BootsnAll Travel Community

When I travelled in other countries I have found that it is usually possible (and cheaper) to buy drugs that are only available on prescription in the UK over the counter (such as diazapan for long trips to aid rest or strong painkillers). Does anyone know if the situation is the same in SA or specific countries within SA. If not then I will have to take some with me.

Thanks

Jim

p.s. I am not a junkie or anything.

It depends on where you go, I'd imagine, but I would say that most of the older stand-by's can be picked up. I was able to get Valium just for asking for it at a pharmacy in La Paz, tho' I don't know if it was legal or just not so well regulated...

Then again, I have heard of some people in Argentina ordering medicines they needed from Canada, so I'm not sure what you should expect.

It varies from country to country.

Diazapan is somewhat regulated in some places (not Bolivia). In Colombia you were supposed to have a prescription, but I assured the pharmacist I had one from my doctor in the US and they sold it to me. Pain killers are far more regulated and I'm not sure if you could really talk the pharmacist out of them. It might not be too hard to get a prescription for them if you really wanted them though. Personally, seems like a lot of effort, but you might be able to get around it.

I'm not normally a fan of the downers, but the diazapan was a blessing during a 36 hour bus ride after I'd been robbed!

I'm wondering about this too. I'm going to Brazil next month and I take Ambien to help me sleep. I don't take it everyday and its nonnarcotic anyway but it is expensive as a mofo.


It's half the price in Canada that it is here in the states and I was wondering if I can get it cheaper down there. Anybody know how I could find out before I go?

Anyone bought Cipro in SA and knows a ballpark price? It's $180 here in Tennessee...crazy expensive!

I bought Cipro in Peru, and remember thinking it was ridiculously cheap. Of course, I don't remember what I paid but I'd say you're better off not buying in teh States...

Kath