Mexican Pharmacy: What You Need To Know Before Buying

• by Lee Ferrell, MD
• Reviewed by Terry Woodward, PhD
• Published 4 september 2024

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About Us

When you think about online pharmacy markets, Mexico might not be the first country that comes to mind; however, that’s about to change. With its growing market and strong online presence, Mexico now represents the 2nd-largest pharmaceutical market in Latin America. Mexican pharmacy is a digital drugstore that provides both generic and brand-name medications at significantly lower prices compared to the U.S. These pharmacies have become major players in the global market and are highly regulated by COFEPRIS, ensuring that both physical and online outlets meet strict standards of safety and quality. There are more than 140 enterprises in the pharmaceutical sector, supported by over 50,000 employees, enabling the efficient distribution of medicines both locally and internationally. Customers from all over the world, particularly North America, benefit from the ease of access to affordable pharmaceutical products.

Key data to consider:

• The market is going to reach 13.86 billion USD in 2024. CAGR of 4.10% from 2024 to 2029.
• It is estimated that the average revenue per capita gained would be 107.10 USD in 2024.
• The value of the pharma industry was projected to be more than 8B United States dollars at the end of 2021.

Important market dynamics to keep in mind are listed below:

• The availability of pharmacies in Mexico is beneficial for clients. They are now readily accessible in both urban and rural locations. This makes it possible for all types of customers to receive their drugs easily.
• Mexican pharmacies often provide a diverse selection of healthcare goods.
• When compared to the United States, the costs of prescription pharmaceuticals in Mexico are often cheaper. This is one of the reasons why many Americans choose to acquire their prescriptions from there.
• The market is comprised of a number of significant pharmaceutical businesses. The companies that are currently in the top spot in terms of net sales are being considered to be key participants in the industry.

Specific Information about Mexico Pharmacies

As already mentioned above, in 2021, the pharmaceutical market in Mexico was valued at more than 8 billion USD. According to projections, it is anticipated to expand, reaching around 13.86 billion USD by the end of this year.

Among leading chains, there are the following:

• With 2,348 locations as of March 2019, FEMSA Health Division is the biggest drugstore chain in Mexico.
• With 2,043 locations, Farmacias Guadalajara is the second-largest chain in Mexico.
• Another big player with 1,174 outlets is Farmacias Benavides.

Generic medications account for close to 90% of the total government pharma expenditures. Also, in the industry, the COVID-19 pandemic was a crucial factor. It contributed to the growth of e-commerce. As an example:

• Over the month of March in the year 2020, the sales of medicinal items on Mercado Libre climbed by 114%.

Assortment of Products: Prescription and OTC Drugs

An extensive inventory of healthcare items is sold in Mexican pharmacies. This includes both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications. These pharmacies are able to meet a variety of healthcare requirements. Mexico’s pharmacies have a variety of prescription pharmaceuticals. Namely:

• antibiotics,
• antihypertensives,
• antidiabetics,
• analgesics, and more.

The availability of medications that are often given, such as amoxicillin, lisinopril, and metformin, is widespread. In order to guarantee that these drugs are used in a manner that is both safe and appropriate, it is customary to need a prescription from a qualified healthcare professional before gaining access to them. Certain pharmaceuticals that may be prohibited or need special permission in other countries may be more available in Mexico. This is despite the fact that restrictions have been strengthened to limit the abuse of such prescriptions.

OTC drugs are also available over-the-counter in Mexican pharmacies. These pharmaceuticals include common pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen and cold and allergy medications such as cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. Antacids, laxatives, and topical therapies for the treatment of mild disorders are also available in a variety of formulations. The alternatives are immense; there are products to choose from for customers based on their interests and economic capacities. Many Mexican pharmacies have products prepared by both domestic and foreign brands.

There are also, of course, additional health products. In addition to pharmaceuticals, Mexican pharmacies usually sell a variety of health and wellness goods, such as vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal cures. Furthermore, there are certain tools for personal care that may be purchased. These include contraceptives, skin care products, and first-aid kits. Consumers are becoming more interested in holistic health. That is reflected in the fact that many pharmacies offer entire sections that are devoted to cosmetic items and supplements that enhance health. Overall, Mexican pharmacies are well-stocked with an assortment of prescription and OTC drugs. Both routine and specific health needs can be addressed conveniently.

