Is It Safe To Buy Cheap Medicine From Malaysia - Without A Prescription? | Talking Point
CNA Insider・18 minutes read
Millions of Singaporeans travel to Johor Bahru for cheaper prescription drugs without needing a prescription at pharmacies, with video creator Ryan C serving as a personal shopping guide for affordable medications. Despite concerns about safety and lax enforcement of prescription medication laws in Malaysia, generic medications are substantially cheaper than branded ones due to local production, although proper monitoring by a doctor is essential for safe usage.
Insights
- Prescription drugs in Malaysia are notably cheaper than in Singapore, easily accessible without a prescription, leading many Singaporeans to opt for purchasing medications across the border.
- While generic medications in Malaysia offer significant cost savings due to expired patents and local production, concerns about the potency and safety of certain products highlight the importance of proper monitoring and guidance from healthcare professionals when using prescription medications.
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Recent questions
Are prescription drugs cheaper in Malaysia?
Yes, prescription drugs in Malaysia are significantly cheaper than in Singapore, with no need for a prescription at pharmacies.
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Summary
00:00
"Singaporeans Cross Border for Cheaper Medications"
- Millions of Singaporeans travel to Johor Bahru annually for cheaper goods, including prescription drugs.
- Prescription drugs in Malaysia are significantly cheaper than in Singapore, with no need for a prescription at pharmacies.
- Ryan C, a video creator comparing life in both countries, serves as a personal shopping guide for cheaper medications.
- Medications like cholesterol and blood pressure drugs, even Panadol, are notably cheaper in Malaysia.
- Buying up to 3 months' worth of medicines without a prescription is common practice in Malaysia.
- Despite concerns about safety, many Singaporeans purchase prescription meds in Malaysia without a doctor's note.
- Singaporeans can easily buy high blood pressure, cholesterol, painkillers, and antibiotics in Malaysian pharmacies without a prescription.
- Generic medications in Malaysia are substantially cheaper than branded ones due to expired patents and local production.
- A visit to a Malaysian drug manufacturer reveals the cost-saving factors behind generic medications.
- Enforcement of prescription medication laws in Malaysia may be lax, leading to easy access to prescription meds without proper documentation.
17:50
Price Discrepancy Between Medications in Singapore and Malaysia
- The price of medication in Singapore is nearly half of what it is in Malaysia, with delivery taking under a week.
- Samples of Truma cream and generic medications from Malaysia were sent to a lab for testing, revealing that Truma cream had only 63.3% potency due to improper storage conditions during delivery.
- Generic medications bought physically in Malaysia passed the potency test, indicating they are safe to use, but it is crucial to have a doctor monitor the use of prescription medications for proper and safe usage.
