How can I get my medication prescribed and filled in Thailand as an expat?

May 3, 2022
3 years ago
Nexa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hi everyone, quick question… How do I get a prescription filled here for a medication I’ve been on for a while with my rheumatologist? I need to be treated here but I’m not sure how to go about getting treatment. Is it best to call a local rheumatologist or to contact the hospital and see a rheumatologist there? A local told me to contact the hospital but I wanted to see if anyone here had some advice.
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TLDR : Answer Summary
To get a prescription filled for medication in Thailand as an expat, it's usually best to start by visiting a local pharmacy. Many pharmacies can dispense medications without a prescription, especially for non-controlled substances. However, for specific drugs, particularly injectables or controlled medications, you might need to see a doctor. You can either contact a local rheumatologist directly or visit a hospital, as hospitals often provide comprehensive care and medication management. Recommendations include bringing your prescription bottle for reference, and considering options like MedConsult Clinic for medication needs.
Robert **********
Try MedConsult Clinic, they sell most medicines including those that require a doctor or hospital
Nexa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Joe *********
Recommend you google search “Medication-name Thailand)” you may find the generic or brand with a different name here. I brought the results to supercheap and they provided. The did NOT know what to give me when I showed my US prescription.
Nexa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Joe ********
good to know, thank you !
Maria **********************
Maria **********************
Dr.Naravadee she has her own clinic and also works at Bangkok hospital.
Nexa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
John **********
If your treatment will include any sort of operation then you'll need to go through a hospital, you can just go directly without being referred. They can also sort out meds.
Cliff *********
Many medications can be purchased at the pharmacy that would require prescription at home.
Andrea ********
Really depends on the medication required.
Lee ******
No RX needed here. Just walk in to pharmacy. I had tummy issues, 2 prescriptions were $5.75 USD.
Nick **********
You can buy most prescription drugs at the local pharmacy and you can ask the pharmacist on duty for free advice. Just bring your prescription bottle. But still, some drugs are only available when the doctor prescribed them.
Steve **********
You’d be surprised what you can get by just asking at a pharmacy. I’d bet you can get it easy. Things that would require doctor visits in the US we get here by walking in a pharmacy and showing a photo of what we need.
Nexa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Steve *********
! I will give it a try.
Briton *********
Asia is pretty easy with regard to meds. If its not controlled it is easy to supply. If its injectable like Actemra you'll need to see a real doctor but luckily, money makes the world go round.
Prashant **********
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George *************
Recommend Supercheap pharmacies: main one on thepkrassatri rd near the bus terminal, one near Naka Market, and one near Chalong circle. Also check price on medisafe on facebook chat, can be sent from Bangkok in a week for 40 baht, often cheaper than phuket and offer many generics as well.
George *************
@Prashant *********
second the recommendation.
Mary *******
Pharmacist filled my prescription, price about the same as Oz, and I took 9 months of heart meds with me, the most I could legally bring
Franken *******
@Mary ******
I just went to a walk in clinic and got a script. Take you're old bottles with ure name and dosage on them.

I got a proper prescription because of going through airports. A pharmacist might just refill ure bottles as well, try a tourist area pharmacy.

Good Luck
Nexa *******
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks
@Mary ******
! Without a doctors prescription?
Mary *******
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