Community Forums

MikeD1 · 12-03-2015, 08:18 AM

I'm 61, retired with a $12K family deductible health policy. Wife and I are both healthy so it is more for potential catastrophic costs than anything. I do have a couple of prescripts I'd like to fill (epi pen and another "optional" scrip). But they are ridiculously expensive locally. In a little over a month we'll be RVing in AZ and Southern CA. Anyone found reputable, affordable pharmacies near the border? Any ideas are appreciated!

Bumps · 12-03-2015, 08:25 AM

Mike: I have been wondering the same thing. Have one "comfort" RX that is somewhat optional, but one that I should be taking -- but WOW the cost! And then I need to get a blood test every 6 months in order for the RX to even be written (the RX has not changed in over 20 years for me). There's gotta be a better way to do this! \ken

Gordon Dewald · 12-03-2015, 08:34 AM

We buy prescription drugs in Algodones as required. IMO the drugs there are a good as anywhere else. Most of the drug companies have plants in Mexico so the drugs we get at home are the same as we buy in the Mexican pharmacy, just different packaging.

Bumps · 12-03-2015, 08:44 AM

Gordon: Are you buying them over-the-counter, or with a written prescription? I assume that they are less expensive, right? Thanks for the quick response! \ken

Cudntherd · 12-03-2015, 09:48 AM

Gordon or Janet,
Do you use your prescripts from your US Doctor or you getting a prescript from a Doc in Mexico?
I remember some years ago my Wife's parents getting their meds in Nogales... I should have paid more attention to the process they used.

okmunky · 12-03-2015, 11:29 AM

I bought generic Prilosec in Los Algondones -- $3 for 120 capsules and generic Cymbalta online from www.Healthwarehouse.com cheaper than my insurance copay. You can also get info on Rx prices at Prices, Coupons and Information - GoodRx which is where I found Health Warehouse. I've also bought drugs online from Canada.

I have always had a written Rx from my US doctor. There are MANY ways to go cheaper safely. You just have to do research.

BCRacing24 · 12-03-2015, 12:54 PM

http://www.gonewiththewynns.com/mexico-medical

Gordon Dewald · 12-04-2015, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bumps

Gordon: Are you buying them over-the-counter, or with a written prescription? I assume that they are less expensive, right? Thanks for the quick response! \ken

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cudntherd

Gordon or Janet,
Do you use your prescripts from your US Doctor or you getting a prescript from a Doc in Mexico?
I remember some years ago my Wife's parents getting their meds in Nogales... I should have paid more attention to the process they used.

If you know the name of the drug you want they will sell it to you over the counter if they have it with or without a prescription. It may not be the brand name you are used to but the chemical name will be the same.

There are a number of prohibited drugs that BP will not allow into the US without a DR prescription. One that comes to mind is Tramadol. We have been warned by the druggist when the drug we want is prohibited. I am not sure if this extends to all of the drugstores (there are a lot) but the ones we deal with do warn us.

mbridinger · 12-04-2015, 06:13 PM

I do it all the time. Tijuana. Some meds require a script, most not. My health ins went up 42% this year.

alvo · 12-04-2015, 07:14 PM

Prescription prices vary a lot and what is charged s whatever the pharmacy thinks t can get away with Since the majority of prescriptions have some sort of health coverage that pays for the bulk of the medicine at prices negotiated by the insurance companies, the retail price of drungs isn't set or regulated.

I have one prescription that my insurance won't cover. It's not an uncommon one. I priced it at Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS, Target, and Walmart. $165 to $194 for a 30-day supply. The highest price was Walmart, and in spite their claiming to be "the low price leader" doesn't price match medications. Mr doctor suggested I try a local, independent pharmacy. In spite of their not having the bulk buying power of the big guys, the same prescription cost me $15 retail. $179 less than Walmart.

It pays to shop around.

Gordon Dewald · 12-04-2015, 07:22 PM

I was paying 1.35 per tablet for Prevacid. Went to Los Algodones and bought 56 tablets for 4.35.

MikeD1 · 12-05-2015, 06:53 AM

Thanks everyone for a ton of great info! Anyone have specific recommendations for pharms to check out or stay away from in Los Algodones? We'll be there probably around late January.

Gordon Dewald · 12-05-2015, 10:00 AM

Dont know any to stay away from. Does pay to shop around.

Purple pharmacy seems to be popular but a bit higher than some of the smaller ones. You will recognize the purple pharmacy when you cross over. Painted purple.

There will be many hawkers trying to get your attention.

okmunky · 12-05-2015, 09:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeD1

Thanks everyone for a ton of great info! Anyone have specific recommendations for pharms to check out or stay away from in Los Algodones? We'll be there probably around late January.

When they tell you the price tell them "thanks, I'm going to check the price at another pharmacy". They will usually quote you a better price rather than lose your business. The 2 biggest pharmacies are the purple and the yellow pharmacy, but there are LOTS of smaller ones, too.

Don't let the guys just inside the gate drag you someplace you don't want to go. I found walking down the middle of the street easier than on the sidewalks when I knew where I was going.