How to Order: Ordering Drugs via Mail

It is not that difficult to place an order and get the medications delivered to your home. Here is a detailed breakdown of the process:

1. Inquire with Your Physician. Consult a health-care professional before placing an order for any prescription. You are to be sure the drug you wish to purchase is safe and proper for your case.
2. Find a Reputable Pharmacy. Investigate and choose a Mexican pharmacy that has a good reputation. Make sure the pharmacy is licensed and check out the reviews that have been left.
3. Obtain a Prescription. Request a prescription from your primary care physician. Please be aware that in order to purchase controlled substances, you may need to get a prescription from a physician in the United States specifically.
4. Place an Order. To make your purchase, you may either go to the pharmacy’s website or get in touch with them via other means. Provide the relevant information about the prescription.
5. Inquire about the Shipping Policies. Be cautious to check the shipping rules of the pharmacy to confirm that they are able to ship to your region. Make sure you verify the anticipated arrival time as well as the shipping expenses.
6. Supply All Key Documentation. Include a copy of your prescription, a letter from your doctor, and any other required documentation in the shipment.
7. Ensure that the payment procedure is completed using a safe payment gateway. Be wary of any extra fees or charges that may be incurred.
8. Track Your Order. In order to keep track of the status of the shipment, you should make use of the tracking information that the pharmacy has supplied (if applicable).
9. Monitor Declaration. See to it that each and every drug is declared upon arrival at customs.
10. Receive Your Medication. Once your order has been received, check to see whether the medicine matches your prescription and look for any inconsistencies. The drug must be in its original container and correctly labeled.

There are also some considerations to keep in mind. Verify that the pharmaceuticals you are in the process of purchasing are legal to bring into your country before placing your order. It is possible that some drugs possess certain limits or call for supplementary paperwork. Also, be aware of the possible hazards associated with purchasing prescriptions online, such as the possibility of receiving counterfeit pharmaceuticals or an improper dose. And just, to bring it up again, as it’s very important. Before starting any new medication, you should always speak with your qualified healthcare professional. Following these steps can help ensure a safe and smooth process when ordering medications from Mexico.

How to Choose a Safe Mexico Pharmacy?

It is very important to exercise caution while navigating the Mexican online pharmacy environment. You must guarantee dependability and safety through thorough research. You may choose a reliable service provider with the aid of this detailed overview:

1. Check for Legality and Certification. Please check with the Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) to validate the online pharmacy’s license before placing an order. The protection of your health is paramount, of course, and only licensed pharmacies are regulated to ensure this. Check their website for details on certifications and licenses, or get directly in touch with COFEPRIS to be sure.
2. Verify Prescription Requirements. A legitimate online pharmacy will require a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider for prescription medications. Be wary of pharmacies that sell prescription medications over-the-counter. This can be a sign of unethical or even criminal activity.
3. Check the Safety of the Website. Verify that the website safeguards sensitive information (such as your payment details) using secure encryption. In addition to the padlock symbol in the address bar, you should see “https://” in the URL. We will expand more on that below since this is a very important point.
4. Check out the Ratings and Reviews Left by Regular Customers. Find out how others feel about the drugstore by reading reviews and ratings. Reputable pharmacies will have honest evaluations and good comments from their previous consumers. Stay away from pharmacies that have a lot of complaints or reviews about how bad their service is or how bad their products are.
5. Evaluate the Support and Service to Customers. Support from a trustworthy online pharmacy should be easy to get in touch with. Check if they provide clear contact information, including a phone number and email address. When you have good customer service, you can handle any problems that come up.
6. Evaluate How Products Are Shipped and Their Quality. Verify that the pharmacy uses secure delivery methods and only sells authentic pharmaceuticals. You should exercise caution when dealing with pharmacies that promise very cheap pricing or do not provide you the option to monitor your purchases. Honest drugstores will be transparent about where their items come from and how good they are.

