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azrving's avatar
azrving
Explorer
Dec 02, 2015

Mexico prescription drugs

I recently visited Los Algodones to check out eyeglasses and just experience it. When I was working I often times damaged my glasses and got sick of paying $250 so I found zenni optical on line and used them for the last 10 years or so. I haven't bought any in a couple years but I was paying $60.00 for titanium frames, poly carbonate progressive. Maybe I'm out of touch on the current prices but they wanted $200 in Mexico. Is that normal or am I supposed to be doing some serious dickering with them?

I have another question or just curious.
In doing research before going down there I read an official sort of statement that said "A prescription is always required in order to bring drugs into USA but personal amounts are overlooked". Well I'm not worried about that for a pair of glasses but really? I'm not against it and not complaining one bit but its just seems strange that a person can walk in and out and bring stuff back but the poor sucker who can't get down there can't get the same deal through the internet or mail? And that person has to also pay a doctor first to get his scrip?

It's all new to me so I'm probably missing something. Help me understand. It's illegal but we will overlook it if you are here in person?
RV Lifestyle
  • amandasgramma's avatar
    amandasgramma
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2015
    We have been getting meds in Los Algodones for a few years now. We never take a prescription over, some of our meds can NOT be bought there, however, the savings on the rest have paid for our trip to AZ from Oregon (if we were to do a straight shot down). Hubby bought glasses in Los Algodones 2 years ago. Their doctor examined him and the total cost was $275. For that $275 he got a pair of regular, progressive glasses, frame included and a pair of sunglasses. The frames, etc would have cost twice that much in the US.....we checked. We never dickered with the eye glass place.....never thought to do that. We feel the price is right. We have never heard of the place you say you've been getting your glasses.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2015
    amandasgramma wrote:
    We have been getting meds in Los Algodones for a few years now. We never take a prescription over, some of our meds can NOT be bought there, however, the savings on the rest have paid for our trip to AZ from Oregon (if we were to do a straight shot \down). Hubby bought glasses in Los Algodones 2 years ago. Their doctor examined him and the total cost was $275. For that $275 he got a pair of regular, progressive glasses, frame included and a pair of sunglasses. The frames, etc would have cost twice that much in the US.....we checked. We never dickered with the eye glass place.....never thought to do that. We feel the price is right. We have never heard of the place you say you've been getting your glasses.


    Thanks,
    I'm certainly out of touch with USA prices. I talked to a fellow camper last night that said he paid $500.00 for his glasses! I looked up my last order at Zenni and it was $140.00 for 2 pair. Looks like I have to stick with the chicoms. I'll be going back to Los Algodones with a friend and I'll see if the shoeshine is in my price range. :)

    Zenni
  • laurigray's avatar
    laurigray
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2015
    We were in Algadones two days ago. My husband bought a pair of glasses last year, progressive with transition lenses for 200.00 with eye exam. This year they were about 250.00. We refilled several prescriptions for cholesteral medicine, pantrapozole, and blood pressure. They were about 3.00 each to refill. That was far less expensive than our copay in the US. I also purchased some asthma inhalers for my daughter for 2.00 each that she pays 35.00 each for after copay. When we go back I will buy enough for the year instead of a few months. I had no idea it was so inexpensive. And yes the active ingredients and mg were the same. We did not need a prescription for any meds, I just stated what I wanted and they gave it to me. I did not ask for any pain meds however so I do not know how that works.
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2015
    laurigray wrote:
    We were in Algadones two days ago. My husband bought a pair of glasses last year, progressive with transition lenses for 200.00 with eye exam. This year they were about 250.00. We refilled several prescriptions for cholesteral medicine, pantrapozole, and blood pressure. They were about 3.00 each to refill. That was far less expensive than our copay in the US. I also purchased some asthma inhalers for my daughter for 2.00 each that she pays 35.00 each for after copay. When we go back I will buy enough for the year instead of a few months. I had no idea it was so inexpensive. And yes the active ingredients and mg were the same. We did not need a prescription for any meds, I just stated what I wanted and they gave it to me. I did not ask for any pain meds however so I do not know how that works.


    My understanding is that the pain meds are a whole different issue and you can end up in a Mexican jail without a scrip. I read some older articles recently about that issue but it's probably still relevant today. Too much oxycodone? ending up in Tuscon schools. Another rver said to be sure and know what condition the meds are for before you get to the border as the agents will sometimes question what you are taking them for. The border patrol are not doctors but this person said some of them know the drug uses and will "test" you.

    While standing there is a bad time to be muttering and trying to think hard. They are supposed to be for yourself only, as I understand it. Just mentioning it so everyone is at peak awareness if a newbee like me. :)
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Dec 03, 2015
    Have you ever priced prescription glasses at Costco? Read an article not too long ago which indicated that many of the popular glass outfits have quality issues (glasses aren't the right prescription) - Costco was one of the exception.
  • B_O__Plenty's avatar
    B_O__Plenty
    Explorer II
    Dec 09, 2015
    I've ordered several pairs of glasses online from Zenni. I think the last time I got 3 pair for around $70.00. My prescription is nothing fancy but if you take the time to dig through their website you can't beat the prices. The customer service is good too but the hours to call are a bit weird. They are located in Australia and the glasses come from China..

    B.O.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Dec 09, 2015
    rjxj wrote:
    Zenni


    Thanks for the link to Zenni.......
    Just a quick look and pricing is very good

    NOW where do you get your Rx
  • azrving's avatar
    azrving
    Explorer
    Dec 09, 2015
    Old-Biscuit wrote:
    rjxj wrote:
    Zenni


    Thanks for the link to Zenni.......
    Just a quick look and pricing is very good

    NOW where do you get your Rx


    My last eye exam was at a Walmart. They have to give you the scrip but you dont have to buy from them. There are a set of numbers that you want to be very careful about entering into the order or you will be buying the bottom of pop bottles. I messed up one time and reversed the numbers.

    You will also need to figure out your pupillary distance. It's the one thing that is not on the prescription as it's figured out when you select glasses at that particular store. It's not hard to do and they talk about it on Zenni or other websites. Others in my family who have tried Zenni have also done fine with it. I tell them for the cost savings, even if they waste a pair or two figuring out what they want it's still much cheaper.

    The only problem I had with Zenni is that in the early years I had a pair of titanium frame glasses break at the bridge after several months. It wasn't a big deal for me as I usually used a few pair a year. While wrenching they would fall of the concrete floor or get specks from grinding etc. My current account info shows that I have bought 19 pair in 5 years but I started buying them about 10 years ago. I probably still have a couple new pair laying around.


    Distance
  • gonesouth's avatar
    gonesouth
    Explorer
    Jun 11, 2016
    My experience has been that most meds are priced at world market prices and generally the difference in cost between Mexico and a good plan's co-pay will cover a weekend trip. The only exception is that penicillin runs about $10 for a bottle of 100x 500mg or $5 on sale. Normally no prescription is needed unless US Customs decides to hassle people that day.

    The price comparison for Canada is that you get many brand-name meds for the Canadian generic price but some brand-name are just as expensive as Canada.

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