Belize Medication Travel Guide

If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's important to be prepared and pack the necessary medications. While Belizean pharmacies carry most major brands of medication, the prices can be significantly higher than in the US. It's also worth noting that some medications that require a prescription in the US can be purchased over the counter in Belize, and vice versa. It is recommended that travellers pack extra supplies of important health items and copies of their prescriptions, including generic names, in case of loss or travel delays.

- Prescription medications

- Travellers' diarrhoea antibiotics

- Altitude sickness medicine

- Malaria prevention medication

- Motion sickness medicine

- Painkillers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen

- Mild sedatives or sleep aids

- Hand sanitiser or antibacterial wipes (at least 60% alcohol)

- Insect repellent

- Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) with UVA and UVB protection

- Personal safety equipment, such as bicycle helmets

- Antifungal and antibacterial ointments

- Bandages and gauze

Generic drugs are cheaper than branded versions

If you're planning a trip to Belize, it's important to be prepared with the necessary medications, especially if you're bringing prescription drugs. While Belize pharmacies carry most major brands, medications can be expensive, often marked up by about 25% compared to prices in the US. However, generic drugs offer a more affordable option.

Generic drugs are typically much cheaper than their branded counterparts, and this price difference is also seen in Belize. Generic medications are manufactured in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and recently, England and Spain. The savings can be significant. For example, a common allergy medication, Levocetirizine, costs about $30 for a box of 30 pills when purchased under a brand name, while the same generic medication imported from the UK costs about half the price.

So, why are generic drugs cheaper? When a pharmaceutical company develops a new drug, they invest significant time and money in research and development. After the drug is approved by the FDA, patents allow them to exclusively market and price the drug for years without competition. Once these patents expire, other companies can develop and sell generic versions using the same active ingredient.

Generic drug manufacturers don't incur the same high research and development costs as the original developer, as they don't have to repeat animal and clinical studies to prove safety and effectiveness. This results in substantial cost savings, which are passed on to the consumer. Additionally, multiple generic versions of the same branded drug often enter the market simultaneously, creating competition that further drives down prices.

It's important to note that generic drugs are held to the same high standards as their branded counterparts by regulatory bodies like the FDA. They must have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, route of administration, and label as the branded drug. They are also required to be bioequivalent, meaning they produce the same clinical benefits and risks. While there may be differences in inactive ingredients and appearance due to trademark laws, generic drugs offer the same therapeutic effects as branded drugs at a more affordable price.

Narcotics are hard to access

Belize has a serious problem with narcotics trafficking. The country is consistently ranked among the top 10 countries in the world for homicides per capita, with a murder rate of just under 40 per 100,000 residents. The United States Department of State's Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is working with the Belize Police Department to counter this issue.

The INL provides training, equipment, and expertise to help the Belize Police Department detect and disrupt narcotics trafficking by Transnational Criminal Organisations (TCOs) and local gangs. They also work to improve the capacity of a DEA-vetted Anti-Narcotics Unit (ANU) to conduct complex trafficking investigations and build cases for prosecution.

Despite these efforts, narcotics remain a significant issue in Belize, and the country's law enforcement and judicial institutions are struggling to keep up. Conviction rates are low, and the government lacks the resources to dedicate sufficient prevention measures to reduce crime and violence effectively.

The country's porous and sparsely populated borders and coastline make it a major transit zone for narcotics and other contraband. The Belize Coast Guard, Defense Force, and police are hampered by limited funds, inadequate training and equipment, and a lack of personnel, making it challenging to secure the country's borders effectively.

As a result of these factors, narcotics are hard to access for those who need them for medical purposes. While some prescription drugs are available in Belize and may cost less than in the United States, the selection may be limited, and some medications may be more expensive. It is recommended that travellers bring their own supply of any necessary medications when visiting Belize, ensuring that they have copies of all prescriptions, including generic names, and that these are packed in carry-on luggage rather than checked bags to avoid loss or theft.

