Job Discussion Forums

Melange · Joined: 27 Jun 2015 Posts: 19

Is there any danger in bringing over the counter stuff like advil, benedryl, alka seltzer, and bc headache powder through saudi immigration check?

johnslat · Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2015 10:54 pm Post subject:

Dear Melange,

Almost certainly not - unless one of the Customs people has a headache. Very Happy

Regards,
John

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Lots of stuff available over the counter in KSA, but not usually psychotropic drugs. Lots to read here, and on other threads if you try a SEARCH

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=109510&highlight=prescription

Captain Willard · Joined: 11 Sep 2010 Posts: 251

Actually, many medications like antibiotics that require a prescription elsewhere are available over the counter in KSA, and quite cheaply. Pharmaceuticals are cheaper in KSA than in other parts of the Gulf in my experience.

caramelsweets · Joined: 04 Jul 2012 Posts: 4 Location: South Korea

Will I have any problems bringing in a one year supply of birth control pills? I take it for other reasons, not just avoiding pregnancy!

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

There is no prohibition on birth control. The medication will cause no problems. I am not sure about the position for the unmarried !

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

If you are taking a particular BC mix that is very new and/or not common, you might want to bring a supply. But there are plenty of options available OTC... no prescription needed.

VS

sheikh radlinrol · Joined: 30 Jan 2007 Posts: 1222 Location: Spain

caramelsweets · Joined: 04 Jul 2012 Posts: 4 Location: South Korea

Thanks VS and everyone!
Will there be any issues prescribing/selling it to me as a single female?

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

I can't imagine any pharmacy in the Middle East doing more than hand one the pills and take the money... I never had a written prescription and was never asked.

Come to think about it, I haven't seen a written prescription here in the US since the 90s. It seems to be all done by fax between Dr and pharmacy now.

VS

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

After years in KSA I was quite shocked in Qatar when the pharmacy refused my request for Allopurinol. "Sir must have prescription."

I had grown accustomed to the laxity of the Pharmacists in KSA who would never ask for one.

desertdawg · Joined: 14 Jun 2010 Posts: 206

As usual out of date.

Never had a problem with allopurinol in Qatar. Of course this is on the ground information

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I am pleased to hear that the Saydaliya in Qatar has seen sense and now dispenses Allopurinol without a prescription.

Ever curious I posted a query on another forum on this and here is the reply -0

"Qatar is a lot tighter on dispensing medicines than the UAE that's for sure . You'll still find a place which will hand you over a weeks worth of antibiotics but it's rare these days but like anything here you'll get what you want with the right cash / influence / contacts"

Maybe I was just unlucky in my choice of Saydaliyya.