Focus On Mexico

Your Guide to Moving and Retiring to Mexico's Lake Chapala

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Prescription Medication and Over the Counter Drugs in Mexico

Prescription Medication and Over the Counter Drugs in Mexico

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.

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Comments

  1. craig mezey says

    March 25, 2020 at 9:36 AM

    is oxycodone or valuem an over the counter medication in Mexico?

    Reply
    • michael nuschke says

      April 10, 2020 at 11:40 AM

      Narcotics and antibiotics need a special prescription.

      Reply
      • shea says

        January 10, 2021 at 12:22 AM

        How many pharmacies would you say have on site doctor’s to get a special prescription from?

        Reply
        • michael nuschke says

          January 14, 2021 at 3:15 PM

          A couple at Lakeside. We call them “Doc in a box”
          Michael

          Reply
  2. Peggy Dillard says

    April 30, 2020 at 12:41 AM

    I need injectable vitamin b12, NOT cyanocobalamin, but methylcobalamin, hydroxocobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Can I get this without a prescription there? Thanks

    Reply
    • michael nuschke says

      May 12, 2020 at 8:18 AM

      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

      Reply
    • michael nuschke says

      September 10, 2020 at 1:10 PM

      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

      Reply
    • David beauchemini says

      January 14, 2021 at 2:39 PM

      Can I buye over the counter opiods

      Reply
      • michael nuschke says

        January 14, 2021 at 3:14 PM

        You will need a prescription for antibiotics and opiods.
        Michael

        Reply
  3. Adri says

    June 15, 2020 at 5:42 PM

    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?

    Reply
    • michael nuschke says

      July 16, 2020 at 7:43 AM

      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.

      Reply
  4. Brad says

    July 27, 2020 at 5:13 PM

    Is hydroxychloroquine or Plaquenil available over the counter in Mexico

    Reply
    • michael nuschke says

      September 10, 2020 at 1:00 PM

      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/

      Reply

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GUIDE TO MOVING TO
LAKE CHAPALA 2020
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Get the essential information and advice you need to decide if Mexico - and Mexico's Lake Chapala area - are right for you. We specialize in educational programs and services to make your next chapter in life the most rewarding ever! Find out more about Focus here.
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