Do's and Don'ts in Mexico

Prescription Drugs in the Elderly
Do's and Don'ts When Seeking Medication Out of The United States

by Walter J. Nieri, M.D.
Program Director
Sun Health/St. Joseph's Geriatric Fellowship Program
Sun City

1. Check to see if it's okay with your primary care physician. Give them the reason i.e., it's too expensive in the U.S.

2. Stick to brand name drugs. Avoid obtaining generic drugs outside of the United States since they may be of inferior quality and you can usually obtain them in the U.S. at a lower cost than the brand drug.

3. Avoid getting homeopathic combinations - may be toxic or result in a drug drug interaction with other medications that you are taking.

4. When return to the states, review the medications with your Primary Care Physician to make sure you received the correct medications.

5. Continually review all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, with your physician.

6. If you are not feeling well, ask if the medications could be contributing to the way you feel.

7. If you are taking a large number of medications, ask if there are any that may no longer needed.

Check List

by David "El Codo" Eidell

Consult with your doctor first
Talk to your doctor to get his or her permission to purchase medications in Mexico. Let your doctor know exactly what drugs you're interested in buying. If your doctor raises concerns, reconsider your decision.
If you buy drugs your doctor is not aware of, let him or her know when you return.

Make sure you get the correct medications
Before you go, ask your pharmacist for a package insert for each prescription drug you're intent on buying in Mexico. Take the insert with you to Mexico. Clerks at Mexican pharmacies can use the insert to make sure you're getting the right medication.
Don't rely on the advice of the person behind the counter at a Mexican pharmacy, unless he or she is a licensed pharmacist. For example, some Mexican pharmacies sell a generic Viagria for about five dollars a pill. The product is an herbal supplement. There is no generic Viagra.
Also, check the expiration date to make sure the medication isn't expired.

Paying for your Prescription
Check prices at difference pharmacies before paying for your medication. You may find it cheaper to buy at a store just around the corner.
All border pharmacies accept American money. Prices are usually listed in both pesos (Mexican currency) and dollars.
Some pharmacies also accept credit cards.

Mexican and American Prescription needed for controlled substances
If you are buying a controlled substance such as pain killers or sleeping aids, you will need a prescription from a Mexican doctor to buy it in Mexico. A pharmacy can usually put you in touch with a doctor.
If you are bringing a controlled substance back across the border into the US, you will need a valid prescription from a doctor licensed to practice in the United States. A prescription bottle with remaining refills is also permissible.

Crossing Back into the US
You must declare everything you purchase in Mexico to Immigration or Custom's Service.
You are only allowed to bring back a three-months supply of prescription medication.
All prescription drugs must remain sealed. You will not be allowed to import an open container of prescription medication.
The medication also must be for yourself. You can not bring back medication for a friend, neighbor, or family member. Custom's will allow you to return the medication to Mexico for a refund.
If you have any questions about what you can, and cannot bring back, stop in the U.S. Port of Entry and ask a Custom's agent before going to Mexico.

Checklist Sources:
David "El Codo" Eidell, http://www.peoplesguide.com/1pages/chapts/health/buymed/cheapmed1.html US Customs
(see "Consumer Alert" on Prescription Prognosis Index page)