Most medications are from major manufacturers

Belize has been a net importer of manufactured products from the USA for many years. Pharmacies in Belize carry most medications from major manufacturers such as Abbott, Pfizer, Merck, Eli Lilly, Johnson & Johnson, and others. Most brands are North American or European, and more recently, sourced from Latin America.

Medications in Belize are generally 25% more expensive than in the US, but there are exceptions. These are mainly for generic drugs manufactured in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Some enterprising pharmaceutical importers in Belize have started sourcing generic medications from England and Spain, which can be substantially cheaper. For example, a box of 30 pills of the common allergy medication Levocetirizine costs about $30 for the brand name version, while the same generic medication imported from the UK retails for about half the price.

It is important to note that not all medications may be available in Belize, and it is recommended to take any necessary medications with you when travelling to Belize. Additionally, some medications available in Belize may have different names or be labelled in Spanish. It is always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your medication or travel plans.

Medication is more expensive than in the US

Medication in Belize is generally more expensive than in the US. While you can purchase practically any type of medication in Belize, they are marked-up by about 25% compared to US prices. This is due to the country's small consumer base of around 390,000 people, which means taxes are levied at every step of the pharmaceuticals import supply chain. However, there are exceptions to this rule, mainly for generic drugs manufactured in Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Recently, importers have begun sourcing generic medications from England and Spain, which can result in substantial savings. For example, a box of 30 pills of the brand-name allergy medication Levocetirizine costs $30, whereas the same generic medication imported from the UK costs about half the price.

Basic medications such as antibiotics and pain medication are not taxed in Belize. However, other medications can be significantly more expensive than in the US. For instance, Retin-A cream 0.05% 40g, used to treat acne and pre-cancerous skin conditions, costs US$71 by prescription in Belize. Diclofenac sodium 100mg, an NSAID pain medication, costs between BZ$.50 to BZ$1.05 per coated tablet, depending on the source. Diazepam 10mg costs between BZ$1.00 to BZ$1.25 per sealed strip and BZ$.80 when sold loose. Hipercor D 50mg, the generic version of Cozaar, a medication to control high blood pressure, costs BZ$29 for a 30 tablet pack. Omeprazol, a proton pump inhibitor used to treat stomach acid, costs between BZ$.50 to BZ$1.00 per capsule, depending on the brand and source.

If you are a traveller or expat in Belize, it is important to be aware of the availability and cost of medications, especially if you require prescription drugs. While some medications may be cheaper in Belize than in the US, it is always a good idea to bring enough of your prescribed medication with you when travelling, as availability may vary. It is also recommended to bring copies of all your prescriptions, including the generic names of the medications, as some medications may be referred to by their brand names in Belize.

If you are moving to Belize, it is worth considering the country's healthcare system and whether it will meet your needs. While Belize has dedicated and caring doctors, the country has been criticised for its lack of healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and advanced equipment. Many expats choose to purchase international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or the cost of flying home for emergency treatment. Alternatively, some expats choose to self-insure, as the cost of common medical surgeries and services in Belize is relatively low.

Some medications don't require prescriptions

When travelling to Belize, it is important to pack any medications you may need, along with copies of your prescriptions. While you can purchase most types of medication in Belize, they tend to be more expensive than in the US.

Some medications in Belize do not require a prescription. These include:

• Antibiotics
• Some painkillers, including NSAIDs such as diclofenac sodium and acetaminophen
• Anti-acid stomach medication, such as omeprazole
• Anti-allergy medication, such as Levocetirizine
• Diazepam
• Hipercor D, a medication for controlling high blood pressure

Additionally, some over-the-counter medications that you can pack or purchase in Belize include:

• Loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) for diarrhoea
• Motion sickness medicine
• Cough suppressants/expectorants
• Mild sedatives or other sleep aids
• Medicine for pain and fever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen

Frequently asked questions