Job Discussion Forums

[Beckstar]

Hello There,

I would really appreciate a bit of advice regarding health care in Thailand. Basically, every month I have to take a drug called Methotrexate for my joints - it hurts if I don't. So, in the UK i get this on prescription and I can get 3 months of it before I come to Bangkok in October but after that I need to source it from somewhere else! Ideally, I would also have a blood test each month and there are some other products I get on prescription that would be useful.

Any idea how I go about doing this in Bangkok anyone??

Would really appreciate any advice/info.

Cheers

Becks x

[plumpy nut]

I know what you mean. I've been bitten twice by dogs on the street, the first time in the ******** called Lopburi. I wonder if the rabies vaccines I recieved from a hospital in Lopburi were real vaccines or viable.

[PattyFlipper]

Things have tightened up a little over the last few years, but it is still possible to buy many drugs without a prescription in Thailand. Pharmacies are abundant and generally well-stocked, and some of the larger ones have knowledgeable English-speaking pharmacists in attendance (though these tend to be stricter in enforcing the regulations where prescriptions are required) - particularly in the touristed / expatriate areas of Bangkok. If you take the original packaging into a larger branch of Boots or Siam Drug, I am sure they will either have it, or be able to suggest a generic alternative.

Medical care in Bangkok is also pretty good and competitively priced, particularly if you avoid the "5 star" ambiance of some of the big name hospitals which nowadays seem to be orientated more towards medical tourism for foreigners. Try St. Louis Hospital on Sathorn Road or Thai Nakarin Hospital in Bang Na for competent but reasonably-priced care. A blood test and consultation at any of the major hospitals will not break the bank, but buy your medicines outside, as all the hospitals considerably inflate the cost of the drugs dispensed from their on-site pharmacies.

As an aside, proprietary-medicines are much cheaper in neigbouring Cambodia, where prescriptions are still not required for anything. If you have to make one of the interminable Thai 'visa runs', it may be worth your while going to Cambodia to stock up. Send me a PM if you want recommendations for reputable and well-stocked pharmacies in Phnom Penh.

[Beckstar]

Thanks Guys,
It really helps to have this kind of knowledge available to me particularly as I have to take this drug and would be a bit buggered if I didn't..!
I'm new to forums and only started using them to help with my trip and have to say I have been overwhelmed by how useful they are. So, cheers again.
Becks

[Beckstar]

Just tried to PM you PattyFlipper but apparently I have to write five posts before I can do that! I'm such a newbie. Will get in touch when I've done my time...Bx

[sinee]

Are you coming to live in Thailand forever? If not why not just buy enough to do you while you are on holiday/vacation. It is also very hot here so you may not need too many drugs as the heat will get into your joints and make them feel better that is why a lot of older people come and live here the heat helps their joints.

I will look for this telephone number for a pharmacy that supplies a lot of hospitals, and other pharmacies and they are cheap this is where I buy my meds. I go to the doctor, but get the meds from this place it is in Rangsit market near Future Park and they speak English so you will not have a problem calling them from the UK or the US to ask your question about the meds you are looking for ok. I will pm you with the telephone number in one or two days.