BajaNomad

Medication

advrider - 7-28-2020 at 09:28 AM

The wife has some health issues and takes pain meds and others on an almost daily basis. Currently the doctors in California will only give a 30 day prescription that is an original hand delivered to the pharmacy. How do you go about getting meds in Baja, we plan to spend several months there at a time so a 30 day supply won't cut it. I've gone to the pharmica for over the counter stuff but never anything that required a prescription.
Also does it work the same way on mainland Mexico? Trying to work out some kinks in the travel plans before retirement next year.






del mar - 7-28-2020 at 11:15 AM

most pharmacies have a doctor next door, a consultorio, for a couple bucks they'll hook you up with a prescription......Dr Simi will even give you a discount on monday:D

AKgringo - 7-28-2020 at 11:39 AM

I think your chances are much better if the prescription is for established, generic medications. Recently developed, or tightly controlled medications probably won't be available at a pharmacy.

David K - 7-28-2020 at 11:56 AM

Bring her doctor's prescription and see if you can obtain that down there. Yes, there is an onsite or nearby doctor consultant if the pharmacists cannot fill out the prescription. Be careful, controlled substances are not always legal to possess unless you have the original bottle and the Rx to go with it.

RFClark - 7-28-2020 at 11:58 AM

The other issue you may encounter is the drugs available in Mexico may be different than those your wife was prescribed. This is especially true in the smaller towns.

Also be very careful taking large quantities of controlled substances to Mexico even with a U.S. prescription. Always better to have a Mexican prescription.

thebajarunner - 7-28-2020 at 01:12 PM

I have good luck at the larger WalMarts, like the one in South Ensenada for getting my migraine meds.

Zomig is not a real common medication, but they always have it
In US it needs a prescrip but readily handed over in Baja
Nice....

chippy - 7-28-2020 at 01:53 PM

The big pharmacies like Walmart, Farmacia Guadalajara, Costco,FEMSA and Farmacias Benavides should have everything you will need and at a much better price.

Lee - 7-28-2020 at 03:04 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
The wife has some health issues and takes pain meds and others on an almost daily basis.


Location in Baja to, say, San Diego, would determine whether returning to the US to refill a prescription would be viable. Depending on the type of pain med you refer to, I'm guessing it's probable you won't get anything stronger down South than Tramadol.

I bought this med for a dog (chronic arthritis) in BCS last Spring over the counter. In people, good for moderate pain.

I've read it's not possible to get opioids like Vicodin, Oxycodone, etc. in Baja. If that's changed, I'd want to know.

Might want to stay close to a US pharmacy.

Skipjack Joe - 7-28-2020 at 03:27 PM

In Baja you can get antifungal and some antiviral antibiotics over the counter. You'll need a prescription for antibacterial meds.

You can get a 3 month prescription in the US through Optumrx. They're mailed to your home.

defrag4 - 7-28-2020 at 06:53 PM

whats the drug? opiates are quite hard to come by or to even get a prescription for, of course you can always get them illegaly from some of the shadier cornerstore pharmacy, but at a premium $$$

mtgoat666 - 7-28-2020 at 07:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
The wife has some health issues and takes pain meds and others on an almost daily basis. Currently the doctors in California will only give a 30 day prescription that is an original hand delivered to the pharmacy. How do you go about getting meds in Baja, we plan to spend several months there at a time so a 30 day supply won't cut it. I've gone to the pharmica for over the counter stuff but never anything that required a prescription.
Also does it work the same way on mainland Mexico? Trying to work out some kinks in the travel plans before retirement next year.








Usually, the 30-day supply is a rule from insurer. They often waive the 30 day limit if you call and explain the need for greater supply.
But painkillers may be restricted to avoid addiction concerns?

advrider - 8-4-2020 at 06:47 AM

Thanks for all of the info, yes we are talking about Opiates pain killers. I will check into some of the ideas everyone has offered up but we are also looking into traveling even farther South then Baja and mainland Mexico. We have talked to her current doctor in the US but he didn't have much info or ideas on what could be done.
I figured we could probably work with it in Baja but may be a bigger issue the as we go South, really don't want to obtain anything on the street corner or back alley way.

weebray - 8-4-2020 at 08:01 AM

The DEA has effectivly shut down the availability of opiodes in Mexico. Without gettting into the political nonsense of this suffice it to say you will be out of luck. I strongly suggest meditation instead of medication as an alternative. Don't come to Mexico and expect anything near US protocols.

pauldavidmena - 8-4-2020 at 08:36 AM

I'm not sure if Frank or Katie O'Grady (of Los O'Gradys in Mexico fame) is active on this forum these days, but I remember the trouble Katie had getting pain meds when she was dealing with back pain a few years back. Long story short, it's very difficult to get a prescription for opiates in Mexico.

