What to expect when buying OTC Medications in Mexico in 2023
Did you know that you can buy most of your prescription medications over the counter in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico?
It’s no joke that medications in the United States can be outrageously expensive. Residents have long been seeking alternatives to buying their meds in the U.S., resorting to purchasing their medications in other North American countries like Canada & Mexico.
Many people come to Mexico specifically for the medical treatments, dental work and the easily accessible medications. On just about every corner in the city lies a pharmacy where you can purchase everything from antibiotics to narcotics, no prescription needed and for a fairly affordable price.
The types of medications you can find here are broad, such as low cost generic anxiety medications including Ativan, Valium, Diazepam, Rivotril and Xanax. There were also choices for super strength pain killers such as Tylenol 3 and Voltaren, and muscle relaxers. ADHD sufferers can load up on Ritalin and Adderall and dieters determined to lose weight with medication have their fair choice as well.
Here is a picture of the list of medications available:
RX Prescription Medications and over the counter medications available for in-store purchase or delivery. Please complete this form to receive a complete list of pharmacies that can deliver your medications directly to your home, hotel or Airbnb.
Illegal medications that will not clear with U.S. Border Customs
Now before you go stocking up on pharmaceuticals to bring back to the U.S., note that federal law prohibits the importation of any drugs that have not been FDA approved, including foreign-made versions of popular U.S. pharmaceuticals.
Here are some examples of the controlled substances that are illegal to bring back over the border from Mexico:
Xanax
Ambien
Tylenol containing Codeine
Cipro
Oxycontin
Percocet
Vicodin
Lunesta
Phenobarbital
Various antidepressants
Puerto Vallarta Activities
TOP RATED TOURS
Pharmacy store front with OTC drug prices listed in USD and Pesos
Specialty Services by My Deztination
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH YOUR TRANSITION FROM THE USA OR CANADA TO LIVING THE GOOD LIFE IN PUERTO VALLARTA, MEXICO!
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Popular Drugs That Can Be Purchased in Mexico & Brought Back to the United States
Pharmaceuticals that you have purchased in Mexico must be declared at the United States border. Lying, or being caught with a large amount of drugs beyond a reasonable amount (more than 50 combined total doses) can result in confiscation of the drugs, as well as fines and/or arrest by U.S. Customs agents. Some drugs that require a prescription in the United States can be purchased without one in Mexico, but prescription drugs must be kept in their original packaging and contain proper identifying information of the drug and the prescribing pharmacist, if there is one.
Some of the more common prescription drugs that you can buy without worrying about breaking U.S. Federal law include:
Prilosec
Viagra
Levitra
Lorazepam
Valium
Various antibiotics
Birth control
Be aware of these things when purchasing drugs in Mexico
Counterfeit medications are a real thing, so be sure to check packaging thoroughly.
Pharmacists in Mexico may not have as much medical training as in U.S., call your pharmacist for clear medication advice
If you experience side effects to any medications you likely won’t have any legal recourse
Similar drugs made in Mexico may have different active ingredients. Check dosing and ingredients thoroughly
Bring a photo of the medication or look it up on the internet to compare with the medication you are considering purchasing
Frequently Asked Questions
More articles about buying medications in mexico
Is it safe to buy prescription medication in Mexico?
Can I buy most medications in Mexico without a prescription?
Can you buy Xanax over the counter (OTC) in Mexico?
Can you get Adderall over the counter (OTC) in Mexico?
How to buy Lorazepam (Ativan) in Mexico
How to buy prescription medications in Mexico + Delivery Options
Can you buy Valium over the counter in Mexico?
Living on a $1,000 USD Monthly Budget in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Before traveling to any country be sure you follow these quick medical preparation tips!
Thanks for reading!
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