Are common prescription medications available in Ecuador?
When we asked expats in Ecuador if common prescription medications are available in Ecuador, they wrote...
"As for prescription medicines we have have trouble with only one item we needed which we could not get here in Cuenca which was a type of estrogen medication my wife needed. Everything else we have needed in the past 3 years we have lived here we have been able to find locally without problem and most items (though prescribed by the Doctor) did not require a prescription for any needed renewal. Cost for most items were less than in the US," said another in Cuenca, Ecuador.
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With Offices in BOTH Ecuador and the US, Ecuador Visas with Attorney Sara Chaca is the No. 1 Visa Law Firm for Your Move! Specializing in Ecuador Residency Visas plus converting from Temporary to Permanent Residency, Containers, Real Estate Closings, Wills and Estate Planning, Driver Licenses, Opening Businesses & Citizenship!
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"Most medication is available over the counter. Medication that is narcotic, sedative, opiod, such as anti anxiety drugs and pain medication is restricted to severely restricted. Medications such as antidepressants (SSRI & NSRI), thyroid medications, insulin, and NSAID are available though not every type or formulation. At certain times basic drugs may be embargoed. An example is embargo on NSAID drugs (ibuprofen, naprosyn, aspirin) during a mosquito borne virus outbreak. Benadryl (diphenhydramine) is a common antihistamine in the USA that is not available in Ecuador," explained one expat who made the move to Montanita, Ecuador.
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Other Questions:
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Are common prescription medications available in Ecuador?
If you live in Ecuador, newcomers to Ecuador would love to hear your answer to this question:
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.