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cheap malaria meds in Bangkok / Thailand / South-East Asia?

Replies: 5 - Last Post: 16-Jul-2008 01:28 Last Post By: BumpyJonas

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Posted
24-Jun-2005 19:19
by: benc

Posts: 1
Registered: 23/08/02

cheap malaria meds in Bangkok / Thailand / South-East Asia?

I've heard that malaria mediciation is much cheaper in Bangkok compared to other places (at the moment, I'm trying to get some in Tokyo) - is this true and how can I get me some? (I need to get a few months worth, probably, to get me round SE Asia and India).

Posted
24-Jun-2005 20:45
by: steve252

Posts: 1,263
Registered: 19/01/01

1

here's the score on the two anti-malarials most commonly/universally used for travel in and around SEA:

Malarone (Atovaquone/proguanil)

Malarone is not available (for prevention or for treatent) in Thailand, it's strictly BYO (Bring Your Own) - to prevent/minimise misuse and hence guard against Malarone-resistant strains of malaria developing, the manufacturer has a "global" policy with Malarone not to licence or make it available for sale in countries where malaria is endemic

the only place it's available in South-East Asia is Singapore, and to get it there you need a prescription (you may be able to get it without a prescription airside at Changi airport, but useful info on this is scarce); price in Singapore is no different to the rest of the world

don't confuse Malar*o*ne with Malar*i*ne (which looks like this/this) as it's completely different (it's a treatment-only drug - it cannot be used as a preventative)

doxycycline

doxycycline is readily available in Thailand, and no prescription is required - but it's very important indeed to get doxycycline from as unimpeachably reputable/reliable a source as possible, for two reasons - first: there's a substantial counterfeit drugs problem in South-East Asia (and despite its very low price, doxcycline does get counterfeited); second: when it expires it doesn't just become ineffective, it becomes toxic and can cause kidney problems

Quote
The use of expired doxycycline may lead to a Fanconi-type syndrome which is characterised by polyuria and polydipsia with nausea, vomiting, proteinuria, glucosuria, acidosis, aminoaciduria, hypophosphatemia and hypocalcaemia.
source

sunlight and/or high humidity can accelerate deterioration

the most frequently suggested sources are major chains such as Boots and Watsons, and hospital pharmacies; in Bangkok, the excellent Chulalongkorn University Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences pharmacy (nimit.k@chula.ac.th / jnatasar@chula.ac.th) is very conveniently located (it's on the Siam Square side of the MBK/Siam Square footbridge), is open 08:00-19:00, and has friendly helpful staff, many of whom speak good English - highly recommended

the Chulalongkorn University pharmacy sells a generic doxycycline ("Policycline" - it's manufactured in Thailand) for 2 Baht per 100 mg capsule, and pukka Pfizer Vibramycin for 20 Baht per "equivalent to 100 mg doxycycline" tablet

Boots pharmacies do generic doxycycline for 4 Baht per 100 mg capsule, and the Vibramycin for 25 Baht

at Bangkok International Airport (BKK - Don Muang) you can buy the Vibramycin for 26 Baht from the pharmacy located next to the 7-11 at the Terminal 2 end of the enclosed walkway which connects the upper floors of the "International" and "Domestic" terminals (NB: you'd have to pass through immigration/customs to get to this pharmacy, and then pay the 500 Baht departure tax and check in again if you need to get back to the "airside" zone); AFAIK no pharmacy at BKK stocks generic doxycycline

generic doxycycline is usually supplied loose - the only way to attempt to check the expiry date is to ask to see the labelling on the original container

genuine Pfizer Vibramycin is packaged like this: front - back - top/bottom - note the "store below 86F (30C)" and date of manufacture/expiry info on the top/bottom

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Posted
17-Nov-2005 07:56
by: cruciate

Posts: 4
Registered: 12/11/05

2

Antimalarial Prophylaxis must be used with caution. There are risks and benefits that should be considered. Counseling with the doctor is recommended. No drug is 100% protective against malaria. You can consult at Travel Clinic in hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok, Thailand.

Posted
01-May-2006 12:03
by: Dexxx

Posts: 2
Registered: 07/04/01

3

Any specific info on availability and cost of Lariam (Mefloquine) in Bangkok, Hong Kong, Bali, Delhi?

Posted
17-Mar-2008 16:59
by: bendejo

Posts: 646
Registered: 06/09/03

4

I have had no luck finding Lariam (Mefloquine) in pharmacies in Thailand. Some places had only chloroquine for malaria prevention!
I managed to get some at the tropical disease clinic at Mahidol U, but had to pay 500b for the consultation. I didn't mind the fee, as I was there for a typhoid shot (administered orally) anyway.

... went straight 'round the corner
and never came back

Posted
16-Jul-2008 01:28
by: BumpyJonas

Posts: 24
Registered: 08/01/03

5

Has anyone bought cheap doxycycline from Chulalongkorn University recently, or found another source for it? The Boots and Watsons I stopped in about a month ago were all asking 8-10 bhat per pill. I'll be back in Bangkok for just one day, and need to reload on doxy while there.

Any recent reports from people who have found cheap legit doxycycline in Bangkok?

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