To: (a1), (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7) | Section 4 Still hanging in there? Now we add an example of a popular Brand Name drug equivalent to the Brands of Canada and the US. If it doesn't look familiar, don't worry. We will resolve that problem after addition of the Generic names on the following pages. Now with the addition of the Mexican Brand name drug list to that of Canada and the USA, the opportunities for error become more apparent. The more names, the greater the chance for a mistake. Pretty simple.
The basic problem is that Spanish is a Romance language, and we in Canada and the States speak a combination of northern European tongues. Right, close but just different enough to confuse me. And I'm very language impaired! Very!
In this offering,we have a fairly common brand name for the Mexican equivalent to the USA and Canadian drug. Recall from our last section that there are an average of six (6) separate brand name drugs for each drug in the list. And in one example, there are 75 different names! And we, all language impaired senior type people, are asking for drugs with very different names. I am amazed that the correct prescription is ever issued.
You are right! It is all about language! Well, almost all. The nearly unlimited brand names may well be unique to Mexico. And it does add a degree of excitement to any visit to the drug store.
 A LOCAL FARMCIA IN LAKE CHAPALA. Once again, my poor language skills (as if I had more than 1 skill) prove to be a tremendous road block, at least to me. To those around me, it is just an embarrassment
In the next pages, we'll add the generic names for these drugs. Once you see them side by side,the similarity is obvious. But when it is just brand names, rarely will you find what I call, "a freebie". That is when the names are so similar that you just can't miss.
Or can you? Similar looking and sounding names are right near the top reason for selecting an incorrect drug -- the wrong drug! And a medication error!
The more modern pharmacies use computer aids to verify the drugs. Just like the grocery with the code being read at the register. I have not yet seen this tool in use in a retail farmacia in Mexico.
So, back to a previous statement, "You are pretty much responsible for YOU." Make sure you know exactly what you are to get. Exactly what drug is required. Exactly what medical condition you are treating.
The more you know about your prescription, the higher the probability that you will get the RIGHT drug and the CORRECT drug for you.
So, let's go over the things you need to know to get the right / correct drug.
Drugs are, hang on now, poisons! Take too much and do more harm than good. Don't take enough and fail to improve or make an antibiotic resistant bug.
So far, we've been talking about A DRUG. One at a time, sorta. The difficulty of getting one drug correct has been made obvious. What if you take multiple drugs every day? The confusion increases. The chance of a mistake, somewhere, increases.
A recent review of out-patients in Florida showed that for those around 60 years old, 5 to 8 prescriptions are routinely taken. And for the retired couple, we are at 10 to 16 separate prescriptions are being taken by the couple.
Big numbers frighten me, so let's settle on 6 prescriptions each. Twelve prescriptions in the home constantly being taken at all hours of the day. And have you noticed that the drugs all seem to run out on different days? Error alert!
 Street scene in Ajijic.
On a trip to Guadalajara.
Mazamitla at 8000 feet!
Cathedral in Mazamitla.
Mazamitla waterfall.
Okay, there is more about life in Mexico than prescriptions. These photos show only a small part of the beauty of the Lake Chapala area. Mazamitla, about an hour south of Ajijic, at 8000 feet, is a must see and do.
So, it ain't no Longs Peak outside Estes Park, Colorado, but it is refreshing to be at elevation in any country. For me, 8000 feet just starts a feeling of joy. Or am I just short of oxygen?
And, Chapala, Ajijic, and Lake Chapala are at an altitude of 5000 feet. Just like Denver!
And since we are eliminating all problems with your prescriptions, now you have more time to enjoy your new life in Mexico.
Before we move to the final lists of drugs, I'm going to introduce you to one of my favorite people. Miguel Roman!
 Miguel, an outstanding realtor, is a great guy and true friend. You can reach his web site below:
After all, you will need somewhere to live and keep all your prescriptions, and visit with your new friends.
Now we will add the generic names to our growing list. Canada and USA share the same list of generic names. The list for Mexico is slightly different.
And the drugs in the generic columns are interactive. 'CLICK' on a drug name and you are transferred to a list of OTHER names for the item.
And, click on the drugs in that list, and you go to the manufacturers drug specific data sheet.
So, on to the next list!  Prescriptions in Mexico are packaged differently, but clearly!  If you just looked at this Brand Name, BIOFILEN, would you know it is Tenormin / atenolol?  This item, EDENOL, is Lasix in the injectable form.  This CIPROBAC, Ciprofloxin,is packed for one tablet two times a day for 5 days.  Mavidol, sold in the USA as TORADOL, is a potent N.S.A.I.D. for treatment of acute pain. This is packed in a box of 10, which is the suggested maximum number of pills to dispense.  Asoflon 0.4mg is sold in the USA as FLOMAX. Note the package size of 10 capsules. We are used to getting at least a 1 month supply, but this means more trips to the farmacia.  Cistros 10mg is sold in the USA as FOSAMAX. This package of 30 tablets is a normal one month supply for this prescription.  Actron Plus, with no equivalent in the USA, is ibuprofen 400mg plus caffeine 100mg. The indication is for headache treatment. And with that much caffeine, you might shake like a bowel full of jelly! |
|
That USA Name Drug In Mexico! ? Is it the Correct Drug? Is it the actual drug as ordered by your physician!!!! > USA and Canada Brand Drugs; We are familiar with these, but What is Lomotil in Canada and Mexico? >
Mexican, Canadian, and USA Brand Drugs, Now the confusion grows with each new drug name. |