Long term medication
 

I take Levothyroxine for my thyroid which I get on prescription in the UK.
It's a common and rather benign medication and has no narcotic value.
Would this be bought over the counter in Dubai or does it still require a doctor to write a prescription?

Cheers

Re: Long term medication
 

No takers on this then..?
I'm surprised no one here has experience of gaining prescription medication in Dubai.

Re: Long term medication
 

You can buy pretty much everything over the counter (not codeine as it is haram). However it usually works out cheaper to get a prescription as, with most insurers, include the cost of drugs with your doctors visit.
As an example I have to pay 20% or max 50 AED. This covers the doctors visit plus the drugs. I get around 2000 AED worth of drugs (3 months supply) for 50 AED. But it gets better with Medicare because if I just fill in a slip for repeat prescription there is no charge :-)
Weirdly I have seen specialists, plus MRI scan and CT scan at NMC hospital and it's only 35 AED.

Re: Long term medication
 

The difficult drugs are the pain-killers and anti-psychotics. Mots other things are available over the counter.

Re: Long term medication
 

Thanks Mike that's very useful info. Must check the small print on the medical insurance to make sure the drugs are included then.

Re: Long term medication
 

Cheers

Re: Long term medication
 

Hi, I haven't lived in the UAE for a few years now , but most meds are available from the right consultant . I know in the UK thyroxine is just from the GP, but you would need to see an endocrinologist. I don't know where in the UAE you will live or what your insurance is like. I was incredibly fortunate all my meds and treatment were free with no co pay or anything.
What you can't take in to the country is one thing but what you can be prescribed from the appropriate specialist is entirely different. Contrary to popular belief you can get codeine there and morphine . I was prescribed both following surgery.
With regards to Endocrinology ,there was a great guy at Dubai Mall medical centre . Once he was used to me I used to see him once every 3 months . Most meds are way cheaper in the UAE and they do have a lot of stuff over the counter.
Good luck .

Re: Long term medication
 

Thanks Britchick, good info.

Re: Long term medication
 

T4 is definitely OTC and is available everywhere.

T3 used to be OTC as well but that was a few years ago when I checked. Not sure about the status now.