I love St Kitts pharmacies.
I got two prescriptions filled in St Kitts for $25 US dollars less than what one-half the quantity of one of the same drugs had cost me two weeks before in the USA. And it took only 10 minutes from walking in the door with a written prescription(versus over 2 hours it took at the US drugstore.) And as a frequent shopper at that store, I received an additional 10% discount!
"Take your drugs with you" is the advice we were given when we moved to St Kitts. That's good advice for the first semester. Take your prescriptions too.
Always keep a two month supply of any medications you take. Supplies can be slow to get to you.
Know the Brand-name, the generic name, and the UK and South American names for the medications you take. (Paracetamol = acetaminophen = Tylenol. It's called paracetamol on St Kitts.)
You will need a prescription from a Kittian Physician. The out-of-country won't work at St Kitts pharmacies.
But here's the deal, Pharmaceuticals can be very cheap on St Kitts! And you often can buy just one! Or any number you want! You make your choice. When I say cheap, I mean cheaper than in the States.
Not so for over-the-counter (OTC) medications. The brand-name preparations are about three times the US price. Generics or house brands are usually more affordable but still spendy. There are many brands and preparations that you have never heard of and what they are used for is confusing.
Some drugs just cannot be had from St Kitts pharmacies. That's when it gets interesting.
My wife used www.westcoastdrug.net for 2 years while here to get meds not available through the St Kitts pharmacies.. They are prompt and reliable. If a shipment is overdue they ship a new order directly. Their prices are better than island prices on some meds and they do carry a good selection of meds not just the basics.(and that's talking as a RN) I'd try there first.
A SK-based company that I checked out but haven't bought from is www.medicinesexpress.co.uk. Local phone is 869.469.7433.
And it can get even more complex, but I'll address that as needed.
Stay Well!
B.
I am going to be attending University of Medicine and Health Science on St. Kitts next year. This is great information to help me prepare for my meical education and life on the island. I now have a better idea of what I should bring and what I should wait to pick up there. I will definitely be checking back for more information.
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