Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Philippines Expat Forum

Prescriptions

New Topic Newest First
Rmorris301
  3/11/2019 17:58 EST

Could anyone that takes medications please tell me how they get it done!! I have several as I assume several on here do, and I don't know if getting them sent from the states is ideal.
Any help
Thanks

Robertdav298
  3/11/2019 20:23 EST

RM.....have you tried refilling your meds here? Rose, Watson or Three Sixty carry most known Meds.

If not, some people will have their home pharmacy send meds to someone they trust in the US and then have them send by COURIER........NOT BY REGULAR MAIL.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

standupguy
  3/11/2019 23:29 EST

The larger Mercury Drug stores have everything. I pay 100 pesos for my doctor to write a prescription for me.

surfingcebu
  3/11/2019 23:34 EST

Generica also has a good selection of generic common drugs as well, at a good price . Plenty of regular types of pills around. If you need something real special , The local Hospital will likely have it . I try and pack my Medical kit before I come with everything from benedryl to doxycline, and other . But you can get most everything in the RP . Best of luck . Surf .

cra14D
  3/12/2019 06:14 EST

If you are a retired military officer or were enlisted and have a 100% disability, I recommend you find the nearest RAO office in the Philippines. You can get an APO or FPO (can't remember) box as part of your membership, Your meds can be mailed from your stateside VA to that address. Or, someone can just mail them to your box in the RAO. If you don't have any of these options, keep your empty Rx bottles that show your active meds. Just show them at a pharmacy here and they will fill for you. If it's an Rx that is restricted, your doc can fax or email you a prescription that will be honored at most pharmacies here.

Rmorris301
  3/12/2019 08:46 EST

Thanks folks for all the great responses. Didn't think about an apo box! Bu if its easier to walk in get the bottle refilled, so be it.
Thanks again!!

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

darkfader24
  3/13/2019 05:57 EST

SurfingCebu - They actually allow you to bring prescription drugs into the RP?!? I was under the impression that they would all but throw you to the ground, have guard dogs sniffing everything you have got, handcuff you, and haul you off to the RP Gulag! Sorry for the sarcasm, but I have been under the impression that anything drug oriented brought a heavy dose of suspicion (pun intended). I'm a diabetic and need my various meds along with blood pressure control pills, and insulin. I have never been to the RP but intend on retiring there in about 15 months and am trying to get as prepared as possible. I know that it's not easy - but retiring in the USA with a very small amount of income isn't easy either - and I am willing to make a few sacrifices.

standupguy
  3/13/2019 07:49 EST

darkfader24 I am diabetic too and take med.’s for cardiovascular disease. My Canadian medical plan subsidises 80% of the cost and allows me a 200 day supply. I also take med.’s for a sleeping disorder. All the pill bottles have the prescription number and drug information along with my doctors name. I have entered the RP 8 times with my 200 day supply. I also brought a copy of my medical records showing my doctors prescription notes. I was never checked. by Customs, who never inspected my bags. I was never asked by any official about my med.’s. Only certain pharmacies stock my med.’s. I call ahead to my cardiologist for a refill, and pick up the prescription from his nurse/receptionist free now. I live in Davao and when travelling Philippines Airlines, my bags are transferred through to Davao where the Custom inspectors are. The declaration form makes no note about med.’s. Also ask for handicap assistance if you are changing flights in Manila. They whip you trough back doors and elevators and security line ups in a wheelchair. I can walk ok with my fake knees, but it is worth it, no lines or hassle. Didn’t have to take my shoes and belt off. I just ask for a wheelchair to wait until I leave the aircraft. Lots of younger people than me do it. Nothing to be embarrassed about.

BeboHawks
  3/13/2019 07:55 EST

Standupguy here we go again. Outstanding post. I have a problem with one hip and now I know. Thanks again. This is what I am here for, Intel precise and to the point from those that know! Bebo

surfingcebu
  3/13/2019 08:15 EST

Bebo - you guys are more alike than different I bet . Hmmm stand up is an academic , suborn, BUT always fair and accepting of other people core beliefs . SO he is passionate about his ideas and opinions but excepting of others . Cool guy to hang out with . I hope I get to hang with him again- great guy . I hung out with him during a stormy season in his life , and we talked … instant friend . You will see Bebo ….you will see . PS he knows Davao well too ! Take care friends !

