There are likely more farmacias (pharmacies) per head in Mexico than many other countries. Drugs are all pre-packaged usually in little boxes as opposed to plastic pill bottles, and either made locally or imported. Cost wise, local drugs are similar or less expensive than what you are used to, with imported drugs being a little more expensive. Depending on the drug you need, the generic farmacias may have the best prices.
One of the biggest benefits of the INAPAM card that provides discounts to enrolled seniors over 60 of any nationality (as long as you are a temporary or permanent resident) are the significant drug discounts. During a recent illness I needed a drug with a price of 950 pesos (~$US48), but with my INAPAM discount, the cost was 253 pesos (~$US13).
Most Medications are Available
Most drugs are available though some may have a different name or there will be an alternative drug available. If you come on a FOCUS seminar, bring a list of your medications and our experts can help you determine a baseline cost and general availabilty of those medications locally.
Some drugs are controlled and need a prescription each time (e.g. for mind-altering drugs – sleeping pills or relaxing pills like Valium). For most others, you need a prescription the first time and after that the pharmacy will continue to give you a refill over the counter without a renewed prescription. Many other prescription drugs back home are sold over the counter here.
If you have highly specialized drug needs, you should bring enough for your first visit and make an appointment with a local doctor to discuss availability or an alternative medication.
COVID UPDATE: During the uncertainties created by the pandemic, we have suspended our live 6-Day Educational Programs and will be back in late 2021 OR 2022 depending on how conditions evolve. Our new “Move To Mexico Online Program” – along with live, one-on-one support at Lakeside – is the best approach to ensure safety of you and our staff, while providing you with the experience and expertise of the Focus program. The Online Program will provide you with the essential info and perspective from over 20 presentations on everything to do with a move to Mexico. Interested in finding out more about our Online Program? Click here.
is oxycodone or valuem an over the counter medication in Mexico?
Narcotics and antibiotics need a special prescription.
How many pharmacies would you say have on site doctor’s to get a special prescription from?
A couple at Lakeside. We call them “Doc in a box”
Michael
Very many, and quite a few are complementary.
It’s an opiate and would require a prescription from a doctor in Mexico.
Best to contact a doctor or pharmacy in the area you might go to and ask directly.
I need injectable vitamin b12, NOT cyanocobalamin, but methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Can I get this without a prescription there? Thanks
I am not a doctor, but I asked one, and the answer was yes. This is website that shows one such product here; https://www.chedraui.com.mx/Departamentos/Farmacia/Medicamentos/Medicamentos-de-Patente/Tiaminal-B12-50000/p/000000000003039794?gclid=CjwKCAjwkun1BRAIEiwA2mJRWdtWZMeNG8Y87QrTnXV9GyYiLb1W5sWH9zH-TEPGYiYu9R-ytYMZCRoCScIQAvD_BwE&siteName=Sitio+de+Chedraui
Hi Peggy,
We are not qualified to give our medical opinions, but I would just google a couple doctors in the area you are interested and email them with this question. Note, email is often not the primary mode of communication, so if you don’t get a reply, be prepared to call directly.
Michael
Can I buye over the counter opiods
You will need a prescription for antibiotics and opiods.
Michael
What pain medication can I get in Mexico? Can I see a Mexican Licensed Dr. for a prescription for pain medicine if needed? Is any pain medication over the counter?
Adri,
You will find most pain medications available in Mexico – but best to talk with a doctor in Mexico where you will be staying.
While most drugs are OTC, others like narcotics and antibiotics need a special prescription.
Only pain medication OTC is tramadol. They do not prescription anything stronger.
Is hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil available over the counter in Mexico
I believe so – although you may be aware there is evidence that it has no impact on Covid, and can have negative side-effects…
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/coronavirus/mexico-to-administer-hydroxychloroquine-to-20000/
Hi,
I currently have prescriptions for opioids in the US. Would i need to bring the physical copy of the script or a recent bottle? Also in that case could I purchase more than 1 month worth because it is a narcotic. Thank you for your help in advance.
You would need a prescription from a Mexican doctor to buy opiods.
What prescription sleep medications are available over the counter in Mexico? I just switched from Ambien to Dayvigo (lemborexant) and was wondering if I can get it next time I’m there. Any other options are also appreciated.
Hi James,
I think you would be OK but you really need to check it out directly with a doctor. Just google doctors at Lake Chapala and make your inquiry.
Hi James have you found dayvigo in Mexico I am having trouble finding it inthe Yucatan if you found pls let me know lundrigantom.outlook.com
Ty
I take medication for Restless Leg Syndrome. Neupro Patch and Belbuca. Or if I had to switch off instead of Belbuca I could take methadone. Will these messages be available in Mexico? Will I need a prescription and if available is there a way to find out how much I would have to pay? Thank you so much for helping me with this.
Hi Tom. We cannot give out specific medical advice. Please look up and directly contact a practicing doctor at Lakeside.
When buying $100 worth of over the counter medication does it have to be claimed?
Not clear what you mean, but perhaps you mean claimed on your purchases when you return to US/Canada?
Is Creon (Amylase) available in Mexican pharmacies?
Hi James,
Just try googling “Amylase AND Mexican pharmacies”
Michael
How much is a 90 day prescription of Januvia 100 mg in pharmacies in Nogales Sonora? Also can these be mailed to Tucson Arizona
I would suggest you google for that info.
This is really a question for a Mexico based doctor or pharmacist.
I believe xanex goes by the name farmapram in Mexico and is a controlled drug that will require a prescription.
However, you should check this out yourself to be sure.
There may be issues on bringing this back to the US as well – again, not our domain…
Here is an article on this that looks valid, but their sources are not shown so I can confirm…
https://www.healthsoothe.com/farmapram-what-you-ned-to-know-about-the-mexican-alprazolam/
Michael
Do Mexican pharmacies ship meds?
Generally, it is not legally allowed to import prescription drugs to the USA from foreign countries (including Mexico).