How to Identify a Secure Website

As mentioned above, a padlock symbol next to the URL and the prefix https:// would indicate that the website employs encryption to safeguard your data. You may see more information about the website’s security certificate and its legitimacy by clicking the padlock symbol. If a website asks you to submit important information without using encryption, simply run the other way. Also, before you provide any personal or financial information to a website, make sure they have transparent privacy policies in place. Scan their website to find a dedicated section for a privacy policy. Also, verify that the payment systems they support are safe.

Customer Feedback and Pharmacy Trustworthiness

In order to determine how reliable a pharmacy is, customer reviews are essential. To find out how satisfied people are with the pharmacy’s services overall, read reviews and ratings on independent platforms and forums. High ratings and positive reviews are usually signs of dependable service and good items. If a pharmacy has a lot of unfavorable or fake-sounding or way-too-positive reviews, you should be wary of using their services or purchasing their products.

Regulators in Mexico

Established in 2001, COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección against Riesgos Sanitarios) is responsible for regulating web-based pharmacies in the country. The Mexican Ministry of Health’s decentralized agency COFEPRIS is tasked with regulating and overseeing health-related industries. This, of course, includes pharmaceuticals. The broad goal is safeguarding the people from any health hazards and malpractices.

To guarantee the legitimacy and security of internet pharmacies, the COFEPRIS implements stringent restrictions. Among these rules are:

1. Certification and Licensing. In order to legally operate, online pharmacies are required to receive a permit from COFEPRIS. To show that they have been reviewed and authorized, businesses must display the COFEPRIS Seal on their websites.
2. Prescription Requirements. Online purchases of medications requiring a prescription must be identical to those made at brick-and-mortar pharmacies. Prescription medication abuse may be lessened through always asking for a prescription.
3. Quality Control. The quality of the pharmaceuticals offered online is ensured by COFEPRIS. They run frequent inspections and audits, which also verify that the medications are kept and managed correctly.

As we already established, due to rising internet penetration and the ease of online buying, the online pharmacy business in Mexico has shown substantial expansion in recent years. The majority of Mexican customers prefer buying pharmaceuticals from licensed online pharmacies. They appreciate the certainty of quality and safety, according to a poll done by COFEPRIS.

Overall, COFEPRIS has implemented many countermeasures to combat illicit internet pharmacies. Over a hundred illicit internet pharmacies providing fake or unlicensed pharmaceuticals were shut down by COFEPRIS in 2022 alone. The spread of counterfeit drugs marketed via uncontrolled internet platforms is one of the key difficulties addressed by COFEPRIS. In order to tackle this problem, the commission works with global organizations.

The online pharmacy industry is experiencing rapid technological change. COFEPRIS is working hard to update its regulatory framework to reflect this. Digital verification procedures and improved tracking systems are part of this.

List of Safe Pharmacies

There are several COFEPRIS-approved web-based pharmacies that many people turn to. Each is distinct, but the overall quality level is similar.

Farmacia San Isidro

Medications, OTC remedies, personal care goods, and infant necessities are just some of the many things sold by this widely recognized Mexican pharmacy business. To meet a wide range of medical requirements, they stock both name-brand and generic pharmaceuticals. Among web-based Mexican pharmacies, Farmacia San Isidro has a great reputation. They have some of the most affordable pricing. Clients have the option of shopping either online or in actual shops. Medications and other health-related goods may be easily perused and purchased on the Internet, which is really convenient. Customers may get their meds without ever having to leave the comfort of their own homes thanks to their convenient home delivery service. Also, if a consumer has any questions or concerns about their purchase or the pharmacy itself, they may contact the customer service department by phone or online. The extensive product selection, reasonable prices, and dependable delivery services offered by Farmacia San Isidro consistently get good evaluations from customers. Branded and generic pharmaceuticals are both readily available online, which is a huge plus for customers.

