Mexico cracks down on self-prescribed antibiotics

[susango]

Pharmacies technically can't sell the drugs without a prescription, but most do anyway. They're about to face tighter oversight and stricter fines.

Mexico cracks down on self-prescribed antibiotics - Los Angeles Times

[Tony&Cheri]

I saw a sign at the Mega pharmacy a few days ago that said starting August 24, a prescription would be required for all antibiotics. The prescription would have to have certain of the doctor's information on it, be written entirely in the same ink color and have specific information about dosage and how often to take the medicine. Also, it said that the prescription would be kept by the pharmacy once it was filled. So I guess you'd better write down how to take it on another piece of paper so you know. (Isn't that somewhat the point of getting a prescription?! )

~Cheri

[susango]

Do you think they'll put the instructions on a label like they do in the US? I wonder how much of a problem/inconvenience this is going to be for people. I also wondered if they would only try to enforce it on the border towns or everywhere in Mexico.

[John]

Currently, when you get prescription medication here, you get a pre-packaged box of tablets or syrup, etc. The instructions from your doc (if you have any) are typically written on an official prescription form. The pharmacist just gives you the correct box and dosage that is required.

Since they do not bottle their own prescriptions in generic orange containers, and you are (were?) able to keep your prescription, this has never been an issue. The chances of any given pharmacy here typing up a label for you is slim to none. I wouldn't expect it to change unless the government mandated typed prescriptions on each box sold.

[Libby]

Also, since drugs are sold in pre-packaged containers, you often get more pills than you need for your prescribed treatment. I suspect that is not changing. So, once people have enough leftovers for another course of treatment, they will skip going to the doctor. Still, it's an improvement.

[Michele]

They tried this a few months ago didn't they? I seem to remember having to shop around for BCP's for about a week.