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Wondering about the cost & availability of prescription and over-the-counter medications in Panama?
We compiled a list of the 50 most prescribed medications in the United States and researched their price and availability in Panama. Subscribe below to get that list.
To determine if the drug you need is available and what it costs, check prices at
Farma Value or FarmaPanama
It’s important to mention that availability changes constantly. We’ve learned there are many reasons for this. Sometimes due to changes in what is allowed by the health department. Sometimes due to a lack of supply from the pharmaceutical companies.
In Panama, you don’t need a prescription for most medications and the prices are usually less than what you’d pay in the United States.
For example, Lisinopril (brand names Prinivil & Zestril), which is used in the treatment of high blood pressure is available over-the-counter and sells for $11.56 in Panama. The same dose and quantity in the United States costs approximately $15.40 to $17.36 – over 33% more.
Metformin (brand names Glucophage, Fortamet, Glumetza, Riomet), which is used for the treatment of diabetes, sells for $7.25 in Panama. It’s also available over-the-counter. The same dose and quantity in the United States typically costs 160% more – $19.20.
Not all drugs cost less in Panama – Venlafaxine (brand name Effexor), which is used to treat depression and anxiety, can cost 700% more in Panama.
Some good news: If you have a Panama pensionado residency visa or if you have any residency visa and are 55+ for women or 60+ for men, you will receive a 10% discount on medications in Panama. Some pharmacies offer a 20% discount on certain days of the week.
If you take prescription medications, it’s a good idea to research their cost & availability before you move to Panama.
To get our full report on medications in Panama, enter your email address in the box below. When you do, we’ll email you the report. You’ll also be subscribed to our email newsletter to get other tips about moving to Panama.
Hi Jackie, I take Metformin, but I order my 90 day supply from the US (Amazon) for $17. Otherwise, when I purchase it in Boquete, I paid $1.50 per pill for a 30 day supply, which is quite a bit higher. So for a 90 day supply it would cost $135. Wish we could get Armour Thyroid here!! It’s super expensive in the US but the synthetic formulations are horrible for the body. Thanks!
Metformin is only 24 cents a pill at the pharmacies we contacted. That’s a huge difference. You should check prices with other pharmacies. Remember, hospital pharmacies are often much more affordable.
We are flying to pty Sunday, then off to David, any chance of getting the names of inexpensive pharmacy’s. My wife takes the armour thyroid. We might have to have it shipped in from Miami.
see the list of sources on the report of the top 10 medications.
Hi Jackie,
Do you have cyprolex on your list?
you can see the complete list at https://panamarelocationtours.com/drugs
Hi Jackie, I didn’t see Epi-pens/auto injectors on the list (for anaphylaxis allergy reactions)?
the list is only the top 50 medications prescribed, not ALL medications in Panama.
You can contact Arrocha, the largest pharmacy to check on particular meds. https://arrocha.com/
Hi Jackie can I get trelegy ellipta inhaler or breztri inhaler for Copd and how can I get it thru an insurance with a co pay, I’ll be in panama in august For 3 to 6 months and I’ll be getting your online guide but I cannot be without the inhaler I’m just traveling and exploring to see where am I going to live by the beach or boquete and hopefully sometime I can meet you personally you are a wonderful and helpful lady. Thank you
You may be able to get your inhalers mailed to Panama using a mail forwarding service. You would not be able to get health insurance in Panama for COPD and most Panama health insurance does not cover medications. Some people have breathing problems at the higher elevations so you need to be careful when you come to Panama.
the dr at the local clinic wrote me a prescription for a inhaler. $13.20 plus $10 office visit. maybe they will use the link you shared. thank you for sharing your knowledge about panama.
Hi there. Is advagraf available in Panama? It’s quiet pricey in Canada. Would you by any chance have any information?
you would need to call a pharmacy in Panama to determine if it is available Try Arrocha.com
Was able to check the list and find that the prescription drugs I’m on are available except the vitamin d3 25mcg. I’ll continue to check. Thank you so much for this information 🙏.
