I am flying to India on business Coimbatore specificly. I am looking to take advantage of low cost medications while there. I heard there is no need for a prescription unless I am purchasing medications such as pain killers. I am not but when inquiring to some pharmacies through email (the few that have a website) about the forms of payment they accept they asked for a prescription. Can someone please clarify if there is a need for a prescription in India?

most pharmacies will not ask for a prescription....

Keep in mind that fake medicines are a serious and prevalent problem in India.

if you stick to the larger branded pharmacies then you won't have this problem....

Go to a decent looking pharmacy in India and ask for what you need. Officially they will ask for prescriptions if you email or write to them, naturally.

Note that western countries don't like this kind of shopping so stay within 60-90 day limits...

If you are going to branded medical , then there is no problem and not require prescriptions.

Yes, an old thread, but I have the same question. I've recently come down with asthma-like symptoms and my USA Pulmonologist prescribed Breo (a once-daily steroid inhaler). He gave me a couple of sample packs from his office that I've been taking for 6 days and it works. Unfortunately, its very expensive (even with my insurance or Good Rx). I mentioned to the Pulmonologist (he happened to be Indian) that I was going to India next month. He said I could buy the same medicine there "dirt cheap".

I'll be staying at the JW Marriott Mumbai (Sahar) near the airport and then the JW Marriott Bangalore. Does anyone know if this medicine (or other brands) are available over the counter? If so, any specific pharmacies to look at near my two hotels?

I can use Breo, Symbicort, Advair, or Dulera. I'd also want to pick up more of my rescue inhalers...Ventolin or ProAir.

you don't need a prescription in india & should be able to find either this medicine or another with the same composition at a number of pharmacies here....just show the packaging of the inhaler you have to the pharmacist here & they will let you know if they have the same or similar one available....

I stayed at the JW Marriott Bangalore two weeks ago and it is adjacent to the large UB City Mall. I'm not sure if there are any pharmacies in the mall but I recall seeing at least one a couple of blocks east on Vittal Mallya Road and there may be more. It may be this. If you call them and provide them your medication name they may be able to get equivalent brands available in India.

For elites the complimentary buffet breakfast is in the restaurant on the ground floor. The JW Marriott Bangalore has a great executive lounge with great food and drinks served in the evenings.