Mexican Rx Laws

[brisbeachmom]

re: MEXICAN RX LAWS

While Mexico does have laws regarding the sale of prescription meds, there are all over Mexico many small pharmacies who will sell RX meds without the need of a prescription. If you are buying your meds right across the US-Mexican border, then just be on the lookout as there are and perhaps (though unfortunate) will always be corrupt Mexican police agents looking to make a quick buck from unsuspected tourists. As far as bringing your prescription meds back into the US, other posts here have already sufficiently touched on that subject.

 

[Bob G]

I was not nervous with the drugs I had on me. Yes the key is to not look nervous. Just act normal and talk to them without being nervous. That's all i'm saying here. If you just stay your cool and come out of the border during rush time, the guys will not be suspicious what so ever. Of course many of you guys are not going to take the risks I took, so don't even bother reading all this.

While crossing the bridge, yes, I did see like 2~4 officers making 'arrest'. I even saw one mexican officer pull 2 guys aside. And I heard one of the two guys say all i got is 20 bucks. I didn't bother to stay and listen and just kept walking to the american side.

 

[Rosalie]

richter85 wrote:

Richter I'm only going to address the minor drugs like Tetracycline you wrote about. I have no idea what the other drugs are in that bag, and I don't want to know. But lots of Americans do bring home drugs like Tetracycline over the border and don't report them. And you are right you have a very little chance of getting CAUGHT. But what if you are CAUGHT, what are you going to do?

First you have to get by the TJ police who already know about you and what you are doing in Tijuana. If they see a Gringo they figure he is going to the Zona for pussy,to drink or to buy drugs. They check an awful lot of people and the first two questions they ask is,' have you been drinking, and if you have any drugs on you, including prescription drugs? If you have drugs that you're not suppose to, according to the infractions on Prostitution or drugs the fine is between $41 and about $130 dollars. Of course they don't want to take you to JAIL, they rather you pay the bribe. Depending how you look and what's in your wallet, you'll end up paying them the BRIBE between $20 and $2000 whatever they can get away it. Even if you have a 'viagra' which I still stand by is LEGAL, they will try to SHAKE you down for at least $40.

Then you face the US border patrol guys. LIke you said, they will probably let you pass as most of them only ask two or three questions. But sometimes you get the ASSHOLES, you ask lots of questions. Or they could just pick up random for the secondary inspection, you just NEVER KNOW. Now what happens if they see that you are NERVOUS? When you first went by the line you weren't nervous because you had nothing on you, but what about this TIME? I would HATE to wonder what would Happen if they caught you with something you didn't DECLAIRE?[ I have brought back antibotics and things like that over the border with my wife and kid in the car, never a problem, but I ADMIT it's not the SMARTEST thing to do}

 

[Ravi TEJA]

Listen to these guys. If you do not have a valid prescription then do not carry the drugs. As previously suggested the one loophole is to buy the pill and swallow it before leaving the premises of the farmacia. If you ever get busted with a scheduled drug you will have trouble- to a greater or lesser extent depending on the quantity and type of prescription drug in your possession.

I have personally heard some real horror stories over the years. You don't want to go to jail in Mexico. The jails are hell. You have to pay a bribe for everything- even basic shelter, food, and protection. Yet there are over a thousand Americans in Mexican prisons, some for stupidly carrying illegal or prescription drugs. And the law is under Napoleonic Code- you are guilty until proven innocent. Are you willing to risk spending time in a Mexican prison to prove a point?

Even having a Mexican prescription could backfire. A number of doctors have been arrested for issuing prescriptions without justification busting several doctors who were issuing them without an exam and actual clinical diagnosis. So even a mexican prescription is not a guaranteed get out of jail free card.

