←→Going to Asia? Bring Medicines from Home

Posted Monday, February 26th, 2007 · Permalink

I picked up Wednesday’s International Herald Tribune and read an article on phony life-saving drugs. I always thought it was probably a better idea to bring medicines from home simply because the certain guarantee of quality, but the fact that 53% of anti-malarials bought in Asia are fake is astounding and presents a serious health risk for us as travelers.

That is why I write today to present the following advice: If you’re thinking about visiting Asia, bring your medicines. Yes, the fact remains that the genuine medicines in Asia are indeed cheaper than at home, but often the costs of such things can be recouped by your health insurance and there is full quality accountability at home (that is to say at least in the EU and North America).

According to the article, the issue does not only pertain to anti-malarials: counterfeit drugs of all kinds are common throughout Asia. Neither does it only apply to Asia, as an estimated 80% of all countries have no authorities sophisticated enough to detect and control the counterfeit medicines market.

In any case, I believe this to be a real issue that should not be taken lightly. I suggest you read the IHT article for the full gist.

Filed under Asia, Travel Tips.