Kevin, Vitamin D3 is available but I don’t know if they have 25mg. I’ve seen 100, 500, 1000, and 5000MG at pharmacies
How much is a 90 day supply of eliquis
You will need to call a Panama pharmacy to get the price of the medications or look at the free report for prices.
Can you tell me what the cost of Ozempic insulin is in Panama?
Thank you!
you would need to call a Panama pharmacy to get the price of drugs. The two biggest pharmacies are Arrocha and REvilla.
Can I get a drug called Jakafi for my Myleo Fibrosis in Panama
check availability and price at https://www.farmapana.com/
Hi Jackie,
Thank you for sending your list of medications available in Panama. I did not see Eliquis (apixaban) on the list. This is a very common blood thinner widely used for heart conditions such atrial fibrillation. Is there anyway I can find out if it is available in Panama even though it is not on your list. Thank you for your help.
Eliquis is available at some pharmacies. See these prices —
Eliquis 2.5 mg 60 tabletas recubiertas $81.58
Eliquis 5 mg 60 tabletas recubiertas $75.90
Hi Jackie,
Do you know if tamoxifen, a drug used for breast cancer treatment, is readily available in Panama and what the cost might be?
Thank you,
Cassie
I do not know if it is available. You could set up a $35 telemedicine consultation with a Panama doctor to find out. go to http://www.ExpatHealthServices.com
Can you buy wygovy or ozempic in Panama without a prescription and the cost if so
Hello. I don’t know if those drugs are available or if you can get them without a script. You can check availability and price at https://www.pricelisto.com/menu-prices/farmavalue-pa
Hello, Can we buy a Diamox(Acetazolamide) for attitude sickenss without prescription in Panama City?
Thank you very much
you can check availability and price for drugs at https://www.pricelisto.com/menu-prices/farmavalue-pa
Hey Jackie,
Can I fill my adhd meds there? I take adderall
Herold, you would need to contact a pharmacy to see if your medications are available. The biggest pharmacy is Arrocha.com or you can contact expathealthservices.com to set up a telemedicine appointment.
Hi Jackie,
Please clarify for me that one of the least expensive places to buy Meds in Panama is from the Pharmacy in a Public Hospital? You mentioned in one of your videos that they will only fill prescriptions that were written by one of the Doctors at that hospital. So even if the medications do not require a prescription in Panama you need to have a prescription (or some kind of Doctor’s order) from one of their Doctors to purchase medications at a Public Hospital Pharmacy?
Many Thanks, Fred
Fred, it’s $2 to see a doctor at a public hospital. private hospitals also have good med prices and you may not need a prescription for many meds.
Hi Jackie,
You mentioned a private and public hospital pharmacy, any chance you would a name and a phone number of a public pharmacy and a private pharmacy that I could call to check on some prices. I checked a few of the websites you recommended but just wanted to check these other places.
Many Thanks,
John
John, see the two links in the article of a pharmacy where you can check prices of meds.
Hi Jackie,
Is Adderall prescribed in Panama? If not, what are the alternatives?
Zo, see the link to two websites in the article to check the availability of drugs. if it’s not available, you will need to contact a Panama doctor for an alternative
Dood day Ms. Jackie.
Would Benicar be available? I think the generic is Olmesartan.
Thank you so much.
hello Anasthasie, click on the Farma Value links in the article to determine if that medication is available and what it costs.
Hi Jackie,
I’m thinking about the telehealth call with Expat Health. Will the doctor be looking for a medical history form or should I have access to my medical records etc? I’m wondering how comprehensive the discussion will be. I can sometimes be difficult to medical history with a physician.
Hi Joe. I do not recommend expat health. You can get excellent service and a thorough consultation with
[Name] Juan Luis Carbone Picard-Ami, MD
[Mobile] +507 6496-6166
(Office) 507-204-8329
(Email) – [email protected]
He can do telemedicine or you can make an appointment to see him at his office in Pacific Salud (Johns Hopkins hospital).
He speaks perfect English.
He’s glad to answer your questions via email too.
If necessary, he can make recommendations to specialists in Panama too!