Another issue for concern is that it is estimated that up to 25% of Mexican pharmacy drugs are not what they are claimed to be. There is a huge financial incentive to sell fake look-alike pills (with no potency or pills diluted with cheaper additives, such as massageplanetfeine) and pocket your cash- you just never know. as far as Viagra/Cialis go that is more likely in TJ as they know that most of us actually don't need the pill anyways. For example, I once saw a 16 yo kid who looked like a football player trying to buy a viagra- give me a break! A 16 yo will get a several hard-ons that could cut diamonds without assistance. Unless you are over 55 and/or have erectile function problems don't waste your money- just don't drink too much booze and stay in good health.

And if you are carrying drugs across the border, then say your prayers. If you do not declare them you are commting a felony. If caught, you could go to Federal prison. If you declare them they will almost definately be confiscated at the border unless you have a valid prescription.

 

[Feed Me Answers!]

I could care less if you have an agenda with Fireballs, but dont' attack my character. IF you can't do the things I do because you're one of those old hairy guys that frequent TJ because you can't get reall pussy than don't get mad at me.

I would post the actual Rx itself and the card the dr. gave me but I threw it away while crossing the border, fearing they'll do a check and see that I have a prescription for one of the most controversial drugs in US.

As for the pic above, I will not mention the name. But do not think it isn't what it is. For most experienced people on the streets, those pills above can go for as much as 20 per pill. I can take a closer pic if you want, and you can do the math urself.

YOu wanna keep crying?

 

[NcS8986]

You either are incredibally stupid or a troll, or one of Fireballs boyfriends.

Either way, everything you have posted thus far is obviously a figment of your imagination, or a culmination of other posts that you have read, since your posts have lots of holes in them for anyone who frequents TJ.

Why don't you and Fireballs go pump the neighbors cat.

SDBigdogg88

 

[sarah lane]

The one time they stop you we will hear a differant story.

 

[Mujer Alta]

Getting a controlled Rx is not hard in Tijuana. Just goto a doctor or 'hospital' and pay them to write you one. I was able to get the controlled medicine that I wanted in my trip to Tijuana with the help of a doctor.


But the problem is not whether you have a prescription or not. Like the medication I wanted was really really really really hard to find. Even Pharmacia Internacional and Roma didn't wanna sell it even after showing them the prescription Rx.


As for bringing it into America...... I know now why we have a weak border system. I was able to bring in a lot of medications on my one day travel to test tijauna. The Customs officer just swiped my passport, and asked if I have anything. I said I have medications and was about to pull out some legit class one medications (tetracycline) and he said no its ok and pointed me towards the exit where I have to run my bag through the x-ray.... (not knowing I have a bunch of other goodies on me).

If you have money, and a little balls you can get whatever you want.

 

[Tainted Love]

Yeah pretty much it says:

Your purchase requires a medical prescription.

 

[harley_cowgirl_20]

This is what is printed on the box for a single pill 100mg Viagra that I purchased in TJ.

"Su venta requiere receta medica."

I would like some help in the translation, my translator translated it two ways.
"Their sale requires prescription it prescribes."
"Their sale requires recipe it prescribes."

From what I get out of it one needs a prescription.
Viking

 

[Sunrise]

Apparently your cousin didn't read my post in the announcment forum. If he had he'd at least know about my public actions.

 

[allies (lol)]

my cousin said that snphoto used the word "wetback" to describe Mexcans but you haven't dont chit about it. Whats taking you so long. Paco was pissed off. So you tolerate racism against mexicans?

 

[ponderingincanada]

Fireballs...this is the site by the Sectreary of Health for the State of Sonora. As I stated above, the information it contains is in conflict with the information on the website provided by the Secretary of Health for the Republic of Mexico. And what is printed on the packages of ED medication.

ED medication is not habit forming; nor is it a category 1-3 medication. Consequently the penalty is very minor. (Something like a maximum fine of $135.00 USD.)

This law seems only to be enforced by cops trying to fleece tourists. Sadly, sometimes it works. Although the cops seem to give up when you "stand firm" and see the judge.

 

[Mario M]

http://www.safenogalesrx.com/index.htm

Here is the link I was talking about:



Yes you could buy these drugs any place in Mexico and it's legal to do so despite what some people try to tell you. If they were illegal the Mexico police would be waiting out side of pharmacies waiting to BUST them. When you hear about US State warnings, it's because some of these people were buying large quantities. Also keep in mind the US goverment wants you to buy your drugs in the US, and has in the past put out false warnings to put political pressure on Mexico for varies reasons.

