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Indonesia · Healthcare

Finding Your Medications in Indonesia: A Trial-and-Error Report

Expats & Nomads · 12 min read
My Sertraline Bottle: 4 Pills Left. 'Do You Have This?' 'Need Indonesia Doctor. US Prescription No Good Here.

I take three prescription medications daily. When I moved to Bali in January 2024, I brought a three-month supply from the US, figuring I'd figure out the rest once I got here.

That three months ran out in April. This is the messy, frustrating process of trying to find what I need, what's available, what's called something different, and what just doesn't exist here.

I'm not a pharmacist. This isn't medical advice. This is just what happened when I tried to refill my medications in Indonesia.

What I Take (Background)

Medication 1: Sertraline (Zoloft) - 100mg daily for anxiety/depression
Medication 2: Levothyroxine (Synthroid) - 75mcg daily for hypothyroidism
Medication 3: Loratadine (Claritin) - 10mg as needed for allergies

In the US, insurance covered the first two. Claritin I bought over-the-counter.

I also occasionally need:

April 2: The Panic Sets In

My sertraline bottle: 4 pills left.

I'd been putting this off because the idea of navigating Indonesian pharmacies without speaking Indonesian was overwhelming. But I couldn't put it off anymore.

First attempt: Guardian pharmacy in Seminyak

Me (holding up my empty US prescription bottle): "Do you have this?"

Pharmacist (looks at bottle, types on computer): "No sertraline. We have escitalopram."

Me: "Is that the same thing?"

Pharmacist: "Both SSRI. But different. You need doctor prescription."

Me: "I have a prescription." (I showed her the label from my US bottle)

Pharmacist: "Need Indonesia doctor. US prescription no good here."

April 3: Finding a Doctor

I googled "English-speaking doctor Bali" and found BIMC Hospital in Kuta. Booked an appointment for the next day.

Cost: 650,000 IDR (~$42 USD) for consultation

The appointment:

Doctor spoke good English. I explained I take sertraline for anxiety, have been on it for two years, it works well, I just need a refill.

Him: "We don't have sertraline in Indonesia. We have escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine. All SSRIs."

Me: "What's the closest to sertraline?"

Him: "Escitalopram is similar. I can prescribe that. But you should know, switching SSRIs can cause side effects. Nausea, dizziness, mood changes. You might need to adjust slowly."

Me: "I don't really have time to adjust slowly. I have four pills left."

Him: "Then I suggest you start escitalopram now while you still have some sertraline. Take both for a few days, then stop the sertraline. This makes the transition easier."

He wrote prescriptions for:

Cost of prescriptions at BIMC pharmacy:

In the US, with insurance, sertraline cost me $10/month and levothyroxine was $5/month. Without insurance, sertraline would be ~$30/month. So the costs are similar, maybe slightly higher here.

April 8: The Escitalopram Experiment

Started taking escitalopram while finishing my last sertraline pills.

Day 1-2: Fine.
Day 3: Nauseous in the morning.
Day 4-5: Nausea continues, also weird vivid dreams.
Day 6: Stopped sertraline completely, just escitalopram now.
Day 7-10: Nausea mostly gone, still weird dreams, feeling a bit foggy.

By week three, I felt mostly normal. But not quite the same as sertraline. It works, but it's different. Hard to explain.

May 1: Refill Time

Went back to BIMC to get more escitalopram.

Me: "Can I just buy more at the pharmacy without seeing the doctor again?"

Pharmacy: "You need new prescription. Only one month."

Me: "Every month I need to see the doctor?"

Pharmacy: "Yes."

This seemed absurd for a medication I've been on for years, but okay.

Booked another appointment: 650,000 IDR
Got another prescription: 420,000 IDR for escitalopram

Monthly cost: 1,070,000 IDR (~$69) for mental health medication + doctor visit

This is more than double what I paid in the US with insurance. Without insurance in the US, it would be similar or maybe cheaper.

May 15: Discovering Local Pharmacies

A friend told me I was overpaying by using the hospital pharmacy. She said local pharmacies (apotek) are much cheaper.

Attempt 1: Apotek Kimia Farma (chain pharmacy)

Me: "Do you have escitalopram?"

Pharmacist: "Need prescription."

Me: (showed my prescription from BIMC)

Pharmacist: (looked at it, typed on computer) "We have. 320,000 for 30 pills."

100,000 IDR cheaper than BIMC! (~$6.50 savings)

I bought it. Same exact medication, same dosage, just different packaging.

Lesson learned: Hospital pharmacies charge more. Use regular apotek.

Can You Write Prescription for Three Months?' 'Indonesia Regulation Is One Month Maximum for Psychiatric Medication.' That's $504/Year Just for Permission Slips

June 2: Trying to Get a Longer Prescription

Me to doctor: "Can you write a prescription for three months instead of one month? So I don't have to come back every month?"

Doctor: "Indonesia regulation is one month maximum for psychiatric medication."