BOBV
  3/13/2019 08:18 EST

I'm sure you have all noticed that rarely do pharmacies stock control drugs (class 4 or5) here this is because they have to file a copy in there store (copy also to their FDA) which they do not file with any prescription and they think they will be robbed with those drugs on hand. Quite different from where you guys come from. You know i always see signs saying "Safety First" which is not the case included is your well being, health care even at the dentist only pain medication they prescribed are OTC. no Tylenol with codeine that may be require. for server pain to take that edge off, until the nerve is open an allowed to drain.

GeoBlueGeoBlue
Get Quote

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!

GeoBlueGeoBlue

GeoBlue is a trusted leader in international health insurance. Wherever your destination, GeoBlue can keep you and your family covered with the right health insurance. Get a GeoBlue Quote Today!
Get Quote

gelynch52ph
  3/13/2019 09:36 EST

Benadryl is AKA diphenhydramine and available without an Rx at most pharmacies. I always shopped "The Generics Pharmacy" for almost everything and if they did not have some Rx-only med I could always get it at Mercury Drug.

BlueJeepney
  3/13/2019 10:16 EST

My wife is on insulin (NovoLog) and Glucophage, she only has half of her pancreas left. I plan on bringing as much supply as her doctor will prescribe until we can find a local doctor and source.

standupguy
  3/13/2019 10:39 EST

BlueJeepney Diabetes is common in the Philippines. Even the small hospital, St.John’s in Toril, Davao City that has only one.doctor has several patients. If I go for a prescription there, it costs 100 pesos, but there is always a big line up. The larger Mercury Drug stores, I have found carry everything, and have never been told “no stock”.

BlueJeepney
  3/13/2019 10:54 EST

Hopefully I can get something for my insomnia as well, I can go for many days without sleep and at some point I need something like Ambien or Xanax to knock me out, I can get them here from the VA because I have a disability but I've heard that these drugs are tightly controlled in the P.I.

agypsyquokka
  3/13/2019 11:18 EST

Couple of years ago i asked my GP in Tacloban to prescribe for Xanax, as used to take it for years in Canada. She said that was not possible as only a doctor with a "Yellow License" can prescribe such meds. I asked who had a "Yellow License" and told many surgeons and psych's can, but there are few of them around here. I have asked a couple of ENNT's about getting Liquid Nitrogen to use on skin cancers etc, again told only doctors with "Yellow License" can supply / use the gas.

standupguy
  3/13/2019 12:39 EST

gelynch52ph I have found that atamin tablets, over the counter, work much better than Benadryl or diphenhydramine. Atamin is
Chlorphenamine, less bad side effects. Great for getting you to sleep on long flights and a good antihistamine. It was recommended by my Canadian doctor because he uses it.

standupguy
  3/13/2019 13:05 EST

BlueJeepney My sleeping disorder started in 1991. I have tried all the benzodiazepines, but the only one that worked for me for the past 7 years is Clonazepam or Rivotril 2 mg. I get almost no side effects and sometimes need only half a tablet. With Clonazepam, you must allow for 8 hours for sleep. Otherwise it will give you a hangover until you add in nap time to make up the shortfall. It’s what they give Airforce pilots who fly night missions to be able to sleep during the daytime. If I wake up in the middle of the night, I’ll take a 650 mg. Paracetamol (better than Tylenol). You can take a maximum of 10 Paracetamol a day, and then it becomes toxic. I never take more than 4 or less. Arthritis is the pits.. On a really bad night I might also take an atamin too. Chlorphenamine or atamin gives you the deep sleep.

