I'd like to know if anyone can briefly sum up what the law is regarding the purchase and possession of prescription medication in Mexico? I think that
such an exchange of information would be more constructive than debating whether or not we like the law.
I had so much fun on my last Baja trip that I suffered a heart attack within days of my return. (OK so Baja really didn't have anything to do with the
heart attack. If anything, it probably delayed it.) Now, I have these meds that I'm supposed to take to stay alive but, of course, my medical
insurance will not cover them because it would be cheaper for them if I was dead. They cost hundreds of dollars per bottle here and I know they've
gotta be cheaper eslewhere.
I live close enough to the border to buy them one bottle at a time if necessary. I just want to make sure that I comply with all local laws. Like
Grover, FronkO, Me No and others have suggested in another thread, I'll do whatever it takes to try and stay legal (or to make it "right" again if I
cross the line.) But I'd really like to avoid having to resort to situations like this to get back home!!!
[Edited on 3-5-2004 by Herb]
[Edited on 3-5-2004 by Herb]elgatoloco - 3-5-2004 at 03:13 PM
herb, what we usually do is put them in a friend's luggage without their knowledge then have them walk across the border. If they make it we pick them
up and away we go. If they don't them we have to get new friends.
From the State Dept., Bur of Consumer Affairs, Consular Info sheet:
"DRUG PENALTIES AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS: Penalties for drug offenses are strict, and convicted offenders can expect large fines and jail
sentences up to 25 years. As in the United States , the purchase of controlled medication requires a doctor's prescription. The Mexican list of
controlled medication differs from that of the United States , and Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication are unclear and often
enforced selectively.
The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens not travel to Mexico for the sole purpose of buying prescription drugs. U.S. citizens have been
arrested and their medicines confiscated by the Mexican authorities, even though their prescriptions were written by a physician and filled by a
licensed Mexican pharmacist. There have been cases of Americans buying prescription drugs in border cities only to be arrested soon after or have
money extorted by criminals impersonating police officers. In addition, U.S. law enforcement officials believe that the amount of counterfeit and
substandard medications in Mexico could be as high as 25 percent and such medications may have collateral effects and reactions that could endanger
your health. The importation of prescription drugs into the United States can be illegal in certain circumstances. U.S. law generally permits persons
to enter the United States with only an immediate (about one-month's) supply of a prescription medication. Further information on bringing
prescription drugs into the United States is available from the U.S. Customs Service at http://www.customs.ustreas.gov.
The U.S. Embassy cautions that possession of any amount of prescription medicine brought from the United States , including medications to treat HIV
and psychotropic drugs such as Valium, can result in arrest if Mexican authorities suspect abuse or if the quantity of the prescription medicine
exceeds the amount required for several days' use. Individuals should consider carrying a copy of the prescription and a doctor's letter explaining
that the quantity of medication is appropriate for their personal medical use. U.S. citizens who plan to go to Mexico to purchase medication or who
may be in possession of medication prescribed in the United States should check with the nearest Mexican consulate before traveling to Mexico."
The most important thing about the foregoing is: "Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication are unclear and often enforced
selectively."
Herb, I gotta give you the bad news
Nikon - 3-5-2004 at 06:56 PM
Looks like you'll have to move to Baja permanently! I don't think the Mejicanos nor Los Norteamericanos want to pay your room and board for 25 years,
much as you'd love to be assured you'd live that long.Brian Hadcock - 3-5-2004 at 07:59 PM
Herb,
Have you ever thought about buying your meds on the inter net from Canada? I know your Federal Government doesn't like it, but there are many states
now purchasing their employees medication from Canada. Maybe you should give it a look see. At least you won't have to go to jail to stay healthy.
Plus your dollar is worth more.
Remember life is a test! There will be questions.
Herb
Debra - 3-5-2004 at 08:01 PM
I live near Seattle and there are tour busses that take people up to Canada to get their meds. (I'm told the cost is approx. 1/3 of US prices.)
Maybe this will help, I've see alot of ads for an online drug store on TV here lately.
