Maarten Vasbinder lives in Isaan. His profession is general practitioner, a profession that he mainly practiced in Spain. On Thailandblog he answers questions from readers who live in Thailand.
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Dear Martin,
I will soon try to spend the winter in Thailand and the Philippines again for 3 months. I am 73 and because I suffer from type 2 diabetes I have to take syringes of Ozempic for 3 months. They have to be kept cool, which sometimes causes problems when I stay in small hotels or guesthouses without a fridge in the room.
My question now is whether I can buy that Ozempic or an equivalent substitute locally?
Regards,
J.
*****
Dear J,
According to my records, semaglutide (Ozempic) is available in Thailand. In any case, take a supply in a good cool box with you.
We also ask the readers. They often know more about that than I do.
Sincerely,
Dr. Maarten
Do you have a question for Maarten and do you live in Thailand? Send this to the editor: www.thailandblog.nl/contact/ It is important that you provide the correct information (see list at the top of the page).
At the risk of giving useless, incorrect or already known information, I refer to the sources below.
CAK speaks on its site about a medicine statement that can be issued; https://www.hetcak.nl/regelingen/medicijnen-mee-op-reis
This applies to opiates.
That is different from a medicine passport. Perhaps that is something that is necessary to import medicines, but perhaps also necessary to buy (additionally) locally. Furthermore, a medicine passport is not sufficient, but it is in case of loss or if you have to go to a doctor.
Bring medicines in their original packaging
Take medicines with you in the original packaging from the pharmacy with a label. Then it is clear that it concerns a medicine and not drugs.
https://ledenvereniging.nl/zorg/ziektes-aandoeningen/medicijnen/in-het-buitenland-een-medicijn-nodig
Are you going on a trip abroad and do you use medicines that are only available on prescription? Arrange an international prescription before you travel. You can read how to arrange this in the article 'I'm going on a trip and I'm taking… medicines.
https://ledenvereniging.nl/ik-ga-op-reis-en-neem-mee-medicijnen
International recipe
Not all Dutch medicines are for sale abroad. If you expect to need a prescription drug abroad, ask your GP in advance for an international prescription. It contains the active ingredient of the medicine. This means that every pharmacist, anywhere in the world, knows exactly what you need.
There is no special form for drawing up an international prescription. Ask your doctor to provide at least the following information:
Your full first and last name.
Your date of birth.
Date of issue of the prescription.
First and last name and title or diploma (professional qualification) of the doctor, address and country of the medical practice with a signature.
The active substance (also known as generic name or substance name), the form (tablets, solution, etc.), amount, concentration and dosage of the prescribed drug.
Phone number to hand
To be on the safe side, take the telephone number of your doctor, general practitioner and pharmacy with you. If you have unexpected questions about your medication, you can contact them.
Cooling bags for insulin over the internet:
Frio: these models cool on the basis of water.
Diabetes center: these models cool with a cooling element or on a water basis.
A cooler bag or box is not suitable for all medicines. Read the package leaflet or ask your pharmacist how best to store your medication.
Medicines in hand luggage!
Are you going to your travel destination by plane? Then keep medicines in your hand luggage. It can freeze in the luggage hold and that is too cold for medicines. Don't put them in your pocket either. That's too hot for drugs.
Please note the rules for hand luggage:
Is the medication a liquid and are you taking less than 100 milliliters with you? This must be done in a transparent and resealable plastic bag. You can buy this at the drugstore or the supermarket.
Is it more than 100 milliliters? Make sure you can provide a doctor's prescription or proof that the medicine is in your name.
For customs control, it is wise to bring an international version of the doctor's prescription. You can arrange this through your GP.
Also check the government's website for the rules regarding medicines and hand luggage.
Or consult the airline's website.
My wife is also diabetic.
When we went to Thailand for good at the end of 2019, we bought 2 special cooling bags from Frio.
A night in the fridge filled with water and stays cold for a long time.
Dear readers,
Very good that you give advice on methods to cool medicines. I think many can benefit from that.
However, does anyone of you know if Ozempic (semaglutide), not insulin by the way, is available in Thailand.
Official channels do not always correspond to reality.
Thanks in advance,
Dr. Maarten
According to my pharmacy here on Beach road Jomtien it's just available, they sent me a picture, I'll see how I can post it
Dear,
can you send me that picture [email protected] and if possible also the cost price because this medicine is quite expensive in Belgium.
Bedankt,
Jan