Beware of Customs in Grenada

[caradow]

Just had a friend send me prescription meds from the US that I get with my insurance which are essentially free. The Customs here put a value on the meds of almost $300 and also charged me a shipping Fed Ex fee of $88.00 which the Fed Ex fee was already paid for in the states.. In order to get my meds I would have to pay over 30% of this total number. This is in EC$. I told them to keep my meds and left.
I also had a document that was in the same box that had nothing to do with my meds but I couldn't have it.

Ironically I have had meds shipped to me in various other islands that there were no additional costs incurred. I have been in the islands a long time. This is pure extortion. I do appreciate some islands charge duty for boat parts but prescription meds should fall under another classification.

Also a friend here had #2 45 gal plastic buckets shipped that were "lost" for 4 weeks and because he had an air tag placed in both barrels it was discovered they had been sitting in the customs office!

[Jim Woodall]

I’ve heard similar stories about shipping things into Grenada. We simply go to one of the local pharmacies for medication. Generally a prescription (unless an unusual medication) is not required, just a labeled prescription bottle. We spent the last two Atlantic Storm Seasons in Grenada and had zero issues getting prescriptions filled. Of course, our insurance isn’t accepted in Grenada. Still, the prices are so low (15%- 25% of U.S. price without insurance) that it’s cheaper than shipping in medications. All bets are off if it’s an unusual medication.

[boatman61]

Many medications that are prescription only in the US can be bought 'over the counter' in many parts of of the rest of the world..
I remember trying to get Zovirax in American Samoa for the severe cracking at the sides of my mouth from sun and wind exposure and was told I needed a 'scrip'.. could not believe it.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by boatman61

Many medications that are prescription only in the US can be bought 'over the counter' in many parts of of the rest of the world..
I remember trying to get Zovirax in American Samoa for the severe cracking at the sides of my mouth from sun and wind exposure and was told I needed a 'scrip'.. could not believe it.

Zovirax cream [aciclovir] is an antiviral medication, used to treat "cold sores*/fever blisters/genital herpes". It can speed up healing of the sores, and decrease symptoms, such as tingling, pain, burning, itching. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medication does not cure herpes, and it does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence.
*A cold sore is an infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus [HSV], which lies dormant, in nerve cells supplying your lips, and the surrounding skin. Exposure to the sun can cause the HSV-1 virus to become active, after staying dormant in the body, causing a cold sore to develop. Outbreaks of the HSV-2 virus, or genital herpes, are less commonly triggered by sunlight, as the affected area is not as exposed - but it can still occur.
I doubt, that a doctor would prescribe it for cracking, due to windburn & sun drying.


“Sunlight is an important causative factor of recurrent herpes simplex" ~ by Masamitsu Ichihashi, Hiroshi Nagai, & Kayoko Matsunaga
➥ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15603217/

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by GordMay

Zovirax cream [aciclovir] is an antiviral medication, used to treat "cold sores*/fever blisters/genital herpes". It can speed up healing of the sores, and decrease symptoms, such as tingling, pain, burning, itching. It works by stopping the growth of the virus. This medication does not cure herpes, and it does not prevent passing the infection to someone else. It does not prevent a future occurrence.
*A cold sore is an infection which is caused by the herpes simplex virus [HSV], which lies dormant, in nerve cells supplying your lips, and the surrounding skin. Exposure to the sun can cause the HSV-1 virus to become active, after staying dormant in the body, causing a cold sore to develop. Outbreaks of the HSV-2 virus, or genital herpes, are less commonly triggered by sunlight, as the affected area is not as exposed - but it can still occur.
I doubt, that a doctor would prescribe it for cracking, due to windburn & sun drying.


“Sunlight is an important causative factor of recurrent herpes simplex" ~ by Masamitsu Ichihashi, Hiroshi Nagai, & Kayoko Matsunaga
➥ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15603217/

I find my habit of licking my lips and unconscious habit of tounge on one side off mouth or other when concentrating causes a build up of acidic saliva which quickly dries in wind and sun causing irritation which can lead to painful cracks at the side and occasional bleeding when really bad.
A friend recommended it years ago and as it proved more effective than chap sticks I've used it ever since.
Its not a prescription drug in Europe or the UK.

[barnakiel]

When there is a crack from salt and sun, you can just cut an aloe leaf open and apply it - the innards - to the sore. Also to a burn. etc.