"canadiandrugstore.com"
They also have a toll-free number
1-888-773-2698
I don't have a need for regular meds. so I don't really know how all this works, but, maybe it might be safer to try this route.
Give them a call, can't hurt... maybe you won't have to worry about Mexicos un-clear laws...
To not wind up like Dawn Wilson
Stephanie Jackter - 3-5-2004 at 10:56 PM
Don't be an American female walking alone alongside the highway outside of Ensenada.....Sorry to hear about your heart attack. That's gotta be pretty
scarey even if it was a mild one.
Like the Canada bound groups, there are busses that carry Americans across the border for drug purchases. I'm sure there's plenty of safety in
numbers, but the likelihood of you getting acosted is almost nil to begin with. Cross border drug purchases are very big business they can't afford
to lose by pulling this crap on too many people. -Stephanie
Thanks to all...
Herb - 3-6-2004 at 12:11 AM
for the replies and the kind words, and thanks especially to Mateo for those informative links and your funny intro.
I'm still not quite certain if it is Mexican law that is so unclear or if it is just that most Americans that are unclear about the Mexican laws. In
any event, I've actually read about more incidents of bad things from on-line drug purchases lately than Mexico drug purchases, so I think I'll take
my chances south of the border. At least I'll be dealing with them face to face.
I just wanted to know if anyone had any factual information what is or is not legal. While I do not dispute the lack of scruples involved in those
who "busted" Dawn Wilson, it does seem pretty clear that she was guilty of a crime (whether normally enforced or not) and this left her particularly
susceptible to being victimized. I once had a US Embassy official in Mexico City tell me that if an American was facing drug related charges in Mexico
and there was any likelihood that the charges were true, the US government would run (not walk) away from trying to help you.
I guess maybe I should keep the dress from the above picture (yes that's me in red!) just in case I end up having to become some Federal Agent's
"girlfriend" to get back home.
By the way, technology can be a scary thing. Both of the Google ads on my current banner are for buying prescription meds online. Coincidence!? Maybe?
Hmmm!FrankO - 3-6-2004 at 12:21 AM
I have to carry some medication for my allergies and I have been told by certain Mexican authorities that I should always have the scrip from the
doctor/pharmacy w/me at all times. Anonymous - 3-6-2004 at 08:07 AM
No kinding GROVER !!! Man every chance to get in your pockets!!! Pay Pay Pay Die! Sheeesssh The insurance companys sure know a good bet when they see
one! Herb - 3-6-2004 at 08:24 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by grover
As an aside, am I being unpatriotic for suggesting that our medical system is one big, near criminal for profit-only enterprise?
The answer IS NOT more insurance...it's starving the beast. Move abroad.
First of all, the word unpatriotic is not in my vocabulary. I am, after all, friends with JR.
I have mixed feelings about our "greedy" system, though. After all, greed is a fantastic motivator and that is what drives pharmaceutical companies to
work so hard on developing some of these drugs. They know what kinds of massive dolllars can be made during the first year of no competition in the US
so that drives them to spend massive dollars to develop the drugs. That much is a good thing.
Those higher US prices in the past have been based on a system where most US patients are insured so it apppears to be the insurance companies bearing
most of the brunt, but of course we know that the cost eventually trickles down to the "little guy" in the form of less coverage that you have to pay
more to get.
What seems most sinister to me, however is the thought that one of my non-covered medicines is far less expensive than some of those that are. This
medicine, though, has been proven to decrease the death rate in patients with heart disease by more than 50%! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to
figure out that overal treatment for longer living diseased patients would cost the insurance company far more money than any single medicine. That is
not exactly a desired outcome for them, is it? The benefit of a free enterprise system becomes of questionable value when it is not in the best
interests of that system to preserve life...Debra - 3-6-2004 at 11:10 PM
A few weeks ago I saw a program (60mins./PrimeTime...one of them, sorry I don't remember which for sure) and they talked about buying meds.
off-shore....India and Mexico were the main ones I remember in the piece, it was reported (don't kill the messenger here, just passing on what was
said) that when tested several of the meds. they were not what they were supposed to be or of lesser dosage that they claimed to be. In the piece it
was reported that the drugs in Canada were found to be ones manufactured in the USA. I have really good health ins., which includes meds. ($10 per
script, no matter what the "real" cost) but, if I didn't I would go to Canada myself. I had a rude awakening when I broke my back in Punta Cabras 2
1/2 yrs. ago (long story short, after I spent 8 1/2 hrs. in the emergency room and they finally did the X-Rays and realized I really had broken my
back and wasn't just 'drug seeking' the pharmacy that my ins. company dealt with was closed and I had to buy meds without my ins. (once I made it
back to San Diego) I've had the same ins. for 20 yrs. so I'm not used to paying the 'real price'.
