there are Pharmacies that you can walk to in port in case something happens to my meds and I need more. A physician on site is a bonus because I'm nervous if I get a prescription I won't get through customs with it without a prescription.

Has anyone gone to a Pharmacy in Mexico while on a cruise? Any problems getting through customs?

Only pharmacy we went to we were looking for Tums. No prescription stuff. I'm wary of doing that. I'd go through the ship's doctor first.

 

[ImDMous]

There were plenty of pharmacies in Ensenada. Most of them looked like this so we didn't visit any...

 

[JW9DVC]

Your USA prescribed eye drops should come in a box with the patient information. Just take that box with you when you get off and on the ship. Shows a current prescription. In the USA, carrying a controlled substance without a RX is illegal, doesn't necessarily mean you have to have proof carried all the time.

 

[NoodlesMom]

My nephew has to use special eye drops that are very expensive. We pick up a few boxes for him every time we go to Cozumel. It seems like a common practice because there's always a line when we go. We've also found that they are more expensive in the port area. A driver that we hired for the day told us that if you walk out of the port area, further down the street, the prices are better. We did this on our last trip. He was right and they were cheaper.

 

[dcassetta]

This may not be what you're asking about, but if any of your eye medications involve using marijuana, don't buy any in Mexico and try to bring it back through customs. That's not gonna fly, even with the prescription.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

From my friend's experience. Please, please, please make sure the strength is exactly what you need. Some of their meds are stronger than ours. My friend got deathly sick. Don't go into just a little pharmacia that you see all over the ports. Do your research and ask for a reputable pharmacia. It does make a difference. Not sure I can say the name of a travel forum but post this question asking for a good one and make sure it is exclusive to where you are going.

 

[FigmentSpark]

Can I suggest you talk to your doctor about what the best solution would be in an emergency situation? Sometimes medications from other countries are slightly different (even brand) than what the doctor has prescribed. This could affect your treatment. Be sure your doctor approves of your thoughts to use Mexican pharmaceuticals as a back-up. You'll need a prescription you could fill anyway.

 

[jiminyC_fan]

Can I suggest you talk to your doctor about what the best solution would be in an emergency situation? Sometimes medications from other countries are slightly different (even brand) than what the doctor has prescribed. This could affect your treatment. Be sure your doctor approves of your thoughts to use Mexican pharmaceuticals as a back-up. You'll need a prescription you could fill anyway.

EXCELLENT advice!

 

[elvispursley]

Definitely talk to your Dr. He/she may have samples they can give you as a back-up to tide you over until you get home.

 

[Tozzie]

Why not just bring enough with you most insurance companies have a vacation override that allows you to fill the presciptions meds early so you have enough for your vacation

 

[cruisehopeful]

I was recently on a cruise tour in Ensenada that went to La Bufadora. Our tour guide said that one person owns all the pharmacies in that area and they sell stuff that isn't the right medication and many people have been very sick as a result of buying the wrong medications. She did say that there were 2 family owned pharmacies in the downtown area that are good pharmacies. I cannot remember the names of them. You may be able to find them if you ask around. If someone tells you that all the pharmacies are good, that's your red flag to not listen/believe anything else they tell you after that.

 

[lanejudy]

I'm looking for reassurance that there are Pharmacies that you can walk to in port in case something happens to my meds and I need more.

If your primary concern is replacing lost or destroyed meds, I strongly suggest you speak with your own healthcare provider. Possibly they can prescribe an extra bottle of drops (or whatever you use) to be packed in a separate bag as spare. If you receive larger amounts of your regular meds (like 90-day supplies), you can also ask your regular pharmacy for a small bottle with label so you can shift some of your larger supply into a smaller container. Pack the spare supply in a separate bag; if one bag goes missing you'll still have the spare supply. You should always travel with your meds in your carry-on (carry-on the plane, carry-on the ship).

Please be aware that many products in Mexico are not as regulated as the U.S. Also many have different brand or even molecule names, and you want to be sure you have the correct med not something else ("oh, it's called ABC in the states but I think it's called XYZ here in Mexico"). If your intent is really looking for less expensive meds... do your homework.

Enjoy your cruise!