Job Discussion Forums

[Jotham79]

I take a couple of medications for medical conditions (that don't affect my teaching) and am wondering if this will affect getting a visa? Also, will I have trouble getting the meds in KSA or bringing them in with me?

Thanks,

Jotham

[Sheikh N Bake]

Depends on what they are. Some prescription meds are not allowed there; others that are prescription in the West are over the counter in the Gulf (such as many antibiotics--at least in the UAE--and beta blockers).

[brasscat]

25 Nov. 2008

Having your meds sent to you in the Sandbox is not an issue. For the last two years, I have routinely received prescription meds from the USA.

Just write on the declaration form: Personal USE MEDS ONLY.

The wide availability of medications in the Saudi pharmacy will surprise you at first. You may find your meds there at a low price.
brasscat

[Jotham79]

I take meds for arythmia and a herniated disc. The first is a beta blocker and the others are a muscle relaxer, analgesic, and pain killer combo. I can get by without the meds for my back, but tend not to sleep well (4-6 hours a night) which takes its toll after a couple of months.

I'm working in SE Asia and would rather not quit my current employer until my visa is approved. Is it possible to use an agent and avoid travel to my home country?

I've been searching these topics for hours and can't find anything. Thanks for the help.

[sheikh radlinrol]

I never had problems bringing the medication I take into KSA or Kuwait. I simply carried it in my pocket, although it was illegal. Many posters will say it is irresponsible to recommend this. They're right but it's your choice.

[Mia Xanthi]

[Jotham79]

I'm in Thailand now and get all of my meds over the counter and they are not terribly expensive. I don't have a problem paying for them in KSA or getting a prescription there as long as it is possible. Now if I can just get the visa without going to the states I've got it made.
Many thanks for the information.

[Mia Xanthi]

Some of the things that you can get over the counter in Thailand are things that you cannot get at all here in KSA.

[Jotham79]

I've been searching for websites for a month now and havent had much luck. I've been looking for a pharmacy or medical company that has a website or email to ask if the particular medicines I take are over the counter. I figured talking to the pharmacy would be the best way. I take:

Inderal (propranolol) which is a beta blocker. This should be pretty common.

Norgesic contains orphenadrine citrate (2-dimethylaminoethyl 2-methylbenzhydryl ether citrate) 25 mg, aspirin 385 mg, and caffeine 30 mg.

Nimesulide is a relatively COX-2 selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with analgesic and antipyretic properties. This should be common.

Tramadol is a narcotic-like pain reliever. This is the one that will probably cause the problem.

If anyone can help with this I would really appreciate it.

Regards,

[Mia Xanthi]

I can state with some certainty that Inderal and Norgesic will be available. Nimesulide is one I am not familiar with, but I have yet to find an NSAID that was not available here.

Tramadol will indeed be a problem. It is treated like a serious narcotic here, which is funny from an American perspective. [For those who are unfamiliar with it, Tramadol is a non-addictive pain killer that is not considered a restricted drug in the US. Doctors prescribe it freely just like strong NSAIDS.] You can get it prescribed from a doctor for no more than two weeks at a time. You will have to have the prescription filled at a "special" pharmacy that handles "narcotic" pain medicine. It will be a huge hassle for you, I'm afraid.

I will write down this list and check on Inderal, Norgesic, and Nimesulide the next time I go to a pharmacy. I'll PM you once I am sure that they are available.