 

[lawlman91]

A member of another site posted a link to site by Secretary of Health for the State of Sonora saying a Rx isn't needed to purchase most medications including Viagra. (Sonora is trying to encourage Americans to buy medications in Nogales; those mongering in Nogales shouldn’t have any problems.) However, the site I quoted is by the Secretary of Health for the Republic of Mexico. The "letter of the law" in question is a Mexican federal law.

Since the U.S. Embassy reports Americans have been arrested for purchasing medication without a Rx, I personally give more credence to website provided by the Mexican federal gov’t. (No, I don’t think they’re “making it up” to help the U.S. drug industry.)

It should also be noted that I’ve never said a person buying a single dose of ED medication in TJ would go to jail. On the contrary, I’ve posted the maximum fine is about $135.00 USD. (Since the fine is so low I doubt most cops will bother arresting guys who refuse to pay a bribe unless they "tick off" the cop.) However, there have been accounts of Americans in TJ who were found in possession of large quantities of ED medication going to prison.

Everybody is free to heed or disregard the advice I’ve given for the past several years. (Even Fireballs, who often disagress with me, at least follows the first half of my advice.) It is:

If you don’t have a Mexican Rx, first check for cops before entering a pharmacy. Buy your ED medication and a coke. Take your medication before leaving the pharmacy. Leave the pharmacy visibly drinking the coke.

If you are going to bring medication (say a 60-90 day supply) back to the U.S. I recommend you first get a Rx from a Mexican physician. Especially if you are a pedestrian who will have to pass cops on your way to the border. I also recommend that unless you have a Mexican Rx on your person that you don't wander around TJ with enough medication in your possession to be subject to a sales and distribution charge.

Again, everybody is free to heed or disregard my advice. Ultimately it comes down to how much risk a person wants to assume.

 

[Golf]

Another monger on another site just recently posted information that you don't need a Prescription to purchase ED medicine, confirming what I already know, that you don't need a prescription for Viagra. I'll try to sneak over there and post the link over here.

In the mean time don't let anyone rip you off and suggest you visit a TJ doctor to get a prescription for something you don't need a prescription for. The TJ cops still might try to hassle you, so I still suggest you take the ED medicine as soon as you buy it or as soon as you get to the bar. If the cops do stop you and find the medicine don't panic, just tell them you did nothing wrong, as soon you'll be on her way. If they try to take you for a RIDE, you might consider giving them $20 to leave you alone, or just call their BLUFF. But keep in mind they will try to SCARE the SHIT out of you, just don't let them.

If buying drugs were a crime in Tijuana, you'd see more TJ cops going after little old ladies and shaking them down, but you don't see THAT.

 

[sunshine11]

You could be right Burt but the fact remains that you being on many different prostitution boards can't come up with one individual who was taken in front of a JUDGE and was forced to pay a fine or go to JAIL. It's not just me who saying it's legal to buy Viagra in Mexico, we have many experienced spanishing speaking MONGERS who flat out say, 'YOU CAN"T GET ARRESTED IN TIJUANA' One guy got the word directly from the Mexican Pharmacies who all say it's not against the LAW to buy Viagra in Mexico. Maybe all the Pharmacies are LYING to sell drugs, or maybe Burt's just interpreting the law wrong, perhaps the law is on the books but just not enforced?

Regarding the US Embassy warnings and recomendations. Burt don't you think the US Government might have a vested interest and bias view regarding drugs from Non- US drug companies. You don't think that maybe the US Drug companies would pressure the FDA to say don't buy drugs from Mexico or Canada, and try to scare it's citizens a little?

We already know the Mexican police just can't throw you in jail for 48 hours for not reason. Only the Judge can throw you in JAIL, and he better have a very good reason for doing so.

