Medication in Tunisia

Member since 14 January 2019

LoïcViP04 March 2020 09:06:48

1777

Good morning everyone,

Whether it's a simple cold or a chronic illness, medication and medicine use vary from country to country and culture to culture.

When you are used to certain brands or types of drugs, being in a country like Tunisia with different rules can affect your daily well-being.

Some drugs also differ in name, price, dosage, active molecule, so we would like to hear your opinion on these issues:

Have you ever had difficulties finding familiar or useful medicines for your health in your host country?

Have you ever been faced with a shortage of medicines in Tunisia?

Would you have said that in Tunisia drugs are more or less expensive than in your home country? Do you find them more or less effective or of similar quality?

What is the place of alternative medicines in your host country? Have you ever used them?

Thank you in advance for your feedback,

Loïc

justmacy Active member

Member since 13 October 2012

justmacyActive member10 March 2020 07:18:12

I have Systematic Lupus and medicine that cost me $1,479 in America costs the equivalent of $300 here. But, if I said that he clinic and hospital here is equal to America, I would be lying.
To get my regular medicine, the doctor needed my medicine bottles that clearly stated my name and the dosing directions. After 3 years, I have not needed another prescription. The pharmacist just gives me my meds. The only one that needs a repeat script every 3 months is my sleep medicine.
There are some medications that are not available here, so the doctor, after looking it up, prescribed me the equivalent medicine.
I have looked into expat insurance, but the cost of it is very high. Paying cash for the medicine, and doctor visits if necessary, is about half of the premium costs.

kay booth Active member

Member since 25 April 2017

kay boothActive member10 March 2020 07:50:56

An English friend of mine is a diabetic and she has no trouble getting her insulin here . Her doctor gers her totext him 3 times a day tprepot on her blood readings and if he thinks she needs her dosage altering he ring her. She cannot believe what good treatmnt she is getting!!!
I also got Shingles 2 years ago and I got tablets that are not prescripted in England as they think they are too expensive but my whole treatment here only came to 200dn which included dressings tohelpwith the pain!!! Again they are not avalable in England yet!!!!!

Tunisiandolly Contributor

Member since 01 October 2010

TunisiandollyContributor28 April 2020 11:59:13

186

I have no problems with medication here. Majority comes from France and is significantly cheaper than in my home country. I don't have prescriptions but go to the same pharmacy for the last 11 years and get it over the counter. When I visit my home country I see my own doctor for blood, total health check and she will adjust dosage if needed. I do not trust the health system here nor the hygiene standards

lina matera Active member

Member since 14 August 2018

lina materaActive member28 April 2020 15:18:37

Hi everyone, I have cardiovascular problems due to the hypertension. I had an episode here and I was cured as emergency patient at a private clinic. They then addressed me to a cardiologist. After an ecocardiogram, he gave me new medicaments, which worked (and still are) perfectly. My major concern and complaint regard the awful hygienic standard, even in the medical cabinets. Far different from the one I'm used to in my home country (Nort Italy)

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