Buying expensive Medications

[windsors420]

I will shortly begin a 10 week trip to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. My brother has  health problems that require many hundreds of dollars a month in expensive medications bought in New York. I would like to see if purchasing drugs (heart, prostate etc) will save money. I have prescriptions in my name from my brothers Doctor if customs objects to possessing a bag full of medicines. I know that many things can be bought over the counter in Pattaya. Where would a good pharmacy be to make purchases, or should I check at random places?  Also are drugs (non opioid) available over the counter in Malaysia or Singapore of better quality or price. My brother spent more than five thousand dollars on drugs last year and possibly much more this year. Any advice would be appreciated. My brother sometimes has to choose between drugs and day to day living expenses. So may tine I have sent money to him to keep him alive.

[mbamber]

This gives some info. it might to go in a pharmacist & ask loads around in Pattaya.

http://tastythailand.com/buying-over-the-counter-medication-in-thailand-whats-available/

[likeaking]

I would be hesitant about buying life saving medications on your trip as there is no guarantee of their purity/strength versus medications bought at home, which are stringently regulated by the FDA. A substandard medication could put your brother's life at risk. That being said, a high standard hospital pharmacy, like Bangkok-Pattaya Hospital, would be your best bet. Whatever you do, don't shop for the best price. 

I had a Thai girlfriend who got frequent headaches, no, not at boom boom time. One day she ran out of her ibuprofen so used some of mine. From then on she would only use mine because it "worked better". 

[likeaking]

59 minutes ago, mbamber said:

This gives some info. it might to go in a pharmacist & ask loads around in Pattaya.

http://tastythailand.com/buying-over-the-counter-medication-in-thailand-whats-available/

When researching anything medical on the web, check out the  site or study sponsor to see if they benefit from what the article says. Follow the money. TastyThailand looks like something put up by the Thai Chamber of Commerce. More importantly, scroll to comments at the bottom of the article. There's one comment.

 

"Bumrungrad

Spot on advice and something that a lot of people never think of when visiting Thailand. Just be sure to buy from big name pharmacy chains as there have been cases of counterfeit drugs made in China finding their way to smaller often Chinese owned pharmacies."

Ironically, Bumrungrad is the largest hospital in Thailand. At least buying medications from a hospital meeting international JCAOH standards is in your favor. Buying from a hospital pharmacy is also wise as the physician writing the prescription will likely see the results/efficacy of the medication as opposed to getting the medication from an outside pharmacy who will never see you again. Hope this helps. 

[KittenKong]

Medicines purchased in hospital dispensaries here are frequently 3-5 times more expensive than identical medicines purchased in pharmacies. Some pharmacies here can also often charge up to double the amount another pharmacy charges for an identical item.

Always check the price at Fascino before buying anywhere here.

[freedom42]

What are the medications. Some on here may use them, or someone may be even kind enough to go price them for you!