BlueJeepney
  3/13/2019 14:12 EST

Standupguy- My insomnia started with a helicopter crash and the loss of a crewmember and friend who is forever entombed in an H-46 at the bottom of the South China sea. I went through a rough patch playing it over and over in my head afterwards, especially not knowing the full details of what happened because there was no way to recover the aircraft, I suffered guilt that maybe it was something I could have caused or prevented, anyway I came to terms somewhat but my sleep patterns were never normal again and every night I worry that I'm not going to get any sleep and will struggle with my job which can be very stressful, I'm hoping retirement will put and end to this cycle since I won't have the anxiety to deal with.

BeboHawks
  3/13/2019 14:29 EST

BlueJeepney. I reread your post over a few times. We don't know each other but might have been in the same jungle. I wish I could tell you the secret cure but buddy there is none. Retirment did not help. What did help is finally the realization that my buddies would have not wanted me to suffer. So I bought a bottle of cheap rum we use to covet and drank a farewell tosat or two or three or more. I said my goodbyes and had my cry. The only thing that almost works. Of course it took a couple more years but at least it was a start. Wish I could help but still don't have the answer. Just "Keep On Keeping On" cause it ain't nothing. You can do it!! To you, My best, my brother. Bebo

standupguy
  3/13/2019 14:57 EST

BlueJeepney Sorry to hear that. My insomnia was brought on by a different kind of trauma. But 15 years later, I went through a serious depression after I quit my job. This was due to some whistle blowing that I was compelled to do as I would not participate in some very serious financial dishonesty by the federal government that was going on for 10 years in my program responsibilities and quite illegal. I had to quit because of the harassment, though it was the right thing to do. Government should be financially honest, well at least in a better world than the one we live in. I was awake for three days straight. I was a zombie. I lost over 100 lbs. I went on anti depressants and mood stabsluzers, and it ended in 10 months. For a while I was on the edge of suicide. My doctor saw me every day during the crisis period and I attended group and individual counselling that really helped. The Mental Health services where I lived on Vancouver Island were quite good. Finally one fine day the bogeyman was gone. I still had a sleeping disorder but not nearly as bad. The whole thing began with a post surgical depression after my knees and most of my leg bones were replaced. Then pandora’s Box opened. Some say it was PTSD. But treatment will help, both med.s and group and individual counselling. Your reaction to those kind of events in fairly common. It does help to hook up with a therapeutic setting. Aren’t you entitled to VA hospital services that may provide that? I never thought something like that could happen to me. The help I got was the only reason I survived.

BlueJeepney
  3/14/2019 17:10 EST

I'll email the VA over there and see if they can write prescriptions since I have a service connected disability which includes insomnia.

Jimmyzr1
  3/14/2019 23:17 EST

I brought about a one year supply of my medications with me when I came here in January, there was no customs agents or anything, and no problems. I do have a copy of my prescription orders if I do get stopped though.

Oldgrape
  3/16/2019 00:03 EST

If a US military retiree you can join the RAO Assn and then you will get a FPO mail box where you can have your meds mailed to.

BlueJeepney
  3/20/2019 17:48 EST

I read this article today and I wonder if this was just an expat bringing in a one year supply as was recommended by members of the forum...scary.
http://philippineslifestyle.com/ephedrine-anti-allergy-canadian/

unpack
  3/23/2019 16:23 EST

Hey guys, Philippines retirement is a consideration for me as well and being able to get sleep medications is a concern. Has anyone be able or known of anyone who has a doctor that will prescribe Ambien and /or Clonazepam on a regular basis?

BOBV
  3/23/2019 20:00 EST

Many Pharmacies do not carry Class IV medication the reason , they have to retain he Rx on file in the Pharmacy while NO Pharmacy in the Philippines follow that Rule (nor any other) another concern of theirs is of being robbed ... Have you tried simple medications OTC's as Benadryl its side effect does make you sleeply......Maybe some folks here have obtained medication from a hospital but I think the same issue exists even for pain medication.

