Job Discussion Forums

donato · Joined: 05 May 2010 Posts: 98 Location: Mexico City, Mexico

I really am not planning on getting health insurance unless it is covered by the school I end up working at (call me crazy). Anyway, I take one medication daily. What is the best way to go about getting prescriptions filled there? Do I just go to a doctor and show him my prescription to get a Mexican one? How much can I expect to pay as far as cost without insurance in the U.S. vs. cost without insurance in Mexico City (rough % estimate)?

TeresaLopez · Joined: 18 Apr 2010 Posts: 601 Location: Mexico City

It depends on the medication, but based on things I have bought both in the US and Mexico, costs are half, or less. But you need to make sure you can get the same or a comparable medication, I would ask the doctor if there is an alternative just in case. Also, you generally don't always need a prescription if you know what you need, unless it is something controlled, at any rate if they do ask for you, you can just go to a doctor here, and ask them to write you one out.

mejms · Joined: 04 Jan 2010 Posts: 390

I've never needed a prescription for anything here. When I am given one by a doctor, it's really just used a checklist for the pharmacist. They would just as soon give it to me without the piece of paper.

I'd agree that costs are about half as much here compared to the US.

Guy Courchesne · Joined: 10 Mar 2003 Posts: 9650 Location: Mexico City

Make sure you know the medicinal name as brand names are usually different here, if that applies.

notamiss · Posted: Thu Jun 03, 2010 4:04 pm Post subject:

Theoretically, at least, things are changing. There are new regulations in place that antibiotics can only be dispensed with a prescription since last month. I haven't had a chance to see how that is working in practice.

Anyway, the cost of seeing a doctor to get a prescription checked can be minimal. The ones I go to charge 100 pesos.

Prof.Gringo