Pharmaceutical tourism to Mexico?

May 7, 2019 11:16 AM

I am considering a 'pharmaceutical tourism' trip and am trying to find a list of US prescription medications which are available cheaper and possibly over-the-counter in Mexico. Ideally, I'd also be able to do some cost-comparison to prices here in the US. I've done some pretty extensive googling but so far haven't turned up anything. Any idea where I can find this information?

I am not planning to purchase anything illegally or for the purposes of illegal activity. This question is purely based on the need to obtain prescribed, medically-necessary medication that is prohibitively expensive here in the US. I was in Mexico City last year, and a number of friends visited the local pharmacy to stock up on medications which were readily available and inexpensive (and legal to bring back), and it got me thinking about this. I would also consider Canada, but Mexico is just way easier and cheaper for me to travel to. Is this information available online and I just haven't stumbled across it yet?

posted by tryniti to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

Just in case you haven't already considered this, be aware that, if the drug requires a prescription, it will require a prescription from a Mexican doctor.
posted by praemunire at 12:14 PM on May 7, 2019

Prices vary widely across stores. I suggest looking at the websites for national chains, though you may need to call them. Farmacia Guadalajara (national chain) usually has very good prices.

To follow praemunire, yes an Rx is required for many non-OTC drugs, but there are many medications that need an Rx in the US but do not in Mexico.
posted by neutralmojo at 12:17 PM on May 7, 2019

I do not advise it, but a friend likes to buy Voltarol ointment in Mexico and bring it back to the US to help with knee pain. Apparently the drug is OTC there but prescription here. The active ingredient is diclofenac.
posted by exogenous at 12:25 PM on May 7, 2019

Exogenous, same stuff is OTC in Canada, sold as Voltaren.
posted by kate4914 at 12:33 PM on May 7, 2019

Response by poster: I *think* most of the medications I'm interested in (like insulin) are available without an Rx, but that information is also hard to come by.
posted by tryniti at 12:37 PM on May 7, 2019

...even without a prescription you can get most things. I've bought Xanax as well as antibiotics OTC. I mean, I'm sure you're supposed to have one but all the pharmacies I went to either had a doctor on staff or just sold it to me anyway.
posted by ananci at 1:30 PM on May 7, 2019

As of 2 years ago, most of the pharmacies in and around Cancun / Playa del Carmen would not sell opiates, barbiturates, benzos, amphetamines, really anything that might possibly have recreational use or abuse potential. Maybe you can get them at the ones with an on-site doctor, I'm not sure. But if you are looking for ADHD or GAD meds you may be out of luck, or at least need to get well away from areas full of spring break kids looking for Xannies.

SSRIs, NDRIs, SNRIs, and some MAOIs seemed to be on the shelves pretty consistently.
posted by Kadin2048 at 1:58 PM on May 7, 2019 [1 favorite]

This is a topic discussed frequently on ex-pat forums. iirc, Walmart is always a good choice price-wise. If you have a specific destination in mind, the forums may have clearer direction with regard to pharmacies, and local doctors.
posted by vignettist at 5:01 PM on May 8, 2019