Your Story
Skeet/Loreto - 3-7-2004 at 02:23 AM
Debra: Please share with us your story!; It might be that someone would learn from the details!
Skeet/Loreto
"In God We Trust"Debra - 3-7-2004 at 05:40 PM
Which part are you wanting to know more about Skeet?
Good analysis, Herb.
Stephanie Jackter - 3-7-2004 at 06:07 PM
"The benefit of a free enterprise system becomes of questionable value when it is not in the best interests of that system to preserve life..."
Stephanie: And therein lies the rub.
Don't worry, Debra,
Herb - 3-8-2004 at 12:55 AM
I won't kill the messenger. I've seen a lot of negative reports lately as well, but most of them have centered around buying online from all countries
including the US and Canada. Since I live 100 miles from the Mexican border and 1,000 miles from the Canadian border I figured I'd take my chances
with my southern neighbors face to face. Also, I know enough people who live on both sides of the border to get reccomendations on reputable places to
purchase. It just seems that not many folks are very knowledgeable about the laws surrounding such purchases.
As for having "good" insurance, don't be so certain. My wife and I have double coverage through the same provider and I normally pay nothing for
medication. Just within the last 2 years or so, they have abruptly decided to start not covering certain medications at all, not even a co-pay. Most
insurance carriers are following suit. I know that there is a medicine that people with kidney faliure need to stay alive that almost no insurance
companies cover any more. I believe this trend will only continue to get worse. I, too, thought that with my "superb" coverage I would never have to
face this issue...JESSE - 3-8-2004 at 10:45 PM
Simply get a prescription from a REAL doctor in Mexico and you will never find yourself in any trouble, if you come down here and ask the Farmacia
clerk to hook you up with a prescription, then you are asking for it, because how in the world are you going to trust you have a valid prescription if
you are illegaly getting one?
It seems to me that the main problem here is that some americans fail to understand that offering 20 bucks to the farmacia attendant to get you a
"prescription" that may or not be legitimate is wrong, some of you are TOO TRUSTING and are not used to dealing in the Mexican wrong side of the law.
If you do things right you have nothing to worry about, go to a well known doctor and if he feels you do indeed need the medication, the he will give
you a valid prescription. If you try to do it the Mexican way without knowing, your setting yourself up for a major disaster.
Good advice JESSE
Debra - 3-9-2004 at 07:33 AM
Too many people assume that if you can get it from the Pharmacy (without prescription) than it is okay (as in the states)
Funny Herb
jrbaja - 3-10-2004 at 03:09 PM
My new place is full of medicinal plants that you would probably be interested in. But here, you will get so healthy you probably won't need them.
And for the rest, please tell me again why america is such a great country if yall have to get medications from a foreign country and spend most of
your vacations in Mexico as well.
I am so confused by all this. And right when I was thinking I would become a patriot again. Darn.JESSE - 3-10-2004 at 09:53 PM
Just remember that the Farmacias are just interested in your money, not your health, it is vastly diferent from the U.S.
If you want medical advice, go to a doctor.
As I said before JESSE
Debra - 3-10-2004 at 10:10 PM
Good point.....
Many State side folks (I'm sure) think that 'over the counter' drugs are just that, over the counter drugs...We often ask the advice of the Pharmist
(sp?) are advised, and off we go.....not understanding that that same 'norm' doesn't work in Mexico. (one can't buy illegal drugs from a Pharmist,
(not not anyone that values their license anyway) in the States.