David K - 8-4-2020 at 09:41 AM

Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena  
I'm not sure if Frank or Katie O'Grady (of Los O'Gradys in Mexico fame) is active on this forum these days, but I remember the trouble Katie had getting pain meds when she was dealing with back pain a few years back. Long story short, it's very difficult to get a prescription for opiates in Mexico.


'FrankO' (Nomad from 2002-2007) changed his handle here to 'soulpatch'...
His last post was three years ago: http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=87116#pid1088...

del mar - 8-4-2020 at 01:06 PM

one day you might just get em free!

https://fronterasdesk.org/content/1605507/mexico-plans-make-...

pauldavidmena - 8-4-2020 at 01:21 PM

I found this post on the Los O'Gradys in Mexico blog.

cliffh - 8-4-2020 at 03:26 PM

Try Doctor Hino in Ensenada get a blood test he will tell you if he can help. Check out on internet. Worked fine for me

mtgoat666 - 8-4-2020 at 07:37 PM

Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena  
I'm not sure if Frank or Katie O'Grady (of Los O'Gradys in Mexico fame) is active on this forum these days, but I remember the trouble Katie had getting pain meds when she was dealing with back pain a few years back. Long story short, it's very difficult to get a prescription for opiates in Mexico.


Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.

Not a bad place (but don’t go north or south along cost to neghboring states, or inland :o )

chippy - 8-5-2020 at 07:07 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena  
I'm not sure if Frank or Katie O'Grady (of Los O'Gradys in Mexico fame) is active on this forum these days, but I remember the trouble Katie had getting pain meds when she was dealing with back pain a few years back. Long story short, it's very difficult to get a prescription for opiates in Mexico.


Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.

Not a bad place (but don’t go north or south along cost to neghboring states, or inland :o )


You been there lately? That place has been done for decades. Much better places in all directions.

thebajarunner - 8-5-2020 at 08:27 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by pauldavidmena  
I'm not sure if Frank or Katie O'Grady (of Los O'Gradys in Mexico fame) is active on this forum these days, but I remember the trouble Katie had getting pain meds when she was dealing with back pain a few years back. Long story short, it's very difficult to get a prescription for opiates in Mexico.


Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.

Not a bad place (but don’t go north or south along cost to neghboring states, or inland :o )


You been there lately? That place has been done for decades. Much better places in all directions.


Definitely seen better days
We wandered up there last year for a day, thinking we might spend some extended time there.
"Been there-done that"
As usual, the Keyboard Cowboy has much to say and no personal basis for saying....

BajaBlanca - 8-5-2020 at 02:02 PM

I am not sure where they are living but they are living the LIFE. Their kids are thriving and happiness reigns. Each of us has a different view on what paradise is.

John Harper - 8-5-2020 at 02:15 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  

Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.


Wow, I went there with Tia Adriana's son, Greg (Goyo), back in 1988, I think it was. It was quite beautiful but I've heard the name "Sayulita" too many times in recent years to think it hasn't been overwhelmed. Glad I had a chance to see it "back in the day."

John

chippy - 8-6-2020 at 03:25 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by chippy  

Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.


Wow, I went there with Tia Adriana's son, Greg (Goyo), back in 1988, I think it was. It was quite beautiful but I've heard the name "Sayulita" too many times in recent years to think it hasn't been overwhelmed. Glad I had a chance to see it "back in the day."

John


I know the Adams family.I grew up with them in Cardiff. Adriana was part of the over development problem. Once a dirt pimp always (in whatever country) a dirt pimp.

You were there when it was still nice. It really started changing in the mid ninetys and had a fork in it by the 21st century.

John Harper - 8-8-2020 at 10:30 AM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by chippy  

Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.


Wow, I went there with Tia Adriana's son, Greg (Goyo), back in 1988, I think it was. It was quite beautiful but I've heard the name "Sayulita" too many times in recent years to think it hasn't been overwhelmed. Glad I had a chance to see it "back in the day."

John


I know the Adams family.I grew up with them in Cardiff. Adriana was part of the over development problem. Once a dirt pimp always (in whatever country) a dirt pimp.

You were there when it was still nice. It really started changing in the mid ninetys and had a fork in it by the 21st century.


Yes, I remember they had some lots, Greg was building a place up on the hill above town. I do recall the small restaurants on the beach, the "camarones diablo" was always a good choice. Went to some kind of rodeo as well and took a wild ride with some Mexicans through the jungle one night to score some pot. The good old days. I had never been to a jungle area, and I recall the "strangler figs" that enveloped other trees fascinated me at the time.

