Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 1/24/2011

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dr. Levin,

I am a 2011 UCT international student from Israel and will arrive Cape Town next week.

As Concerta is strictly regulated, do you think I'll have problems obtaining it, being non-South African? I do have a psychiatric prescription in English, from an Israeli psychiatrist. Do you think that will suffice? Do I simply show it at a drug store?

Can you also advice me with the price for Concerta 54mg and 36mg in Cape Town? Couldn't find it on the net.

I'm not sure if I should bring as much medication as possible with me, or simply buy in Cape Town.
(I'm probably limited to 4 months the most, with special permission from the Ministry of Health).

Kind regards,
Guy

ANSWER: You will have to see a South African doctor who will first examine you to diagnose your condition and issue a prescription for one month only. The "ministry of Health" cannot issue you with an illegal permission. You will only be abe to bring in 1 months supply with a script from your original doctor and  a letter to the customs officials from your doctor. Why did your doctor not inform you of the situation an give you a letter of introduction  to customs and  a local doctor?   

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dr. Levin,

Thank you for your quick response.

I'm afraid I wasn't clear.

Last year, going on a long trip abroad, I was issued 4 months medication from the Ministry of Health in Israel. It was a special permit, but definitely legal.

I do have an analysis letter from my doctor and will get a letter for customs from the Ministry of Health.

But the price is definitely an issue -
What is the price of Concerta 36mg (30 tablets) in Cape Town?

Kind regards,
Guy

Kind regards,
Guy

Answer
The chances are you would be arrested at customs if found in posession of 4 months supply. It is illegal in South Africa. A pharmacist has reassured me a script from a doctor not registered in S, Africa will not be recognised. The price is totally unimportant. It you need  the medication you follow the laws of that country and pay the accepted price.  Most important monthly scripts are designed to monitor progress on a monthly basis. Obviously you are not aware of the importance  of this concept.