Farmacia San Pablo

Among Mexico’s most prominent pharmacy businesses, Farmacia San Pablo provides a comprehensive selection of pharmaceuticals and related services. Products for personal and infant care, as well as over-the-counter and prescription pharmaceuticals, are available from this store. The drugstore has a strong online presence in addition to its vast network of physical outlets. Their website and mobile app make it easy for customers to buy things. They provide free home delivery for many products, which makes it easier for customers to get their medications and other health-related items. They also offer medical consultations via video calls, which is an extra convenience for customers. Also, they have a loyalty program called Club Salud, where customers can earn points with every purchase and redeem them for discounts and other benefits. In a broader sense, this pharmacy is noted for its great line-up of products. The website and app make online purchasing easy and convenient. They even provide home delivery choices. The above-mentioned video consultations with doctors are a huge boon for consumers who want to get medical advice without leaving the comfort of their own homes. Customers are more satisfied and loyal as a result of the Club Salud program’s discounts and benefits. One complaint that is repeated fairly often is that the prices for some medications are higher than at other local pharmacies. Also, while most customers have had positive experiences with delivery, a few have mentioned delays.

Farmacias Guadalajara

Medications, personal care goods, food, and more may be found at yet another popular Mexican pharmacy chain. With more than 2,729 locations in 469 cities in 2024, this company enjoyed popularity in the country. Overall, clients can expect a pleasant experience. The reviews are always praising the friendly personnel and the wide selection of items. The website makes it easy to see the prices of various items, including popular pharmaceuticals. Also, Farmacias Guadalajara continues to expand. It became the first Mexican pharma chain to establish a presence across all states, including Mexico City.

Farmacias del Ahorro

Among Mexico’s many pharmacies, including those that were mentioned above, Farmacias del Ahorro stands out for its extensive selection of pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter medicines, and personal care goods. A high degree of dependability and safety is shown by Fahorro.com’s great trust score of 96% on Scamdoc. Not too many user reviews are accessible, but overall, customers seem happy. The company provides a wide variety of health-related items. Overall, it’s a popular pick, but not as popular as some of the others.

Price Comparison

Here is a quick comparison table of medication prices across various online Mexican pharmacies:

Note that the prices may change by the time you are reading this.

That is why we decided to include a list of general observations:

• With just minor differences, the prices at most pharmacies are rather reasonable and much lower than in countries like the US;
• You may find both name-brand and generic pharmaceuticals at every pharmacy;
• The majority of drugstores provide dependable delivery services, and some even go the extra mile by supplying tracking information.

FAQ

Do Mexican pharmacies need a prescription for OTC medications?

No. Numerous OTC drugs may be purchased at Mexican pharmacies without a prescription. Painkillers, cold remedies, and digestive aids are all examples of treatments for mild diseases that can be sold prescription-free. Of course, you must always be cautious with these drugs. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Is the United States government strict about the importation of drugs from Mexican pharmacies?

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established some rules regarding the importation of pharmaceuticals from Mexican pharmacies into the United States. It is generally permissible to import drugs in personal-use amounts. However, it is imperative that the medications be intended for personal use alone and not for re-sale. In order to be in compliance, it is essential to review the FDA’s regulations and talk to customs officers.

Is it possible to get medications delivered by Mexican pharmacies?

Medication delivery services are offered by a large number of Mexican pharmacies, particularly in larger cities. Services for delivery might vary from planned deliveries to same-day deliveries. For further information on delivery alternatives, costs, and coverage zones, it’s recommended to contact the pharmacy directly. You may turn to the sites of the pharmacies that were mentioned in this review, too.

How can I be sure that the drugs I buy in Mexico are genuine?

Whether you are concerned about the safety of the pharmaceuticals you buy from Mexican pharmacies, you should check whether the pharmacy has a license from COFEPRIS. Additional methods to ensure the medicine is genuine include looking for tamper-evident seals on the package and contacting the manufacturer via their website or customer service.

Can you easily communicate with Mexican pharmacists despite language barriers?

Because not all Mexican pharmacists are native English speakers, communication difficulties may arise. Those who aren’t fluent in Spanish should either bring a friend who is or utilize translation apps. You should always call ahead to make sure that services are available in English.