I lived just down San Elijo Avenue from the Adams place in Cardiff for many years.

John



[Edited on 8-8-2020 by John Harper]

chippy - 8-8-2020 at 01:38 PM

Small world I lived a little north above Swamis on Summit.

Dirt pimp???

thebajarunner - 8-9-2020 at 04:47 PM

Quote: Originally posted by chippy  
Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
Quote: Originally posted by chippy  

Looks like they moved to sayulita near puerto Vallarta.


Wow, I went there with Tia Adriana's son, Greg (Goyo), back in 1988, I think it was. It was quite beautiful but I've heard the name "Sayulita" too many times in recent years to think it hasn't been overwhelmed. Glad I had a chance to see it "back in the day."

John


I know the Adams family.I grew up with them in Cardiff. Adriana was part of the over development problem. Once a dirt pimp always (in whatever country) a dirt pimp.

You were there when it was still nice. It really started changing in the mid ninetys and had a fork in it by the 21st century.


Just trying to understand the meaning behind this phrase.
35 years ago I gave my accounting practice to my partner and began developing single family lots for new home construction.
We took any and all available properties that were in reasonable zoning areas and created opportunity for people to have a home.
So far my count is just short of 10,000 developed lots.
Does that make me a "dirt pimp?"

Anyone who lives in a house/condo/apartment etc. should thank the developer that went out on a limb with finances and time expended so they can have a home.

Of course the moment they got theirs, then it was probably time to pull down the shades and shut off further home opportunities

Makes it pretty hard to explain to the next generations why someone safely tucked into a home does not think others are so entitled.

John Harper - 8-10-2020 at 05:20 AM

From a "bean counter" to a "dirt pimp?" Did you also work with "ambulance chasers?" Let's hope none of us ever get medical treatment by a "quack." ;););)

"Dirt pimp" is new (derogatory) terminology to me, too. You have got to admit there is some contemporary "street" attraction to it.

John

Any more epithets to throw out???

thebajarunner - 8-10-2020 at 02:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by John Harper  
From a "bean counter" to a "dirt pimp?" Did you also work with "ambulance chasers?" Let's hope none of us ever get medical treatment by a "quack." ;););)

"Dirt pimp" is new (derogatory) terminology to me, too. You have got to admit there is some contemporary "street" attraction to it.

John


Only uneducated people refer to CPAs as "bean counters"
(California law says only those with CPA certificates can use the "accounting' description)
"Ambulance chaser" ???
Where did that come from? Were you drinking when you wrote this?
I also have a Calif RE Brokers license, a general contractor license, and HVAC license and a concrete contractor license
I taught full time at CSUStanislaus for 3 years in the Biz Dept

Mostly I am proud of the amazing housing projects that my partner and I have developed over the years. Happy homes for happy people.

Any more snide comments in your little satchel????

advrider - 8-10-2020 at 05:24 PM

WOW, there was some good info before the whole thing went off of the rails! Thanks to the people that had relevant information to share, most probably won't bother reading all of the other stuff!
Please it's your thread now do carry on..

advrider - 8-12-2020 at 08:04 PM

So did I understand the article correctly? There are special Doctors in pain management that write the prescriptions for opiate meds? Anyone had success with this in the past? John H, thanks for cleaning things up, it's really appreciated.

[Edited on 8-13-2020 by advrider]

SFandH - 8-13-2020 at 03:31 AM

Quote: Originally posted by advrider  
So did I understand the article correctly? There are special Doctors in pain management that write the prescriptions for opiate meds? Anyone had success with this in the past? John H, thanks for cleaning things up, it's really appreciated.

[Edited on 8-13-2020 by advrider]


In the link pauldavidmena posted:

".........anesthesiologist, angológo and paliativista—a specialist in the pain management of advanced conditions that is licensed to prescribe opiates."

https://www.losogradysinmexico.com/pain-management-in-mexico...


[Edited on 8-13-2020 by SFandH]

advrider - 8-13-2020 at 08:48 AM

SFandH, thanks, I did read it. I'm just wondering if anyone else has first hand experience with a specialist in Mexico? This subject seems to be hard to find much information on and I have limited Spanish skills.

Ricky - 8-24-2020 at 12:35 AM

If your insurance does mail order, get an account at one of the mail forwarding services. You get an US address and they pick it up for you.

advrider - 8-24-2020 at 12:01 PM

No mail order as of now but that might work in the future? Good idea..