Coumadin

Hello,

My wife and I are thinking about relocating to Panama.  I am on Coumadin for life, so the availability of this medication must be a factor in any potential expat destination we would consider.  Along with that, I require periodic blood draws to monitor my INR level and adjust the dosage accordingly.  My questions are:

Is Coumadin (or generic Warfarin) available in Panama?  Does it require a prescription or can it be purchased over the counter?  Is it expensive?  Here in the states, with my current insurance plan, it only costs a few dollars per month.  How easy (or difficult) is it to find a doctor/hospital/clinic that will do the blood draws and lab work?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

Dear

I will give you the contact of the owner of SALUD PANAMA.COM  guia de salud en Panama.

his name is LUIS SANTAMARIA 2635287, 6675-2157. or his secretary [email protected]  from my part Georgina Chanapi, Lucero homes boquete, I have contact with him because in our community we help our residents with doctor and specialists.
  better response from someone who knows what you need and where you can find it.

best regards

Georgina,

Thank you very much for the referral!  I will save the information.  Mostly, I just need to verify if Warfarin is available in Panama, because if it is not, that could be a serious deterrent to relocating there.

Have a great day!

Contact the Hospital Punta Pacifica in Panama City.  It is a John Hopkins International affiliated hospital.  Use their email contact site or call them directly.  It is the only way to be sure if the medication is available in Panama.  In Panama City it is very easy to have lab tests done or see a doctor.  I can buy my blood pressure pills over the counter but it is not as cheap as when I used my blue cross/blue shield back in the US.  Check with your insurance company to see if you can submit the pharmacy receipts for a refund after purchase.

Thank you PacificaMaryAnn, I will do that.

Coumadin can be bought over the counter in Panama.  I asked today at Farmacia Punta Pacifica, which is located in front of the Punta Pacifica Hospital in Panama City.  Telephone# 507-204-8500/01/02  Fax# 507-204-8507.  If you have a Pensionado Visa the discount is 20% on medications.  Just walk in, give the clerk a piece of paper with the name of the medication and the dosage.  He/she will ask how many months you want.  The receipt states the name of the medication and the price paid.

PacificaMaryAnn,

That is good news.  Thank you so much for checking!