We could all pose the argument "learn the laws", but, in realily that is pretty much impossible, since the laws seem to be the whim of whomever is
talking to you at the time. (and even they seem confused)...so, what do you suggest? I'm not trying to be a smart-a**, I would really like to hear
your advice as someone that lives in Mexico full time. Thanks, DebraJESSE - 3-10-2004 at 11:05 PM
Here in Mexico there are many laws that are not enforced uppon Mexicans for economic reasons, one of them is that you can buy a vast variety of
prescription drugs directly from the farmacia attendant without a prescription, even do technically it is ilegal. Why? because there are so many of
millions of poor Mexicans who can barely afford to pay for drugs, and thus, cannot afford to pay for a doctors visit.
This of course does not mean that this is legal, just like in the U.S., if the goverment wants to suddenly make an example of someone to make a point,
( look at what happend to Martha Stewart) it will prosecute you and you have no defense.
So do things right and stay out of trouble.
JESSE
Debra - 3-10-2004 at 11:47 PM
That may be the problem, laws are not enforced, so confusing to all. But to make it a different law for Mexicans and different for American's is
confusing and wrong...if it is different, then state it.
Save Cancun, Cabo san Lucas and other places, (party teens, with irresponsible parents re: "ugly Americans" most try to obey the laws of the "land"
We want to know what the 'laws' are....is that too much to ask?
Excellent Post Jesse!
Herb - 3-11-2004 at 10:42 AM
I had to explain that to my wife once when we were in Ensenada and I had a bad cold. I have asthma so, when I get a cold, a nasty cough almost always
comes with. We pulled up in front of a drug store in a poorer neighborhood. My wife went in and explained that she wanted to buy cough syrup to the
older woman behind the counter who could hear me coughing from inside.
"Para el?" she asked. My wife nodded. She smiled with that all knowing wizened "mama" smile and produced a bottle of exactly what my doctor normally
prescribes for me under those circumstances.
My wife was savvy enough to realize that I did not have that prescription with me and to tell her that she was looking for something with a little
less "potencia" and left with just some regular Robitussin.
She was amazed that the woman was willing to just dole out prescription meds based on her observation. I explained to her that this woman was the
closest thing to a doctor that most of these people would ever see in their lifetimes unless they were hospitalized and that it made perfect sense. In
this case, I believe that selective enforcement is the humane thing to do. I would never believe that I should be entitled to the same treatment when
I have the resources to obtain the proper prescription.
That goes back to my original question for information. I have a prescription for the medications that I need from my doctor in the US. From what my
research has yielded, it appears that it would be sufficient for me to have a US prescription for the meds as long as they are not a Class 2, 3 or 4
controlled substance. Does that sound correct? The reason I ask is that they are not normally prescribed by a regular family practice doctor, but by
cardiac specialists. I didn't want to have to go through the trouble of finding one in Mexico if it is not necessary.
Thanks
I?m really not trying to pick a fight but?
Herb - 3-11-2004 at 12:18 PM
There seem to be some common misconceptions that I read and hear regarding this and similar issues that bug me.
First, selective enforcement of laws, and ignorance of the law exists everywhere, even in the US. There is no place on earth where anyone can know all
the laws and no place with the resources to enforce them all. In LA county (most of the time) you can pass a police car doing nearly 80 if you are
with the flow of traffic. I?ve been pulled over (and cited) in Bakersfield for doing 68.
The selective enforcement can also include laws that most people are ignorant of and can be a factor of ?who? you are. Nearly all municipalities in
the US have some type of curfew law for minors. If 2 teenagers leave work at a fast food establishment past that time, one white in the parents car,
and the other is an ethnic minority in a car with shiny rims guess which one is many times more likely to be stopped by police in an attempt to
?enforce? the law which neither one knew existed and is only selectively enforced? Again, I know the answer from personal experience.