standupguy
  3/23/2019 21:43 EST

BOBV. I have never had a problem in 7 years in obtaining benzodiazepine sleeping medication from Mercury Drugs the largest pharmacy chain in the RP. I use Clonazepam or Rivotril 2 mg. Some nights I only take 1 mg. I use Mercury Drugs larger outlets. As I stated previously, on the advice of my doctor, I stopped using Benadryl because of its side effects and it causes weight gain. My doctor uses chlorphenamine, called atamin in th RP which I found to be more effective for getting deep sleep with one 4 mg. tablet without the serious side effects of Benadryl. Rivotril gives you the light sleep.

standupguy
  3/23/2019 21:53 EST

unpack. Any doctor will. It’s quite easy to obtain. I have for 7 years. I get the prescription free from my cardiologist and no line up, but the cab round trip downtown Davao is 600 pesos. The local hospital in Toril has Dr. Pilay who charges me 100 p. for a 30 day supply, but there is a line up. Bring you prescription with you.

BOBV
  3/23/2019 22:13 EST

Standup, Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is an OTC, over the counter., its the side effect of drowsiness, that its usefulness for the purpose to relax and sleep . Yes Antihistamines may also increase appetite, which can cause weight gain but you cant read everything on a package insert as you know, otherwise your take nothing., Benadryl is prescribed for infants. I should know I'm a Pharmacist. When it come to availability of medication particular control drugs my experience has been what I previously mentioned, including there operation of service. Flow charts hang in most Pharmacy's which are only there to service a notion. Take care...

BOBV
  3/23/2019 22:43 EST

Standup, myself not a fan of CTM, Chlorpheniramine its a antihistamine used to relieve symptoms of allergy, hay fever, . include rash, watery eyes, itchy eyes an also can make you sleepy in some cases it can have the opposite effect, it can stimulate you make you nervous. Again medication side effects on package insert warning can effect everyone differently . Went it comes to medication Doctors get educated by Pharm Sale Reps, that have limited knowledge on medication but with some samples for him and his family he write Rx's all day

gelynch52ph
  3/24/2019 08:08 EST

If you have any kind of Service Connected disability you can use the VA and they will issue meds prescribed stateside.

standupguy
  3/24/2019 09:05 EST

BOBV Yes it is an antihistamine, but also a highly effective sleep aid. I researched it in addition to my doctors recommendation. I don’t disagree with anything you posted about paradoxical drug effects. Research always has false positives & negatives. It has been effective as a sleep aid for me and my wife (though she rarely uses it) and helps with my dust allergy. It is also better than Benadryl and does not make you gain weight. My main allergies are to ragweed, and living west of the Rocky Mountains helped. I was incapacitated from July until after the first harsh frost in Chicago. No problems in Florida though.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Philippines GuideLiving in Philippines Guide

The Philippines attracts the interest of expats from all over the world - truly has a lot to offer for a variety of different people. However, it's also important to understand the pitfalls that can be avoided with appropriate homework and preparation.

Philippines Forum Philippines Forum
Join our Philippines forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Philippines.

Contribute to Philippines Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Best Places to Live in Philippines Best Places to Live in Philippines

If you're thinking about living in Philippines, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Philippines in 2023.

Healthcare in PhilippinesHealthcare in Philippines

Expats in the Philippines have a lot to say about the quality of medical care, hospitals, prescription medicine availability and health insurance in the Philippines.

Cost of Living in PhilippinesCost of Living in Philippines

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Philippines.

Moving to PhilippinesMoving to Philippines Guide

Expats moving to the Philippines join others that have moved there for work or a lower cost of living during retirement. It's critical to understand what the realities of living there are, but those that successfully make the adjustment believe it is a good place to live.

Real Estate in PhilippinesReal Estate in Philippines

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Philippines.

Pros Cons of Living in PhilippinesPros & Cons of Living in Philippines

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Philippines.

Retiring in PhilippinesRetiring in Philippines

Advice for people retiring in Philippines.

10 Tips for Living in Philippines10 Tips for Living in Philippines

If you've recently arrived in Philippines, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Philippines.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Philippines Network Contribute
Help others in Philippines by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Philippines.

Allianz Care
Allianz Care

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal