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In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Costs of Popular Medicines in Chapala, Mexico

Updated May, 2021

(See current medical experience and pricing at bottom of page)

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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The Chapala Living Guide 2nd Edition

If you are visiting or moving to Chapala, Mexico from the US or Canada and are on specific medications, you may be interested in the information below. These are current prices from several pharmacies in town. Some give Generic pricing along with the patented medicine price.

These prices are listed below as well as the drugs themselves and what they are most commonly used for. Most of these medicines can be purchased by simply walking into a pharmacy without a prescription. We encourage you to take responsibility for your health and for what you purchase.

We also share typical medical experiences that we have had here in town, to demonstrate to you the ease with which we receive our medical care.

Editor's Note: We are not encouraging drug use, nor are we prescribing it. The following is for information only. If you are curious about medical alternatives to common prescription drugs, see our Medical Alternative Health Care Page If you are interested in learning more about Medical Tourism, Click Here

 

Similares Farmacia located throughout Mexico

Similares Farmacia - located throughout Mexico

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Advair Diskus (fluticasone) Currently there are 13.7 million users of this drug in the U.S. It works by relaxing muscles in the airways to improve breathing. Advair inhalation is a combination medicine used to prevent asthma attacks. It is also used to prevent flare-ups or worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) associated with chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema.  For Avamys spray, 460 Pesos.

Alprazolam is used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. It belongs to a class of medications called benzodiazepines which act on the brain and nerves (central nervous system) to produce a calming effect. It works by enhancing the effects of a certain natural chemical in the body (GABA).  For 30 pills, 2mg 450 Pesos.

Brospina Buprenorphine is powerful as an opioid analgesic classified as a thebain-derived agonist-antagonist . Indicated in the management of moderate to severe pain in both chronic and acute conditions; in nociceptive and mixed pain. Can be used in multimodal analgesic techniques, or as single-drug therapy.  For 6 injections 480Pesos.

 

 

 

 

 

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Clonazepam This medication is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic drug. It is also used to treat panic attacks. Clonazepam works by calming your brain and nerves. It belongs to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines. For 2 mg, 30 tablets 120 Pesos.

Crestor (rosuvastatin) Currently there are 21/4 million users of this drug in the U.S. Crestor (rosuvastatin) belongs to a a group of drugs called HMG CoA reductase inhibitors, or "statins." Rosuvastatin reduces levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) and triglycerides in the blood, while increasing levels of "good" cholesterol (high-density lipoprotein, or HDL). Generic price is 20mg, 30 pills for 115 Pesos.

Hospital San Antonio health packages pricing

Januvia (sitagliptin) Currently there are 9.1 million users of this drug in the U.S. Januvia (sitagliptin) is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. It works by regulating the levels of insulin your body produces after eating. Januvia is for treating people with type 2 diabetes. For 100 mg Patented 1,360 Pesos for 28 pills. Generic for 14 pills, 409 Pesos.

Lantus Solostar (insuline glargine) Currently there are 10.9 million users of this drug in the U.S. Lantus (insulin glargine) is a man made, long-acting form of human insulin that is used in the treatment of adults and children with type 1 diabetes to control blood glucose (sugar) levels. Lantus is also approved for the use in adults with type 2 diabetes. For 100ml, Generic is 580Pesos/ Patented is 2,042Pesos for same.

Gabapentin, sold under the brand name Neurontin among others, is an anticonvulsant medication primarily used to treat partial seizures and neuropathic pain. It is a first-line medication for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by diabetic neuropathy, postherpetic neuralgia, and central pain. 160 Pesos per box.

 

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Lyrica (pregabalin) Currently there are 10 million users of this drug. It’s now one of the 10 most prescribed drugs in the United States. Lyrica (pregabalin) is a medication that is chemically and structurally similar to Neurontin (gabapentin) and is used for a wide variety of things: seizure disorder, pain and anxiety. For 150 mg, 28 capsules, 119 Pesos.

Nexium (esomeprazole) Currently there are 15.2 million users of this drug in the U.S. Nexium (esomeprazole) is a proton pump inhibitor that decreases the amount of acid produced in the stomach. Nexium is used to treat symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and other conditions involving excessive stomach acid such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.  For 40 mg patented medicine is 750 Pesos for 14 tablets.

typical farmacia, Chapala, Mexico

Typical farmacia

Spiriva Handihaler (tiotropium) Currently there are 9.6 million users of this drug in the U.S. Spiriva (tiotropium) is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Spiriva is used to prevent bronchospasm (narrowing of the airways in the lungs) in adults with COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), including bronchitis and emphysema. Patented 1,430 Pesos for 30 capsules.

Synthroid (levothyroxine) Currently there are 21.5 million users of this drug in the U.S. Levothyroxine is used to treat an under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland.  For 100mg Generic price is 100 pills for 81 Pesos

 

 

 

 

 

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Ventolin HFA (albuterol) Currently there are 18.2 million users of this drug in the U.S. Ventolin (albuterol) is a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the airways and increases air flow to the lungs. Ventolin HFA is used to treat or prevent bronchospasm in people with reversible obstructive airway disease. Albuterol inhalation is also used to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.  Salbutamol is 55 Pesos for 100 mg tablets. Patented price for 4mg tablets, 390 Pesos for 30 tablets.

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamne) Currently there are 10.4 million users of this drug in the U.S. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. Vyvanse is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and in children who are at least 6 years. For 30mg tablets, patented medicine is 1,120 Pesos.

Pricing for services listed on the wall, Chapala, Mexico

Pricing listed on the office wall for services

This is a price chart on the wall of one of our doctors - a man who does both western and eastern medicine. The first consultation is 400Pesos, a follow up consultation is 300Pesos. Acupuncture treatment is 400Pesos a session. Laser therapy is also 400Pesos.

You can get your ears cleared of wax for 200Pesos

Miscellaneous drugs, vitamins and pricing

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Fluorouracil works by causing the death of cells which are growing fastest, such as abnormal skin cells. Fluorouracil topical (for the skin) is used to treat scaly overgrowths of skin (actinic or solar keratoses). Fluorouracil topical may also be used in the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma. A 20g tube is 750 Pesos.

Lisinopril is a medication of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor class used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and after heart attacks. For high blood pressure it is usually a first line treatment. Lisinopril – 30 tabs, 52 Pesos for Generic.

Chapala Living Guide is based on our first hand eperience of living in Chapala, Mexico

Losartan Potassium keeps blood vessels from narrowing, which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow. Losartan is used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also used to lower the risk of stroke in certain people with heart disease. A box of 30 tabs, 50 mg is 66 Pesos for Generic.

Metformin, sold under the brand name Glucophage among others, is the first-line medication for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, particularly in people who are overweight. It is also used in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is not associated with weight gain. It is taken by mouth. 850 mg, 49 Pesos per box.

Restasis-Ciclospornia Restasis eye drops contain cyclosporine which is an immunosuppressant. Cyclosporine can increase tear production that has been reduced by inflammation in the eye(s). 290 Pesos per bottle.

Sildenafil, sold as the brand name Viagra among others, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is unclear if it is effective for treating sexual dysfunction in women. It is taken by mouth or injection into a vein. 100mg tablets, 113 Pesos for 4 tabs.

Tadalafil, sold under the brand name Cialis among others, is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It is a tablet taken by mouth. Onset is typically within half an hour and the duration is up to 36 hours. Cialis 20 mg. 1 tab is 120 Pesos for Generic.

Telmisartan, sold under the brand name Micardis among others, is a medication used to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and diabetic kidney disease. It is a reasonable initial treatment for high blood pressure. It is taken by mouth. 40mg, 14 Tabs 72-90 Pesos.

 

Bayer Aspirin 500 mg 20 tabs 35 Pesos

Ibuprofen 200 mg, 10 capsules 22 Pesos

Voltaren Gel, Diclofenaco 2.32% 100 gram tube, 195 Pesos

Vitamin B-12, 100 gummies for adults with royal jelly, 189Pesos

Complete B vitamin, 90 capsules, 40 Pesos

Fish Oil softgels, 1000 mg, 300 capsules 234 Pesos

Farmacias Altimed San Judas Tadeo, Chapala, Mexico

Farmacias Altimed San Judas Tadeo

Avenida Francisco I. Madero No. 230-A

Colonio Centro 45900 Chapala, Jalisco

Tele:01. 376. 765. 7726

These pharmacies sell patented medicines, generics, homeopathic, dermatology products, controlled medicines and various assortment of products daily. Be sure to check out the pharmacy at Wal*Mart and Soriana as well.

Typical medical experiences

One of the things we enjoy very much about living in Chapala, is our quick, easy and affordable access to health care. Below we have listed some recent experiences we have had with a dentist, a dermatologist, a blood lab, and a cardiologist. Take a look!

Dentist

Billy's dentist returns Billy's call on his cell phone and Billy sets up an appointment for a cleaning for 2 days later. Cost is 300Pesos for the cleaning.

Dermatologist

I email a dermatologist in the neighboring town for pricing and to schedule an appointment. She returns my email with pricing listed, and I get an appointment the following week on Tuesday. After a very thorough examination, she wants me to take a blood test and return the same week on Friday to have some biopsies taken. Price 350Pesos.

Blood Lab

Thursday (after my dermatologist appointment), I walk the 3 blocks to the lab to have my blood checked.

I get there at 8 am when it opens. The lab technician takes my blood, and my email address as well as the doctor’s email address and says she’ll email the results on Friday at 2 pm. Price, 855Pesos

I explain to her that my appointment with the dermatologist is at 1:30pm on Friday – is it possible to get the results to her before then? She says no worries, and will get the results to her by noon.

2 days later, back at the Dermatologist

When I arrive at the dermatologist’s, she has my blood test results and we discuss them. She takes my biopsies and says that I’ll have the results in 2 weeks (due to the Holidays). Price for the 2 biopsies, 1,000Pesos.

Cardiologist

On a Friday Billy walks 5 blocks to a clinic to arrange for an echo cardiogram test. No doctor referral just walk in. They schedule him at 11:30 am on the following Tuesday. He receives his echo cardiogram and printed results. Price: 1,500Pesos.

Chapala Medical, - Assisted Living, - Convalescent Care, - Hospitals, - Clinics, - Dentists  

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For more stories and photos about Mexico, click here

About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

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