Getting prescription drugs abroad
 

Hey

Well I am a type one diabetic and will be spending a lot of time in Australia and then maybe other countries but will be traveling for well over a year, So how do I go about getting my prescription drugs do I pay for them? as this could get very costly or is there a way where I can get it through the countries heath service like I normally would.

?c?

I know that here in India that many prescription drugs are sold over the counter, perhaps contacting people in the local community telling them exactly what you require will reap benefits.

In Russia all medical drugs are sold 'over the counter'. Narcotics being the exception that need an authorised prescription.

Some have local names but 'her indoors' is a medic working with Pfizer so we can find the generic and local names easily enough!

I can easily find prices for you. Every block of flats here contains a pharmacy, many 24/7 - nation of hypochondriacs!

Two comments:

1. As much as 40-60% of medication sold in the third world is counterfeit, especially the modern, expensive stuff.

2. You can take 2 months supply with you from your NHS doctor; get a repeat prescription and I think you can get more than filled and shipped to you.

If you need to source overseas, use a reputable private clinic that imports their own supplies. International SOS are expensive, but reliable. If you plan your stops around first world countries such as Singapore, Australia, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand, Canada and America, you will not have a problem but may have to see a doctor privately to get the medicine prescribed which adds to the cost.

Well said. It is another of the mass production counterfeit industries.

I suggest that you speak with your NHS doctor and explain what your plans are and ask for a repeat prescription; then you should need just one friend or family member to help you by collecting that repeat order from the chemist, as and when required, and posting it on to you.

If going that route, DO NOT put the description 'drugs' on the packet's Customs Declaration. Far too emotive a word!
'Medicines' would be better.

The other advice would be to carry a photocopy of the original prescription should Customs/Police/Whoever going through luggage find them and query them.

My wife is diabetic and we travel up to two months with what she brings. Insulin needs to be kept cold so we have a 12v cooler on the bike. After two months you will most likely need to get someone to ship stuff to you. Insulin might be a problem to ship and keep cool. Good luck and don't let a little thing like diabetes keep you home.
RJT:scooter:

Insulin
 

I have modified an "engel" frig for the back of my triumph tiger runs on 12 volts only draws 2.5 amps when it runs.. Plan to carry 6 months of insulin when i head to south america end of aug. Frig weighs 22 lbs..