Issues with Medicines in Mexico

If you’re traveling to Mexico this season, there are several important issues you should be aware of concerning prescription meds. 

La Paz-based sailors Dennis and Susan Ross recently alerted us that there have been changes in Mexican law regarding prescriptions for controlled medications. The Mexican government is establishing a national database to track prescriptions, utilizing each individual’s CURP number (the Mexican equivalent of a Social Security number). "Expats with temporary or permanent residency visas are required to have a CURP number," says Dennis, "but it is not required to obtain a visitor’s visa. This could present problems for visitors who require new prescriptions or need to refill existing prescriptions — they’d be required to get a new prescription from a Mexican licensed physician. Cruisers using tourist visas that are heading for Mexico should be sure to carry sufficient medications (and their original prescription) to last for the duration of their visit."

Another medical warning crossed our radar via the Southbound cruiser forum at Yahoo.com. A member wrote in to advise visiting cruisers to bring whatever quantities of Coumadin/Warfarin (to prevent blood clots) that they may need.

Previously, this medicine could be purchased over the counter without a prescription. But we’re told that the medication is no longer available and there is no replacement that’s exactly equivalent.

Again, when bringing any prescription medicines into Mexico, be sure you have the original prescription. We’ve also been told that medicines cannot be received in Mexico by mail.