Aloe grows nearly everywhere in the tropics.


Not sure this cures anything, but it makes the irritation/pain subdue somewhat. And the wound heals faster too.


Not a substitute to proper strong chemical medicine, but a make do when you are somewhere and our world medicine is not available.


b.

[SailingHarmonie]

We spent a summer in Grenada, and imported a lot of stuff. Customs was always helpful and accommodating. If you work with a customs broker and customs you pay the very reasonable flat rate of 2.5% as a yacht in transit, plus the customs broker fee. Note that the brokers charge per package, so it really helps if you can have someone stateside consolidate your shipments.

The customs staff at the marina in Georgetown were very helpful working with us ahead of time giving us the information they needed to help us import stuff at the lowest cost. Bring expensive goods in first then trying to sort out the problem is never a good plan.

We found all of our meds available at local pharmacies for very inexpensive prices—no prescription needed except for narcotics.

Once you take the time to learn the rules and work with them, you’ll find things are cheaper and flow much more smoothly.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by barnakiel

When there is a crack from salt and sun, you can just cut an aloe leaf open and apply it - the innards - to the sore. Also to a burn. etc.


Aloe grows nearly everywhere in the tropics.


Not sure this cures anything, but it makes the irritation/pain subdue somewhat. And the wound heals faster too.


Not a substitute to proper strong chemical medicine, but a make do when you are somewhere and our world medicine is not available.


b.

Have done this several times.. not on my lips tho'..

[GordMay]

I cannot imagine what good an antiviral would do, for chapped lips - except [perhaps] act as a sealant.


Cold, dry weather, sun damage, and frequently licking your lips are just some of the reasons your lips might feel dry and chapped [cheilitis].
To prevent and treat dry, chapped lips at home, follow these tips from board-certified dermatologists ...
➥ https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-...y-chapped-lips

Cheilitis [chapped lips] treatment depends on the underlying cause of lip inflammation, but you can usually treat it at home. Cheilitis self-care involves:
Staying hydrated.
Using lip balm or ointment as needed throughout the day. [petroleum jelly, glycerin, ceramide, dimethicone, mineral oil or castor seed oil, titanium oxide, zinc oxide] [petrolatum locks in moisture, and dimethicone seals off cracks and splits in drying lips]
Applying lip balm with sunscreen [SPF30] when outdoors.
Avoiding licking, picking or biting at your lips.
Keeping foreign objects away from your mouth (pens, jewelry, metal objects).
➥ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/healt...5-chapped-lips

[boatman61]

You go your way and I'll go mine..
Solo and shorthanded long distance sailing with upto 20hrs a day in the cockpit does not lend time for mollycoddling, to many other things to occupy the mind.

[GordMay]

I only pick this nit, because Phil is a very highly respected contributor to CF, and I wouldn’t want his personal choice, to be mistaken as good advice [for which he is generally known].
The use of an antiviral, such as Zovirax cream, to treat chapped [cracked] sun/wind burnt lips is VERY BAD practice.
See my previous links, for reliable medical advice on the best practice, regarding treatment, and more.

[boatman61]

And I am only picking this nit because I am not advising treatment for anyone or anything.. merely commenting about how many prescription meds in the USA are simple over the counter purchases in the rest of the world.
Big Pharma does not have us by the balls..

[Shrew]

Folks....Six of the 12 posts so far are debating whether Boatman61 is or isn't using the correct product for chapped lips.

Let's not hijack the thread, of which the scope is IMPORTING MEDICATIONS into Caribbean islands such as Grenada.

[Shrew]

As for the 'outrageous' fees imposed.... You're visiting a foreign country.

You didn't use their medical services.

You didn't use their pharmacy.

You didn't use one of their customs brokers.

Instead you imported medication via Fedex, like it was an Amazon delivery.

I don't feel you really have much grounds to criticize them for wanting to generate revenue for the island.

Next time, consider seeing about getting a Rx filled locally. If I were customs, I would think you're trying to circumvent them as well.

This is hardly a necessary PSA against Grenada. Instead, consider being a conscientious tourist and visitor in their country.

[ohdrinkboy]

Is your beef that the value of the meds isn't $300? It is fair for them to want duty for imports and there are fees associated with that. Just because your insurance helps reduce the costs to you in procuring the meds, doesn't change the value of the meds.