Is it safe to buy medications in Mexico?
The U.S. Department of State is aware of recent media reports regarding counterfeit pharmaceuticals available at pharmacies in Mexico, including those tainted with fentanyl and methamphetamine.
U.S. citizens are reminded to consult our Country Information Page for Mexico and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, which include some of the following information regarding pharmaceuticals in Mexico:
Pharmaceuticals
Exercise caution when purchasing medication in Mexico. Pharmaceuticals, both over the counter and requiring prescription in the United States, are often readily available for purchase with little regulation. Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients. Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
The types of medications you can find here are broad, such as low-cost generic anxiety medications including Ativan, Valium, Diazepam, Rivotril and Xanax. There were also choices for super strength pain killers such as Tylenol 3, Tramadol and Voltaren. ADHD sufferers can load up on Ritalin and Adderall and dieters determined to lose weight with medication have their fair choice as well, like Wegovy and Phentermine. Muscle relaxers such as Soma and Flexeril can also be purchased over the counter.
The Drug Enforcement Administration reports counterfeit prescription pills are sold by criminals on both sides of the border. These pills are sometimes represented as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax and others, and may contain deadly doses of fentanyl. Counterfeit pills are readily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration regulate the transport of medication into the United States. Per regulation, medication should be for personal use and must be approved for usage in the United States. Please visit the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Food and Drug Administration websites for more information.
Visit the Mexican Health Department website (Spanish only) or contact the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C., for more information about obtaining a permit to import medicine into Mexico.
For a list of controlled substances in Mexico, visit the COFEPRIS website (Spanish only). U.S. citizens should carry a copy of their prescription or doctor’s letter, but be aware you are subject to Mexican law while in Mexico and authorities can arrest individuals with substances which are illegal in Mexico. Note that a medicine considered “over the counter” in some U.S. states may be a controlled substance in Mexico. For example, pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient in Sudafed, is considered a controlled substance in Mexico. For more information, contact the Embassy of Mexico in Washington, D.C.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
From Mexico: +52 (55) 8526 2561
From the United States: +1-844-528-6611
Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Precautions
When Using a Mexican Pharmacy
Be aware that the rules CBP agents follow change often and without notice. It's your responsibility to stay up to date. A rule you read about on a Wednesday could be obsolete by the following Monday.
Contact U.S. Customs and Border Protection for timely information.
Contact CBP
CPB accepts phone calls from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Eastern Standard Time (EST), Monday through Friday, at 1-877-227-5511.
FAQ:
Is it legal to import prescription drugs from Mexico?
It depends. In many cases, it is illegal to import drugs from Mexico. However, the FDA does not object to the importation of drugs unavailable in the United States that are intended for personal use to treat a serious medical condition.
When is it legal to import drugs from Mexico?
According to the FDA, you can bring medication from a Mexican pharmacy to the U.S. if:
You have a serious medical condition
There are no effective treatments available in the United States
The drug does not pose any unreasonable risks
You are only allowed a three-month supply and must state in writing that the medication is for personal use.
What is required to legally buy drugs from Mexico?
Customs officials will want a letter stating that the drug is intended for personal use to treat a serious medical condition and is not available in the U.S. You will also need to provide information about the doctor treating you or proof that you are continuing treatment started in another country.
What are the dangers of buying prescription drugs from Mexico?
Drug purity, safety, and effectiveness are the main concerns as these cannot be monitored or guaranteed. This is especially true with drugs that are available only by prescription in the United States but sold over the counter in Mexico.5
Where can I find up-to-date information about bringing prescriptions across the U.S.-Mexico border?
The best source for the latest information about importing prescription drugs from other countries is U.S. Government agencies' websites. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection website provides an updated list of prohibited and restricted items. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has a guide for the importation of drugs originally intended for foreign markets on its website. If you plan to visit a Mexican pharmacy to purchase prescription drugs, check these sources before your trip to ensure you know the latest regulations.
Popular medications you can buy in mexico 2023
Most popular Anabolics
HGH
Alphastan
Anavar
Wistrol
Somatrope
Most popular Orthopedic Products
Shoulder sling
Soft Collar
Knee pad and knee guard
Ankle brace, ankle support
Crutches
Walker, walking frame
Most popular Medical Products
Foley Catheter
Feeding tube
Central venous catheter
Oxygen concentrators, portable oxygen concentrators, O2 generators
Nebulizer, portable nebulizer, nebulizer mask
Most popular Nutrition Products
Protein nutrition
Nutritional supplements
Sports nutrition
Wegovy
Sex Health
Viagra $849 – $1,499 MXN
Levonorgestrel-Ethinylestradiol (21 Tab) $392 MXN
Cialis
CBD Oil + Gummies
Gabs CBD (60 gummies) $1,900 MXN
Most Popular Prescription Drugs available at a Mexican Pharmacy
Valium
Farmapram (Xanax) 1mg / 2mg (Alprazolam)
Tylex CD
Lectus
Ritalin
Adderall
Vyanse
Soma
Most popular Antibiotics
Gimalxina (Amoxicilina)
Kenzoflex (Ciprofloxacino)
Ampicillin
Penicillin
Clarithromycin
Doxycycline
Most popular painkillers
Tramadol 100mg $499.00 MXN
Fentanyl
Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
Oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet)
Oxycodone HCL (OxyContin)
Acetaminophen with codeine
Most popular OTC Over-the-counter Drugs and Medications
Celebrex
Esomeprazole
Pantoprazole
Omeprazole
Advil
Tylenol
Flexeril $360.00 MXN
Many popular diabetes medications
Pharmacies that deliver
RX Prescription Medications and over the counter medications available for in-store purchase or delivery. Please complete this form to receive a complete list of pharmacies that can deliver your medications directly to your home, hotel or Airbnb.
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State Department Warning:
The U.S. Department of State issued a warning after reporting showed that counterfeit pharmaceuticals containing illicit drugs were being sold in pharmacies in Mexico.
The counterfeit medications were tainted with substances including fentanyl and methamphetamine, the department said. The details of the counterfeit pills were first reported by the Los Angeles Times. The department said that the Drug Enforcement Administration had also reported counterfeit prescriptions sold on both sides of the border, represented as OxyContin, Percocet, Xanax and others.
The department said in its advisory that people should "exercise caution when purchasing medicine," noting that pharmaceuticals, even those that might require a prescription in the United States, "are often readily available for purchase with little regulation."
In addition to the risk of contamination, officials said counterfeit medication could "prove to be ineffective" or be the wrong strength.
"Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments," the department said, noting that counterfeit medications are "readily advertised on social media and can be purchased at small, non-chain pharmacies in Mexico along the border and in tourist areas."
The kidnapping of four Americans earlier this month in a Mexican border town has also put a spotlight on "medical tourism," or when people travel to another country to receive more affordable medical care or prescriptions. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention do not track crime related to medical tourism, they do deem the practice "risky."
Before traveling to any country be sure you follow these quick medical preparation tips!
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