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buying anti-malarials in malaysia (not for malaysia)

christay2009

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any ideas/knowledge about buying anti-malarial drugs in malaysia? a brief search yielded little in the way of results. I actually know a Malaysian doctor who works in NZ. He has never worked in Malaysia but said in theory it should be possible but i will need to get a prescription...

any help would be great

#1 Posted: 18/10/2009 - 20:08
idreamofdur-
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Yeah, you definitely need a prescription.

Try this one: http://www.ttmcklcc.com.my/

They do travel medicine, are centrally located, and you can even make an appointment by email.

Otherwise, you could just try a walk-in clinic or calling a hospital once you're there. Might be cheaper as the above-mentioned place looks pretty swanky. These seem to be the major ones in KL:

http://www.hkl.gov.my/
http://www.dsh.com.my/
http://www.tungshin.com.my/

Live long and prosper!!

#2 Posted: 19/10/2009 - 00:23

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somtam2000

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Bali isn't malarial (if that's what you have in mind) -- they do have it elsewhere in the archipelago though, but as per the malarial story, not always a required purchase.

#3 Posted: 19/10/2009 - 07:40

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christay2009

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hey, thanks for the tips idreamof... i will definately check out those options

Thanks somtam, i know bali is fine...it would be for the rest of indonesia! i would prefer to buy them for the extra, although not complete, protection that they offer. Then again, it would depend on what was available in Malaysia. I would be more comfortable with malarone of doxy as these are what is reccomended and available at my doctors in the UK.

#4 Posted: 20/10/2009 - 19:14
christay2009

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"Yeah, you definitely need a prescription"

update: no need for a prescription!

I have just bought 24 malarone tablets from Guardian pharmacy in KL, two packs of 12, for 408 ringgit or 208 a box. This seems quite expensive,however,in the UK i paid 72 pounds for 14 but for 24 here in KL it works out at 63 pounds (at the rate of exchange i got when i cashed by travellers cheque)

I just walked in an asked if they stocked anti-malarials, the guy said "malarone?" and then got me what i needed. I think they dont bother with prescriptions as its not as if you can use malarone to get high or something, additionally i am obviously [looking at me] someone who is travelling.

#5 Posted: 28/10/2009 - 13:05
christay2009

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oh, also, i asked around and if there are any issues and they want a prescription from you i was told you can rock up to the hospital and they will just give you one

#6 Posted: 28/10/2009 - 13:07
idreamofdur-
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OK - thanks for the info!! That does sound pretty expensive, but better safe than sorry... Where are you off to that you need anti-malarials?

My advice was based on trying to get some stomach meds/antibiotics there and being told by multiple pharmacists that I couldn't get anything stronger than Pepto Bismol without a script. :o

#7 Posted: 28/10/2009 - 19:34

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christay2009

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yeah, certainly expensive in terms of ringgit but in pounds and relative to the UK price its dirt cheap. The pharmacist was the guardian that is inside the mall NEXT TO BB Plaza in the golden triangle area [not sure of the name].

You can probably buy doxy or something similar off them much cheaper.\

I am aware many travellers don't even bother - i found this to be the case in Laos - but i usually just follow the NHS and WHO advice as this seems sensible to me. I got the tabs for lombock,flores,komodo...etc essentially other parts of indonesia not Bali.

Perhaps it just depends on what you want. I think some of those stomach drugs can be potentially leathal if abused.

#8 Posted: 30/10/2009 - 18:00
idreamofdur-
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I love Komodo :) Happy dragon spotting!

#9 Posted: 30/10/2009 - 18:31

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