I have Type 2 diabetes and will be travelling with my test strips and insulin pens. How easy is it to get strips and insulin pens?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
Travelers with diabetes can find it relatively easy to purchase insulin pens and test strips in Thailand. Many commenters mention that strips are readily available without a prescription at local pharmacies. Specific recommendations include visiting Chula Bhesaj pharmacy in Silom for over-the-counter options. However, some users advise that while strips are common, insulin pens may not always be the same brand as what is used overseas. It is suggested that bringing sufficient supplies is ideal for short visits, while longer stays may require consulting local hospitals for ongoing needs.
Suthida ******************
Strip can easily buy in almost every drug store but may not compatable with your machine, so there is a chance that you have to buy new machine too.
Insulin is also easy to buy but again may be not the same as the one you are using and doctor definitely don't recommend you to change the brand because there is a chance that even it is the same dose but different bioavailability may cause blood sugar level swing.
So if it is a short trip like some months just bring enough stuff is better choice. But if you plan to stay longer just find some hospital because you have to do follow up anyway.
James ***********
You never stated which strips and insulin you take. I normally goo to AP Medical on Rama 4 across from Chula Hospital. Much cheaper that hospitals.
Arcadia ****
Strips are easy to find, but I purchase insulin pens overseas not in TH just to be on the safe side.
Humalog is generally easy to find but I’ve noticed that Lantus Humalin is not as common. I purchase my meds in Hong Kong or US when I travel and try to keep stock when possible.
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Arcadia ****
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Dave *******
My friend now lives in Thailand and is diabetic, he couldn’t get the same strips and insulin pens but got the equivalent quite easily