taking along medication

[Orysia LUCYK]

We're planning to stay in Mexico for 2 months. I need to bring a 2 month supply of prescription medication with me. To our knowledge, importing that much medication might be illegal, even if personal use. Any ideas or suggestions to prevent legal problems ? thanks. Orysia

[HolyMole]

We take down 6 months' worth of prescriptions....never a problem. Just to be safe, make sure that the containers have the proper labels identifying them as to description of the drug, user's name, quantity, dosage, etc.

[tepetapan]

I have before taken medicine in for 3 months and no one even cared....military check points and all. People do it all the time, even 6 months worth of medicine. You may find out you can purchase the same thing in Mexico cheaper than your co-pay at home....I did!

[SukiLu]

We have been traveling in Mexico for many years and have not had a problem with medications. We carry a copy of our physician's prescription with us.

Some medications issued in the United States are not available in Mexico. If you have a special condition bring enough for your stay.

[HolyMole]

On the issue of prescription drugs in Mexico, we've found that all 6 of the ones my wife and I take are available in Mexico over-the-counter. Prices, however, are all over the map. Two of the 6 are substantially more expensive in Mexico, two are about the same as our Canadian prices, and two are much cheaper.
Where Mexican prices are substantially higher is with OTC stuff that we normally purchase in bulk at home.....ibuprofen, ASA, acetominophen, etc.....which we can purchase in bottles of 100, 200 or even 500 at very reasonable prices. In Mexico, they package them in small blister packs of 10 or 12 tablets, at much higher prices. I actually complained, (without success, of course), to Wal-Mart that they were gouging their Mexican customers. At Mexican prices, the locals can hardly afford to get rid of a headache.

[Orysia LUCYK]

thanks for your reply. However, have you ever been stoped and searched and was your medication discovered ? orysia

[HolyMole]

You sound awfully worried about this issue. If you're anticipating carrying something questionable, I'd think again.
Police or military checkpoints are looking for guns and narcotics, not legitimate prescription drugs. It isn't necessary to hide them.
I've been through many military roadblocks where they've looked in the trunk, etc.....but unless you look suspicious for some reason, they simply aren't interested in genuine gringo tourists.

[tepetapan]

Sounding pretty fishy to me....I don´t pack with an effort to hide anything since I have nothing to hide.

[SukiLu]

Traveling by auto and airline: we have been asked to present our medications. We always carry our physician's prescription with us whether they be from the United States or Mexico.
If there is a question about whether a medication is permissable for transport: research or leave it at home.
If the rules are followed there should never be a question if something may be brought across the U.S. or Mexican border.