What pain medication is available over the countere in Costa Rica?

Answer 1

There are many different forms of pain medication available in Costa Rica that is over the counter. In many cases, you do not need a prescription from a doctor (I only advise this if you already have been diagnosed by your own physician)

I am American and lived in Costa Rica. Unfortunately, I became very sick over there (I discovered I had an autoimmune disease) and spent much of my time in Costa Rica's number one hospital, CIMA. Not only is the medical care I received in this hospital far superior to any doctor/hospital I have encountered in the United States, but also unbelievably inexpensive!

If you have a permanent health condition in which you need medication for, I highly recommend stopping in one of the MANY pharmacies located throughout the cities. The pharmacists have an astounding knowledge that resembles that of an American doctor. Most people in the service profession speak very good English. However, it is very helpful to look up the Spanish word for an illness ahead of time if you know what it is you have.

One pain medication is called Lisalgil. I would compare this to a lower dose of Vicodin. You may take two tablets every six to eight hours. However, do not discredit homeopathic "medicine" you may be advised to take. I found some of the most useful medicine that has no American equivalent. Also, most mainstream prescriptions such as the very expensive Nexium, is EXTREMELY inexpensive in Costa Rica...no prescription needed!

Last time I checked, you are allowed to bring up to a three months supply of a medication back in to the states, so stock up.

Note:

I would like to add (as a Canadian living in Costa Rica), that Hospital CIMA is definitely NOT the best hospital in Costa Rica. Hospital Clinica Biblica is much better and will not try to extend your life for one or two days just so that they can administer (and charge you for) a few more tests. This is known to have happened in CIMA. For those of us who live in the country, not just snowbirding or visiting as many people do, this is very important. The quality of care at Clinica Biblica is much better, and costs substantially less. Hospital Mexico is the best of all three, but is a social security hospital and therefore is not open to non-residents.