Prescription Drugs

[PatK100]

Hi,

I am plkanning an extended visit to the DR this year and I was wondering about obtaining my presciption medication, what would be best, can you by it over the counter, do you have to see a Doctor or would it simpley be best to bring enough withe me,

I take Antenolol for Blood Pressure
Diazepam for Sleeping
Tylex for Pain

Also what is the availabilty of Viagra like in the DR

Many thanks



Pat

 

[Ken]

Whether the specific medications you mention are sold here, I don't know. And if they are sold, that doesn't necessarily mean they will be sold in the location where you will be. For example, we live in Sosua and can get most meds here, but sometimes we must go to Puerto Plata and once we had to go to Santo Domingo.

As far as purchasing medications, most are sold over the counter. The exception are those covered under the country's narcotic drug laws. Valium is one example of the drugs on this list. These require a prescription from a doctor who has the necessary certificate.

It should also be mentioned that not all meds available in the US are available here; likewise all meds available here are not available in the US. There are medications sold here which are widely used in Europe, for example, but are not yet approve by the FDA for sale in the US.

Unless someone tells you that the meds you are taking are sold by a pharamacy in the area where you will be, I would suggest that you bring enough to cover your needs during your visit, or arrange for someone to send you what you need when the supply you bring runs out. This is possible. My health insurance covers maintenance drugs supplied by an insurance company source in the US. Every 90 days I receive a supply of those needed by my wife and myself. To get them to us in the DR, we use the EPS courier service. It and others like it have offices all over the country.

 

[PJT]

If you have your doubt's about the availability of your meds in the D.R. it is wise to bring enough with you. Also, your doctor may be able to help you by writing prescriptions for your meds in amounts sufficient for the period of your visit. Obtain a list from him/her on letterhead of those meds and medications similar in function to the one's you are taking, just in case you lose your meds while in the D.R., you will increase your options and have a better chance of getting needed medication from Dominican pharmacies. Regards, PJT