Me: "Even for SSRIs? It's not like I'm asking for benzos."

Doctor: "Yes, all psychiatric medication. One month."

Me: "What if I'm traveling and can't come back in a month?"

Doctor: "You can go to doctor wherever you are. Or you get prescription before you travel."

So I'm stuck with monthly doctor visits. Annoying, but manageable.

The Allergy Medication (Easy)

Loratadine (Claritin) is available over-the-counter in Indonesia. It's called "Loratadine" (generic) or sold under various brand names.

Brands I've found:

The generic works fine. Much cheaper than brand name.

No prescription needed. Just walk into any apotek and ask for loratadine or point at the allergy medication section.

The Thyroid Medication (Confusing)

Levothyroxine is available but the brands are different and the dosing options are limited.

US brand: Synthroid - available in many doses (25mcg, 50mcg, 75mcg, 88mcg, 100mcg, etc.)

Indonesia brands I've found:

Problem: I take 75mcg. That doesn't exist here.

Solution: Doctor told me to take 50mcg one day and 100mcg the next day, alternating. This averages to 75mcg.

I asked if this was okay. He said it's common when the exact dose isn't available. It's not ideal but it works.

Cost: 180,000 IDR (~$12) for 30 pills of 50mcg OR 100mcg
Since I alternate, I need both doses. So actually: 360,000 IDR (~$23) per month for thyroid medication.

This is more expensive than the US, even without insurance.

The Acid Reflux Medication (Surprisingly Easy)

Omeprazole is available over-the-counter. Multiple brands.

Brands:

All are 20mg. All available without prescription at any apotek.

The generic works fine and is way cheaper than brand names.

The Inhaler (Frustrating)

My US inhaler: Albuterol (ProAir HFA)

I don't use it often, just for exercise-induced asthma maybe once a month. But I need to have it available.

Attempt 1: Asking at Guardian pharmacy

Me: "Do you have albuterol inhaler?"

Pharmacist: "What is albuterol?"

Me: (showed picture on my phone)

Pharmacist: "Ah, for asthma. We have Ventolin."

Me: "Is that the same?"

Pharmacist: "Yes, salbutamol. Same thing."

Wait, is salbutamol the same as albuterol?

I googled it. Yes. Albuterol is the US name. Salbutamol is the international name. Same medication.

Cost: Ventolin inhaler - 125,000 IDR (~$8)
Prescription: Required

So I needed to see the doctor again to get a prescription for the inhaler.

Doctor visit: 650,000 IDR
Ventolin: 125,000 IDR
Total: 775,000 IDR (~$50) for an inhaler

In the US, with insurance, my inhaler cost $15. Without insurance, about $60. So similar cost.

But once I have the inhaler, it lasts 6-12 months. So the per-month cost is actually lower here.

Things I Learned (So Far)

1. US prescriptions don't work here.
 You need to see an Indonesian doctor, even if you've been taking the same medication for years. The doctor will usually write you a prescription for the Indonesian equivalent, but you have to pay for the consultation.

2. Medication names are different.
 Sometimes it's the same generic name (omeprazole), sometimes it's different (albuterol vs salbutamol). You need to google the generic/chemical name to find equivalents.

3. Available dosages are limited.
 Not all medications come in all the doses available in the US. You might need to combine doses or adjust.

4. Some medications don't exist here.
 Sertraline isn't available. I had to switch to escitalopram. Other SSRIs are available (fluoxetine, paroxetine) but not all of them.

5. Hospital pharmacies are expensive.
 Use regular apotek (pharmacies) instead. Chains like Kimia Farma or Century are reliable and cheaper than hospital pharmacies.

6. Prescription rules vary.
 Psychiatric medications (SSRIs, benzos, etc.) require monthly prescriptions. You can't get 90-day supplies. Other medications might be available for longer periods or over-the-counter.

7. Over-the-counter availability is unpredictable.
 Some things that require prescriptions in the US (omeprazole, loratadine) are OTC here. Some things that are OTC in the US (higher-dose ibuprofen) require prescriptions here. It's not consistent.

8. Generic brands are much cheaper.
 If you're paying out of pocket, ask for generic. The price difference can be 50-70%.

9. Quality varies.
 I've heard stories of counterfeit medications but haven't encountered this personally. Stick to established pharmacies (Guardian, Century, Kimia Farma) and you're probably fine.

10. English-speaking doctors cost more.
 At BIMC, consultations are 650,000 IDR (~$42). I've heard local clinics (puskesmas) are much cheaper (maybe 100,000 IDR or less) but finding English-speaking doctors is harder.

Levothyroxine 75mcg Doesn't Exist Here. 'Take 50mcg One Day, 100mcg the Next Day, Alternating.' This Averages to 75mcg.

