MATEs FORUM

Good morning everyone,
I know and fully understand that this is a first world problem but perhaps others have had this issue and can advise me.
Had my 3 monthly check with my haematologist and when she discovered that I was travelling to Fiji next month (outer Yasawa island) she wants me to take antivirals with me “just in case”. Medical assistance is difficult and antivirals not available in Fiji at all.
The cost of this private script is $1100 !! Double that when I take them for my husband as well. Very very expensive exercise.
Any ideas ? Has anyone else had to do this ? It seems a bit unfair that I can take prophylactic antibiotics, pain killers, gastrostop etc but antivirals are only if I catch covid in Australia.
Rosie

Hey Rosie...

Not too sure about an answer on your Anti-Virals & their subsequent cost etc...?

However, one of our members, (Alkemist - aka Allan), is actually a pharmacist. Hence, I shall ask him to respond if he has anything else that he might be able to add etc...

Hopefully, it won't take too long. I shall text him for you now...

Best wishes...

Steve

Thank you so much Steve for doing that.
Hard to know what to do . It is a large cost but as friend said “spend the kids inheritance “and make sure we are safe .
Best wishes
Rosie

Hi Rosie
Firstly, to correct the record, I am not a pharmacist. I was a chemist, now retired, with experience of working in the pharmaceutical industry.
If your haematologist advises that you take antivirals with you to Fiji then it would be wise to heed the advice, albeit costly. At $1100 the government can’t afford to let us have these drugs just in case we fall sick. The other meds you mentioned would probably be far cheaper.
If you decide to go ahead and pay the cost, I imagine you will have a more relaxed and enjoyable holiday knowing that you have treatment close at hand. Be sure to carry with you a suitable letter from your haematologist, perhaps a copy of the script and a receipt confirming that you have bought it privately.
Have a great time
Allan

Hi Allan,
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
I guess we’ll have to just “bite the bullet” and hope that we don’t need them but have the peace of mind that we are able to look after ourselves if necessary.
All being well we have another trip planned for next year so perhaps a long expiry date on these meds will be a good idea.
As my “runway” is definitely getting shorter I plan on making the most of it from now on !
Kind regards to you and to Steve,
Rosie

Evening Allan, & Rosie

Firstly, thank you for your clarification concerning that of being a pharmacist, (my BAD), as they say in today's vernacular...
Please accept my most profuse apologies...

Thank you also for your prompt response to Rosie, as her Fiji journey looms imminent...

Allan, you are still far better acquainted w/ such things than am I.

My apologies again, & thank you for your kind assistance Allan...

Good evening and best wishes to all...

Steve