Final Words: Is It Safe to Buy Drugs from Mexico?

It is possible to purchase pharmaceuticals from Mexico without any significant risk. Nonetheless, it is essential to take some steps in order to guarantee that you are receiving genuine and risk-free medications. Below, some of the most important things to keep in mind will be discussed.

Safety tips are:

• Select Reputable Pharmacies. It is important to make sure that you only purchase from pharmacies that are well-known and have a good reputation. Keep an eye out for pharmacies that are licensed and have received positive feedback from real consumers.
• Pay Attention to the Medications. Check to see that the drugs you are acquiring have been given the go-ahead by the relevant licensing authorities. Check to see that the labels and packaging are correct.
• Inquire with Your Physician. Make sure that the drug you want to buy is suitable for your condition and will not have any adverse effects on the other medications you are already taking. Consulting with your healthcare professional before making any purchases is crucial.
• Controlled Substances Should Be Avoided. Strong caution is advised when dealing with controlled substances since these may be subject to more stringent restrictions and may call for extra verification.
• Look for Fakes or Counterfeits. Always be mindful of the possibility of receiving a fake drug. Observe any indications of tampering or packing that is not typical.
• Acquire Knowledge of Relevant Laws. Ensure that you have a thorough understanding of the legal requirements for bringing pharmaceuticals into your nation. There may be restrictions on some drugs, or they may need a prescription.

Now, let’s list the biggest upsides and downsides:

Advantages	Disadvantages
Medication prices in Mexico are often lower than those in the United States and the rest of the world. This may be a big advantage for those who want to reduce the amount of money they spend on prescriptions.	When compared to the norms in your nation, there may be differences in the quality control requirements.
As a result of the widespread availability of pharmacies in Mexico, it is not difficult to get the drugs that are required.

Additional factors to take into account are as follows:

• Drug Interactions and Dosage. It is essential to have a solid understanding of drug interactions as well as the appropriate doses. There is a possibility that there will be variations in the formulas or doses of medications, and what is satisfactory in one nation could not be suitable in another. Before beginning treatment with any new drug, never forget to check with your healthcare practitioner.
• Language Barriers. Differences in language might lead to misconceptions about the use of drugs and about the possible adverse effects of such drugs. Make sure that you are able to speak well with the workers at the pharmacy, or hire a translator, in order to prevent any misunderstanding.
• Documentation and Tracking. Keep detailed records of any prescriptions that you acquire, including receipts and packaging. This is done in order to ensure proper documentation and tracking. If you need to trace the origin of the medicine or solve any problems that may occur, this may be of great importance.
• Refunds and Health Insurance. Determine whether or not your health insurance covers prescriptions that you have bought in another country. For reimbursement or claims, you may be required to provide evidence of purchase in certain circumstances. In the event that there are problems with the drug, you should also check about the return policy of the pharmacy.

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References

• Statista – Market projection data for the Mexican pharmaceutical market, including forecasted growth rates and average revenue per capita.
• COFEPRIS (Comisión Federal para la Protección contra Riesgos Sanitarios) – Regulatory body governing the pharmaceutical industry in Mexico, including online pharmacies.
• FEMSA Health Division – Largest pharmacy chain in Mexico with over 2,300 locations, providing significant market presence.
• Farmacias Guadalajara – Second-largest pharmacy chain in Mexico, offering a wide range of medications and personal care products.
• Farmacias Benavides – One of the leading pharmacy chains in Mexico, operating over 1,100 outlets.
• Mercado Libre – E-commerce platform reporting a 114% increase in medicinal product sales during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) – Regulations regarding the importation of medications from Mexico to the U.S.

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About Author

Dr. Ferrell has been a physician with Anesthesia Medical Group (AMG) since 1993, serving on the AMG Board of Directors from 2000 to 2007. He has played a key role in partnering with hospital leaders, establishing the Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography Program at Centennial Medical Center and chairing the leadership group in opening the Centennial Heart Center in Nashville in 2001. Dr. Ferrell is Board Certified in Anesthesiology and Perioperative Transesophageal Echocardiography.