How do I refill a US prescription in New Zealand? I will be there several months and will need to refill.?

Question

If my US doctor writes a US prescription can I fill it while I am in New Zealand? If so, how?

Answer 1

I live in NZ and a friend came to stay from the UK.  He wanted a new prescription for a large amount of sleeping pills written out by our GP, as his last one from Britain had run out.  So our GP faxed his doctor in Britain, obtained confirmation that it would be OK and gave him his prescription.  So you shouldn't have any problems.

Answer 2

You should bring a letter from your doctor. A doctor and pharmacist in NZ can't simply give you the medication. However, the letter shows the meds you are on and the strength.

My suggestion:

Take the letter to the pharmacist and tell them that you are going to go to the doctor but ask if there is anything on the list that you can simply buy 'over the counter'. Ie without having to go to a Doctor/GP office.

Then contact your local medical centre for an appointment with a GP.Just a warning, many places are having absolute shortages with doctors being unable to take on new patients so you could actually be sent to an emergency department (at least in and around Wellington. For some people it is easier to simply wait at Hutt Hospital than find a doctor) and may have to sit around and wait. For hours.

But someone will see you. It is a waste of an A&E (ER) doctor's time but it is the only way if the medical centre/ doctors office doesn't allow walk ups or impromptu appointments. And they realise this so you aren't treated any different. Also, many people new to an area have to do this as well.

So in short, get the letter which at least proves which medication you are on. You will still have to see a doctor but the procedure is much quicker.

Oh, and if you are asthmatic be aware that you will not get symbicort prescribed automatically. You would generally have to 'trial' for 3 - 6 months Oxis & Pulmicort. This applies even if you were using Symbicort in the US.

Answer 3

I'm an american and lived in NZ for a while recently.  Although I didn't have any US Rx to fill, I did find that the pharmacists in NZ have a lot more liberty to provide you with medications that are prescription strength than here in the States, so depending on your Rx, you may not need it.  Some antibiotics, codeine, Zyrtec (before it was over the counter here), and other medications.  But I'd bring it and a letter from your doc just incase.

Answer 4

bring a letter from your u s doctor , stating your are taking this medication,, then he can confirm it

Answer 5

there isn't enough drugs in all of new zealand to provide 1 american with their prescription needs