In the mean time don't take my word for it, and I would suggest don't follow Burt's advice either on the subject, until we have more information besides website links.

I buy Ed medicine all the time in Tijuana, but just in case I take it right away and don't carry it around.

 

[jobromancer]

Many times and places I have stated that in Mexico the purchase of ED medication requires a Rx from a Mexican physican. Perhaps the following will convince "the doubters."

Part of the reason that mongers disagree on what the Mexican Rx law says is that most monger don’t speak much Spanish and/or they listen to gossip instead of seeking authoritative sources for their information. The following sources are clear about what the law says.

Here is the actual law http://www.salud.gob.mx/unidades/cdi/nom/072ssa13.html published on Internet by the Mexican government. It says in part:

NORMA Oficial Mexicana NOM-072-SSA1-1993, Etiquetado de medicamentos.
5.11.1 En la etiqueta de los medicamentos, se deberل expresar la clave de registro sanitario, tal como se indica en el oficio de registro, seguida del nْmero romano de la fracciَn que corresponda a los medicamentos, ambos con la misma tipografيa y tamaٌo, y de acuerdo a la siguiente clasificaciَn:
I. Medicamentos que sَlo pueden adquirirse con receta o permiso especial, expedido por la Secretarيa de Salud;
II. Medicamentos que requieren para su adquisiciَn receta médica que deberل retenerse en la farmacia que la surta y ser registrada en los libros de control que al efecto se lleven;
III. Medicamentos que sَlo puedan adquirirse con receta médica que se podrل surtir hasta tres veces;
IV. Medicamentos que para adquirirse requieren receta médica, pero que pueden resurtirse tantas veces como lo indique el médico que lo prescriba;
V. Medicamentos sin receta, autorizados para su venta exclusivamente en farmacias, y
VI. Medicamentos que para adquirirse no requieren receta médica y que puedan expenderse en otros establecimientos que no sean farmacias.

The above divides medication into categories. The purchase of category IV drugs require the customer to have a Rx from a Mexican physician. The customer retains possession of the Rx and the Rx is valid for the number of refills indicated by the prescribing physician. ED medications are category IV medications. (The registration number for Cialis, for example, is 181M2002 SSA IV. The last two digits indicate the medication category.)

The following information is provided by the U.S. Department of State at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

DRUG PENALTIES AND PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS:
Penalties for drug offenses are strict, and convicted offenders can expect large fines and jail sentences up to 25 years. The purchase of controlled medication requires a prescription from a licensed Mexican physician; some Mexican doctors have been arrested for writing prescriptions without due cause. In those instances, American citizens who bought the medications have been held in jail for months waiting for the Mexican judicial system to decide their fate. The Mexican list of controlled medication differs from that of the United States, and Mexican public health laws concerning controlled medication are unclear and often enforced selectively. To determine whether a particular medication is controlled in Mexico, and requires a prescription from a Mexican doctor for purchase, please consult the website of the Mexican Federal Commission for Protection Against Health Risks at http://www.cofepris.gob.mx/pyp/estpsic/es.htm

The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens not travel to Mexico for the sole purpose of buying prescription drugs. U.S. citizens have been arrested and their medicines confiscated by the Mexican authorities, even though their prescriptions were written by a licensed American physician and filled by a licensed Mexican pharmacist. There have been cases of Americans buying prescription drugs in border cities only to be arrested soon after or have money extorted by criminals impersonating police officers. Those arrested are often held for the full 48 hours allowed by Mexican law without charges being filed, then released. During this interval, the detainees are often asked for bribes or are solicited by attorneys who demand large fees to secure their release, which will normally occur without any intercession, as there are insufficient grounds to bring criminal charges against the individuals. In addition, U.S. law enforcement officials believe that as much as 25 percent of medications available in Mexico are counterfeit and substandard. Such counterfeit medications may be difficult to distinguish from the real medication and could pose serious health risks to consumers. The importation of prescription drugs into the United States can be illegal in certain circumstances. U.S. law generally permits persons to enter the United States with only an immediate (about one-month's) supply of a prescription medication.