Thread: medications

I seem to be having a bit of a hard time finding my way around and have finally discovered a spot to post. whew!! I am wondering if pain medications will be available in Panama. They are not in Mexico. Found this out the hard way when we ran out while on extended holiday. Even went to a hospital and spoke with an English speaking doctor who told "no pain medication in all of Mexico". Since I have a neuro-muscular disorder this would be a definite problem. I guess people just tough it out in Mexico, but I am not the toughing it out type. Does anybody know? I appreciate any info. Thanks. Carol

There is really no way to tell until you (or a friend) are here in Panama and you walk into a pharmacy (or 3 or 4) and ask. Some meds are available in the same formulation as the US, some in different form, some not at all. And prices are sometimes cheaper, sometimes a lot more expensive.

I don't know why that Mexican doctor told you no pain medications; I had no trouble finding them there (and in fact found the best one, for me personally, that I've ever used). Depending on the strength, they may require a prescription here (from a Panamanian doctor; US scrips don't work).

Thanks so much for your reply. That is kind of what I thought. (just having to go find out). I take Lorcet. The doctor at the hospital in Palenque Mexico gave me a scrip for something I didn't recognize but it didn't do any good because although I walked to every farmacia in town no one could fill it. Then I tried to fill it on the way home in Veracruze and Casitas (a small town) and no luck. Oh well, I guess there is no easy way to find out.

Thanks, Carol

Carol,

Panama has several large Pharmacies, including chains like Arrocha Farmacia, however, the quantity of different types of medication is limited compared to the US. I suggest that you first find out the Spanish name for your medication and then give Arrocha a call, maybe you get lucky with someone helpful that will tell you over the phone if they stock your item. I take high blood pressure medication and was able to find the same meds in Panama that were prescribed to me in the US for about 1/3 the price.