I believe the attitudes that I see here about sometimes about Mexico stem from 2 major causes. First, our view of the world is based on personal
experience. Most of the folks on this board do not likely fit the profile for selective enforcement of certain laws in the US. Most on the board do
fit the profile for selective enforcement in Mexico. The second is that the Mexican system is ?upside down? from our perspective. The people wearing a
uniform in Mexico are much more likely to be trying to take advantage of you than in the US. The people not wearing a uniform are much less likely to
try and screw you than they are here. Better or worse? You could probably argue either way until the cows come home. As far as I?m concerned, it?s
just different. The most important thing for me is to try educate myself on the best ways to avoid trouble in either environment and the best way
(including attitude) to try and get out of trouble when I can?t avoid it.
One other ?plus? of Mexican selective law enforcement, in my book, is that it includes more ?breaks? for the ?little guy? as Jesse described above. I
believe it is arrogant for us to arrive and expect the same perks. This is one of the reasons that I couldn?t agree less that the ?ugly Americans? are
only college students and can only be found in places like Cancun and Cabo. Remember that this phrase was coined long before college students on
spring break gathered in large numbers anywhere other than south Florida. I see them in all kinds of places. It?s just that their numbers decrease the
less a place looks or feels ?just like home but with different weather.?
I know I?ll probably be slammed defensively for this as an ?anti-American.? That?s a shame. From what I have read on this board, I would not put most
of you in the ?ugly American? category based on your descriptions of how you treat the people and the land down south. So if the ?huarache doesn?t
fit?, why the anger? I do believe that many (a word that can mean 3 or more in my book but is a quantifying statement that seems to drive folks batty
here) are too quick to jump on the Mexico bad - US good bandwagon because the system is different and you need to learn those differences when
visiting there. I don?t believe that any country has a lock on the good and bad aspects of human nature. It is systematically ingrained into the
societal structure of every place on earth. You just have to figure out which implementation works for you as a place to visit and/or live. I suspect
that nearly all of you have truly decided that the Baja/Mexican system really isn?t so bad and that is why you are on a board about the place even
when you can?t be there. So, really, it is just whining? If so, I can accept that? As long as I can have some fresh goat cheese from a Baja mountain
rancho to go with that ?whine.?JESSE - 3-11-2004 at 09:02 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by Debra
But to make it a different law for Mexicans and different for American's is confusing and wrong...if it is different, then state it.
That is the biggest problem, and the source of many nightmares for americans, americans see laws as
strict and rock solid things, here in Mexico they are not, they move and bend depending on many many things, in order to navigate your way in our
system, you need to have lived for a long long time here, it takes as much effort as lets say, someone learning Japanese customs. You simply cant do
it in a short time.
I know this not what many want to hear but, unless you have many many years of living in Mexico and have a deep knowledge of the Mexican way of doing
things, dont push your luck, if you hit and miss your out of luck, so stay safe and do things strictly by the book, is it unfair? yes it is, but thats
the way things are here and in China.David K - 3-11-2004 at 09:22 PM
Jesse, can you provide a list of medicines sold by farmacias that need (or don't need) a perscription... The medicines that do need them here in EE
UU, that is.
On the advice of Edie H. who saw me suffering from a cold during our Matomi trip, I stopped at the farmacia in San Felipe and bought a bottle of 100
'amoxicilina' 250 mg. It was even on sale, at 50% off, just US$5.00! It was advertised on the sidewalk sign along with other meds... Amoxicillin needs
a perscription here. By the way, it knocked the cold out of mebefore it became worse!JESSE - 3-11-2004 at 10:42 PM
Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Jesse, can you provide a list of medicines sold by farmacias that need (or don't need) a perscription...
It is my understanding that mind altering medications are the only ones that do require prescriptions, but like i said before, while i might get away
with buying Prozac over the counter, you might not.elgatoloco - 3-12-2004 at 12:44 AM
Quote:
Quote:
[
......... mind altering medications.......
Note to self-
Must get doctor to write prescription for 100% Blue Agave A?ejo Gran Centenario.
elgato
Baja Red - 3-12-2004 at 11:46 AM
be sure and ask for plenty of "re-fills"....Dave - 3-12-2004 at 06:30 PM
Something else needs to be discussed:
In most of the world, physicians diagnose and pharmacists prescribe. I believe this is as it should be since a trained pharmacist is better versed in
the interaction of different medications. Unfortunately, the AMA doesn't concur.
