Prescription refill in Patong
It is a common holiday problem. Your bag went missing, your trip got extended, or you simply counted wrong, and now you are in Thailand without medicine you take every day. A prescription refill in Patong solves it quickly, and in most cases you can get what you need the same visit.
We are open 24 hours on Prachanukroh Road. Bring the medicine box, an old prescription, or even a clear photo of the packet.
Why not just buy it at a pharmacy?
Thai pharmacies do sell a wider range over the counter than many countries, and for some medicines that works fine. But there are three catches.
First, prescription-only medicines still need a prescription, including most heart, blood pressure, diabetes, psychiatric and controlled medicines. Second, brand names differ between countries and the equivalent here may have a different name and strength. Third, nobody at a pharmacy counter is checking the new medicine against everything else you take.
A short consultation removes all three problems and usually costs less than the medicine itself.
What we can prescribe
- Blood pressure and heart medicines
- Diabetes medicines, including insulin
- Cholesterol medicines
- Asthma inhalers and preventers
- Thyroid medicine
- Contraception
- Antidepressants and anxiety medicines
- Acid reflux and stomach medicines
- Allergy and antihistamine medicines
Some categories, particularly strong painkillers and sedatives, are tightly controlled in Thailand. We will explain honestly what can and cannot be issued rather than sending you round pharmacies.
What to bring
The more you bring, the faster this goes:
- The original packet or box, even if empty
- A prescription or repeat slip from your own doctor
- A photo of the label showing the drug name and strength
- A list of everything else you take
- Your passport
Generic names help most. Brand names change between countries, but the active ingredient does not.
If the exact brand is not available
This happens often and is rarely a problem. The doctor identifies the active ingredient and finds the equivalent available here, at the matching strength. You will be told the new name, the dose, and anything that looks or tastes different so you are not caught out.
Occasionally the equivalent is not available in Thailand at all. In that case we discuss the nearest suitable alternative and how to manage until you are home.
Running out of asthma or heart medicine
Do not ration these hoping to make them last. Skipped blood pressure or heart medicine, and empty inhalers, cause genuine emergencies. Both are straightforward for us to sort, and it takes less time than you would spend worrying about it.
Longer stays in Phuket
If you have decided to stay on, we can set up ongoing prescriptions and keep your records here. For long-term conditions the doctor may want basic bloods or a blood pressure check first, which is normal practice for repeat prescribing anywhere.
Common questions about prescription refills in Patong
Can I get a refill without my old prescription?
Usually yes, if you can show the packet or a photo of the label. The doctor confirms the medicine and dose before prescribing.
How much does it cost?
A consultation fee plus the medicine. Message us with the drug name and we will estimate both.
Can you prescribe enough for several months?
Quantities depend on the medicine and Thai regulations. The doctor will tell you the maximum for yours.
Can a doctor bring it to my hotel?
Yes, medicine can be dispensed during a hotel visit.
Will you have my exact brand?
Not always, but an equivalent is usually available and the doctor will match the active ingredient and strength.