Monthly Medication Costs in Indonesia (For Me)

Escitalopram (mental health):

Levothyroxine (thyroid):

Loratadine (allergies, as needed):

Omeprazole (acid reflux, as needed):

Ventolin inhaler (asthma, as needed):

TOTAL MONTHLY COST: ~1,375,000 IDR (~$89 USD)

For comparison, in the US with insurance, I paid about $25/month total. Without insurance, probably $80-100/month.

So Indonesia costs are similar to US without insurance.

Medications I've Seen at Pharmacies (For Reference)

Pain relievers (OTC):

Antibiotics (prescription required):

(Note: I've heard some apotek will sell antibiotics without prescriptions if you ask, but this is technically illegal and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Don't do it.)

Birth control:

Allergy meds (OTC):

Acid reflux (OTC):

Asthma inhalers (prescription):

Mental health (prescription):

Other common meds:

This list is incomplete and based only on what I've personally seen or asked about. There are definitely more medications available that I haven't encountered.

Problems I'm Still Figuring Out

1. What happens if I travel within Indonesia?
 Can I get my prescriptions refilled in Jakarta or other cities? Or do I need to go back to my doctor in Bali?

I asked my doctor. He said any doctor can write a new prescription, but they might want to see me first. So if I'm traveling for a month, I need to either get my prescription before I leave, or find a new doctor wherever I am.

2. Can I bring medications from the US when I visit home?
 I asked about this. Apparently you can bring up to a 90-day supply of personal medications into Indonesia if you have a prescription and a doctor's letter. But I haven't tested this yet.

3. Are there cheaper options for doctor visits?
 BIMC charges 650,000 IDR. I've heard puskesmas (government health centers) charge way less, like 100,000 IDR or even free for some things. But English-speaking doctors are rare at puskesmas. I should probably find a local Indonesian doctor who's cheaper, but the language barrier makes me nervous.

4. What if I need a specialist?
 For my thyroid, I should probably see an endocrinologist. For my mental health, maybe a psychiatrist instead of a GP. But I don't know how to find specialists in Bali, or what they cost, or if any speak English.

5. Are there mail-order pharmacies?
 In the US, I could get 90-day supplies mailed to me, which was cheaper and more convenient. Does that exist in Indonesia? I haven't found one yet.

Pharmacies I've Used in Bali

BIMC Hospital Pharmacy (Kuta)

Guardian Pharmacy (multiple locations)

Apotek Kimia Farma (chain, many locations)

Apotek Century (chain, multiple locations)

Random local apotek near my house

Tips for Finding Your Medications

Before you move/visit:

  1. Bring at least 3 months supply of your medications
  2. Keep medications in original packaging with prescription labels
  3. Bring a letter from your doctor listing medications and dosages
  4. Google the generic names of your medications
  5. Research whether they're available in Indonesia

When you arrive:

  1. Find an English-speaking doctor quickly (don't wait until you run out)
  2. Ask doctor about Indonesian equivalents for your medications
  3. Get prescriptions written for maximum amount allowed
  4. Try multiple pharmacies to compare prices
  5. Always carry your prescription with you in case you need a refill

Ongoing:

  1. Set reminders for when you need refills
  2. Don't let yourself run out (especially for mental health meds or chronic conditions)
  3. Keep a backup supply if possible
  4. Know where the nearest 24-hour pharmacy is
  5. Join expat groups and ask for recommendations

If you can't find your medication:

  1. Ask your doctor about alternatives
  2. Check larger hospitals (they might have more options)
  3. Consider medical tourism to Singapore or Bangkok if it's critical
  4. Ask in expat Facebook groups - someone might know where to find it
  5. Look into having it shipped (but be aware of customs issues)

Resources

Finding doctors:

Pharmacy chains:

Useful apps:

Expat resources:

Final Thoughts

Finding medications in Indonesia is manageable but requires patience and flexibility. Some things are easier than expected (OTC availability of omeprazole, cheap generics). Some things are harder (monthly prescription requirements, limited dosage options, medication switches).

My biggest frustration: the monthly doctor visits for escitalopram. That's 650,000 IDR ($42) every single month just to get a prescription for a medication I've been taking for years. Over a year, that's $504 just in doctor visit fees, not counting the medication itself.

But compared to US healthcare without insurance? Indonesia is still cheaper or comparable.

Would I do it differently if I could start over?

  1. I'd bring 6 months of medications instead of 3 months
  2. I'd research medication availability before moving
  3. I'd find a local Indonesian doctor who's cheaper instead of always going to the expensive expat hospital
  4. I'd accept switching medications sooner instead of trying to find the exact same ones

The medication situation here isn't perfect, but it's workable. You just need to be flexible and patient.

Last updated: August 2024. This is based on my personal experience in Bali. Availability and prices may differ in other parts of Indonesia (Jakarta, Yogyakarta, etc.). I'm not a medical professional - this is just one person's experience navigating the pharmacy system.

All costs listed in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) and US Dollars (USD) at approximate exchange rate of 15,500 IDR = 1 USD.

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