Pharmacies in the Caribbean?

mdmc · #1 (**permalink**) February 17th, 2009, 12:16 AM

I hope this question is not too stupid. If you travel to Mexico you can buy many common drugs at their pharmacies that you need a prescription for in the states. Can you buy these medicines from pharmacies in the Caribbean? I take some meds that are kind of pricy and am wondering if I can buy them while I am there.

Mike M · #2 (**permalink**) February 17th, 2009, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdmc

I hope this question is not too stupid. If you travel to Mexico you can buy many common drugs at their pharmacies that you need a prescription for in the states. Can you buy these medicines from pharmacies in the Caribbean? I take some meds that are kind of pricey and am wondering if I can buy them while I am there.

It depends on the type of medication. Most Schedule 1 and 2 drugs are not allowed to be sold OTC. There are a number of antibiotics and non-narcotic, non-barbiturate drugs that can be obtained.

On my last cruise to Mexico, in November, I forgot my Xalatan (Glaucoma eye drops) and was able to obtain it for $20. That was less than my co-pay at home.

Take care,
Mike

mdmc · #3 (**permalink**) February 17th, 2009, 11:49 AM

Actually looking for Retin -A. Not sure of the class.

Should have added it is a cream for my face.

strawbs1 · #4 (**permalink**) February 19th, 2009, 03:10 PM

Not certain about Mexico but I think you can purchase prescriptions at pharmacies. Belize, however, is THE place for that!

mdmc · #5 (**permalink**) February 19th, 2009, 03:18 PM

Thanks straw. I know you can get it in Mexico but we are going to the Caribbean.

colorcrazie · #6 (**permalink**) February 20th, 2009, 02:15 PM

I think the point is which ports in the Caribbean? Different islands have different governments, so to help you out, we need to know where you are going.
Marty

mdmc · #7 (**permalink**) February 20th, 2009, 07:12 PM

Sorry. We will be doing the Crown Princess cruising to the Eastern Caribbean. St Thomas, St Maarten, Princess Cays,

colorcrazie · #8 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2009, 03:45 PM

I doubt that you will even have an opportunity to shop for pharmaceuticals of any kind. St. Thomas is US territory, Princess Cay is owned or leased by the cruise line, and St. Maarten is Dutch, if my memory is correct (not a dependable assumption). In any case, so far as I have ever seen, it is only Mexico and Belize, maybe Honduras who have this kind of option.
So, forget about rx's and take my prescription instead.....HAVE FUN!
Marty

mdmc · #9 (**permalink**) February 21st, 2009, 06:37 PM

Thanks Marty. This is our first cruise and I am sure we will have a great time. I will worry about my Rx's later.

colorcrazie · #10 (**permalink**) February 22nd, 2009, 12:50 PM

That's the way to go. It's a vacation....better than any blood pressure med of any kind, just for example!

Marty