Medicine prices

[Ray.Charles]

I have found Metformin/Glucofage (500mg) for 2 baht a tablet, and simvastatin (40mg) for 6-10 baht a tablet, both at the TESCO and the Boots. These prices compare favorably to my medical plan presciption prices in th U.S.
I also take an ACE inhibitor, Lisinopril/Prinivil (20mg); I have found generics here for 25 baht a tablet which is higher than the prescription price of the same in the U.S.
Can you recommend a lower priced source?

[lepidoptra]

Ray
I find Tesco's pharmacy and Boots to be the most expensive in town. I would think some of your medication may be available at the independent pharmacies although it may mean hunting around a bit. I had some medication from AEK hospital costs 500 baht. Pharmacy round the corner 100 baht

[arjay]

Yes, I'd agree with Lepi on that. Boots do seem to be amongst the more expensive for medication. The local pharmacies are invariably cheaper. Though with Boots I am sure one could rely on the items being genuine.

There are many locally manufactured (e.g. Bangkok) drugs, which one may like to consider using as an alternative to imported known brand originals, and which are therefore cheaper.

[papaguido]

There's a Chinese family operated pharmacy (Rama something? in Thai) across the street from the Tesabahn morning market. Good prices and friendly service.

[Galee]

I agree with Papa. That's where I go for my meds.

[wazza]

And as i have said before, do these cheaper pharmacies have air con, for the safe storage of their products.

Look closely on all ur pharmacy items and see the temperature / storage advice. Drugs go off fast in the heat.

If your pharmacy is not even in this temperature guidelines, then your medications will be affected by the heat, storage etc.....

[UdonExpat]

The pharmacy papa mentioned has good prices and they are nice people. I've bought things there many times in the past.

A couple of years ago I noticed another pharmacy in the same area. On the southwest corner of Songruang and Makkaeng. It's a bit hard to spot because it's set back from Makkaeng. It's across from the corner of the market.

His prices have been consistently better than I'd found elsewhere. His English is good and I have found him to be honest and helpful.

Some examples;
Plavix, 75mg, 84 tabs, 7,680 baht (91.43 per tab)
Ezetrol, 10mg, 90 tabs, 4,950 baht (55 per tab)
Lipitor, 40mg, 80 tabs, 3,920 baht (49 per tab)
Naclong, tube of 10 effervescent tabs, 218 baht
Ciprofloxin, 500mg, 5 baht a cap
Atenolol, 50mg, 2 baht a tab
Doxazosin, 4mg, 90 tabs, 580 baht (6.44 per tab)
Questran light, box of 60 sachets, 1,850 baht

[Doodoo]

Picked this story up on another site Outrageous price differences

Buying prescription medication in Thailand.

"Up until today I got all my medication from the hospital, I stayed with them for one year after my operation as I didn't want problems with side effects or anything else.
Today I went for my 3 month checkup but did not buy my medication from the hospital.
I went to two different pharmacies for my medication, the saving was phenomenal.
Hospital 19305 baht.Pharmacy 6065 baht.
Approx 13000 baht saving.
I did not need a prescription just had to show my tablets.

Atorvastatin for cholesterol 90 tablets 9540 baht Vs 1200 baht.

Bisopolol for blood pressure 342 baht Vs 293 baht.

Apixaban Eliquis for anticoagulant 90 tablets, 9180 Vs 5670.

Aspirin 243 baht Vs 90 baht.

[Khun Paul]

Hospitals here do seem to charge exorbitant prices for easy to acquire medications, years ago I learnt that once you have been prescribed a particular tablet it is far cheaper to buy from a good pharmacy . Certain specialised medications you do need the generic one in order to maintain your acceptable response to it, however there are many locally made medications for the general run of the mill requirements and a Good Pharmacist will advise you I am sure.
I am speaking in general terms, as many O know need specific medications and everyone has different needs.
Whatever and wherever you buy trusting the shop and the Pharmacist is the first step after all they will not be there if you have an adverse reaction.