Phuket has many pharmacies, either attached to hospitals or scattered throughout the community and these pharmacies stock an impressive range of medications. By law, all pharmacies are required to be licensed and to operate under the supervision of a qualified pharmacist. The importation and manufacturing of medications is regulated by the Ministry of Health.

Medicines are either restricted for general use, being available on prescription only or are freely available to the public. Restricted drugs such as narcotics can be dangerous if used inappropriately. Viagra or Xanax, for example, are only dispensed when your doctor prescribes them and then supervises your response to them. Common over-the-counter drugs, such as mild pain-relieving treatments and medicines that relieve coughs, colds, and so on, don’t require a prescription.

Availability of over-the-counter medication in Phuket is generally not a problem. In some cases, getting access to drugs that should only be dispensed with a prescription is also easy even if you haven’t seen a doctor. Of course, it’s illegal for prescribed or restricted drugs to be supplied without a prescription. Taking such medication without medical supervision can also be dangerous.

There are many original and copy drugs on the market in Phuket some which have been approved by the Ministry of Health, and some which have not. Currently there are many illegal generics available which have come from India and telling them apart from the genuine drugs can be difficult, as the packaging can be almost identical to the original. A good local pharmacy or hospital should be able to source original drugs for you and advise you if you have been given an inferior product. Beware of pharmacies that try to sell you alternative drugs and if in doubt, ask if the drug has been approved by the Thai authorities.

If you’re already taking medication to control a serious or potentially life-threatening illness, you should always insist on getting new prescriptions filled with products made by a reputable manufacturer, preferably the same company that made your original medication. You should be reluctant to accept substitutes, even if the pharmacist tells you it’s the same drug, as generics may be inferior, and the dosage may not be the same. If in doubt, consult a doctor or reputable pharmacist to ensure that the alternative being offered is identical to that which your doctor has prescribed for you.

When buying from smaller pharmacies, you should also ensure that the drug has not time expired. All medications should have a use-by date clearly marked on the packaging. Drugs that have expired should be discarded. Many drugs also require correct storage in a refrigerator, or to be protected from light. In some smaller pharmacies, these requirements may not always be observed.

Small pharmacies, and some hospitals, will often dispense medication in a small plastic bag, often with the details of the drug and how to take it, written in the Thai language. If in doubt, insist on seeing the product information leaflet that comes with all reputable medications. This gives important information on the nature of the medication, how it should be stored and administered, and information on any possible side effects.

Also be aware that it’s common in Thailand for doctors and pharmacists to over prescribe medication, and you may find yourself leaving the pharmacy with a lot of different coloured pills, not really knowing what it is you’re going to take, or why. If you believe your doctor is over prescribing, change doctors or refuse to accept their advice.

It would be inappropriate to go to your doctor each and every time you have a cough or minor ailment. Self medication is suitable for most people, particularly if you’re young and generally healthy. Caution should be applied if you’re pregnant or have an existing condition, such as heart disease. If you’re going to self medicate, ensure that you’re informed about what it is you’re taking. Know the correct dose and side effects. Be sure that the drug won't react adversely with any other drugs that you may be using.

It’s common in Phuket for people to treat many illnesses with antibiotics, which is fine if their condition is due to a bacterial infection and the correct antibiotic is chosen. However, many illnesses are caused by a virus in which case, antibiotics have no effect. In addition, many patients do not complete the full course. This leads to drug resistance, a problem which means more advanced and expensive antibiotics have to be used to treat future outbreaks. If you’re going to self prescribe antibiotics, make sure you do have a bacterial infection, and that you’re using the right drug.

Peter Davison is the Manager International Services
at Phuket International Hospital.
Tel: +66 (0)76 249400. Email: info@phuketinternationalhospital.com.