www.CostaRicaTicas.com

I will be in San Jose for some extensive dental work (whole lower jaw). I am sure the Doctor will tell me what pain killers to purchase at the local pharmancy. Problem is there are no scripts required, I expect I would have a problem getting them back through customs.

Anyone have this type of experience and can provide advice. Thanks

Scripts are required for the real deal. Ask for a photocopy of the script itself once the Rx is filled; too, make certain that a label is placed on the box of medication you acquire.

Now, the equivalent of Tylenol #3 does not require a Rx in Costa Rica...those are purchased over the counter, but they are a controlled substance in the USA (30mg of codeine) and I dare say if you're one of the lucky one's who gets searched, you'll be asked about what's the deal.

_________________
"Actual happiness always looks pretty squalid in comparison with the over-compensations for misery. And, of course, stability isn't nearly so spectacular as instability. And being contented has none of the glamour of a good fight against misfortune, none of the picturesqueness of a struggle with temptation, or a fatal overthrow by passion or doubt. Happiness is never grand."
- Aldous Huxley, Brave New World, Ch. 16

I have come back with Med's. It is now only 30 days worth. With a script. But, the rules change all the time. Next list it on the card they give you on the plane. Tell them the truth, Do not hide anything. If they have an issue then they will take it. But, you will have obeyed all the rules. They can not make and issue of that.

Good luck

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Take a walk on the wild side.

Many pain meds are not available here. A friend of mine came down here, and he was on either a vicodin or oxy script, and they simply are not here. The only thing stronger than Tyl3 they had wsa the real deal - morphine, but no pills. He had to buy syringes and ampouilles (sp) from the farmacia

You can get straight codeine without a prescription, oxaforte it's called. If you take enough of those you won't feel much pain. If you are looking for something stronger you may have to see a doctor. If you want to bring stuff back to the USA... is it really for dental pain? You can sneak in reasonable amounts of almost anything but prescription drugs don't come in labeled bottles here like in the USA. So if you do get questioned, it'll be more difficult to prove they were prescribed by a doctor.

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"The only normal people are those you don't know very well." Joe Ancis

Thank you for the advice. Yes, I am really going to Costa Rica for extensive dental work at the advice of my insurance company. I believe that after I have had root canals, implants and crowns I will probably really need some meds. I am not trying to smuggle illegal drugs into the US, I just want to know how I can get what the doctor gives be back since you do not need script's like you do in the states. If they are taken away by customs I will not be able to get them in the States.

OK, this advice is laborious, with some expense and a pain in the ass but:
(1) If you have a US dentist, get a letter on letterhead stationery saying this surgery is necessary and the following post-op meds are also necessary--X/ Y /Z; (2) Get a letter from your insurance company saying this dental treatment is best performed in CR; (3) present this documentation to to the US Embassy in Rohrmoser, asking to speak to the Medical Officer; (4) Get some sign-off by that worthy as to the necessity and efficacy of the meds.
You're taking about substances that even in small amounts the ICE takes very seriously--if you don't cover yourself 8 ways to the Ace you can get yourself in serious trouble...they are aware that a CR dentist/ "doc-in-a-box" will write you a script for just about anything.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

OK, this advice is laborious, with some expense and a pain in the ass but:
(1) If you have a US dentist, get a letter on letterhead stationery saying this surgery is necessary and the following post-op meds are also necessary--X/ Y /Z; (2) Get a letter from your insurance company saying this dental treatment is best performed in CR; (3) present this documentation to to the US Embassy in Rohrmoser, asking to speak to the Medical Officer; (4) Get some sign-off by that worthy as to the necessity and efficacy of the meds.
You're taking about substances that even in small amounts the ICE takes very seriously--if you don't cover yourself 8 ways to the Ace you can get yourself in serious trouble...they are aware that a CR dentist/ "doc-in-a-box" will write you a script for just about anything.

_________________
"A man accustomed to hear only the echo of his own sentiments, soon bars all the common avenues of delight, and has no part in the general gratification of mankind"--Dr. Johnson
"Amen, brother"-ED

U.S. dentists usually prescribe Vicodin or some hydrocodone, but as Bilko noted, they don`t have that in CR. The next step up is morphine injections and overkill for dental pain, so you are stuck with the weaker codiene. I can`t imagine customs arresting you for a week`s supply of codiene, especially if you show them a dentist`s receipt. I`d say the very worst they`d do is take it away from you. They have much bigger fish to fry than some poor guy with a drilled up mouth and a few boxes of codiene. But if by chance they take them away, just see your doc in the U.S. and get the more powerful vicodins. My take FWIW and good luck.