Korean Job Discussion Forums

[LeaforKorea]

This will be my first time living in Korea. I have 2 prescriptions that I need refilled regularly.

The first is Synthroid that i take everyday because I had half my thyroid gland removed when I was 19.

The second is Imitrex that I take as needed for migraines. I use both the pill form and as an injection for really bad attacks. For those unfamiliar with migraine meds, Imitrex is not a pain killer or any form of barbiturate that puts you to sleep or anything. I've had migraines since I was 7 and they're pretty awful (throwing up for hours at a time and blinding pain). Imitrex is the only medication that quickly gets rid of a migraine for me. I think it reduces swelling in blood vessels or something like that in order to remove the symptoms that cause the migraine pain and it allows me to go on with my life without having to lay down in a dark room for hours.

So how should I go about making sure I can get both these medications regularly when I'm living in Korea?
It looks like there are mail-order pharmaceutical companies based in the UK from which I can order online.
I don't take Imitrex daily so that would be easier to buy as needed online. However, I take Synthroid every day and so need a constant regular supply.

If I get my prescriptions filled in Korea will I need to visit a doctor every time I need a refill on my Synthroid?

If there are any other migraine sufferers on this board who use Imitrex, are you able to get the injection cartridges in Korea or through mail-order?

[ghostrider]

You might want to ask Korean Customs if it would be okay to have an online pharmacy mail you prescription medication.
http://www.customs.go.kr/kcshome/main/qna/QnaList.do?layoutMenuNo=21035

[lowpo]

I have a years supply of cholesterol medicine sent to me once a year by my doctor for the last 5 years.



Kent

[ttompatz]

Levothyroxine is available in Korea but the brand names are different.

You will need a (Korean) doctor's script. Bring a note (legible) from your doctor to give to a Korean doctor and it should be no problem. I don't know about pricing.

I don't know about your migraine meds.

.

[LeaforKorea]

Bringing a year's prescription for Levothyroxine isn't a bad idea.
I will check out the Korean customs link for the Imitrex.

Thanks guys!

[tob55]

You could also check out the public health center in the area where you will be working. They often give free services to foreigners along with free medicine for most types of illnesses. I used it before receiving my citizenship and it saved me a ton of money. Now that I have K-citizenship it is no longer free for me, but still way better than the cost of most clinics or hospitals back in my home country.

[Seoulman69]

As a related aside you might want to check whether any medication you take will show up on a medical/drug test.
I have IBS and when it is at its worst I sometimes have to take antidepressants. This confuses many people as they think antidepressants are solely used for mental health issues (they're not http://ibs.about.com/od/medicationforibs/a/Antidepressants-For-IBS.htm ).
This can lead to problems with employers so, although in your case it seems unlikely, it's best to prepare for any situations that may arise.

[Gnawbert]

I take Synthroid for my thyroid, have for the last year and a half. In Korean the name is literally Shin-sha-loy-duh, I *think*. A month will cost you about $3 with insurance, about $11 without.

My girlfriend takes Immitrex, which you can find here as well. It's her Emergency med when gets the occasional uber-migraine. It's a little more expensive, but not too bad. There are also doctors here that do some sort of IV drip for migraines. I don't recall what the ingredient is, but she's had that 2 times in the last year, and she raved about it.

You'll need prescriptions for both. My doc generally gives me 2-3 months Synthroid, and then we meet. Blood test every six months or so, more recently since we've been playing around with the dosage.

[LeaforKorea]

[morrisson]

I use 25mg Immitrex at home. Here, the brand name is Imigran. My doctor gave me 50mg pills (in the US, mine were 25 mg, but I didn't have that info at the time). The pills are about $7 a piece! Quite expensive. The last time I went in, I asked to try other options. He gave me two different prescriptions that ended being about $8 total - but they don't work.