Hi!

This question refers to a friend of mine. He is living in Israel,
suffers from Narcolepsy and is going to spend 6 months in Palo Alto,
CA.
For his illness he is being prescribed Ritalin, which is a schedule II
controlled substance. Since is medical insurance is not to cover
previous ailments, he is literally uncovered in the US. For our sake
he has letters in English from Israeli physicians describing his
diagnosis and treatment.

I am referring here to two modes of operation, with relevant questions following.

First mode of action - importing Ritalin
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Since it is possible to get Ritalin every month (by his mother, for
instance) from an Israeli physician, then in this mode of action my
friend gets every month, by mail, his Ritalin.
The question in this case is: is there anything my friend has to do
except from going to the postoffice? If there is, what exactly? Will
there be any problems with DEA/FDA? Does he need an import license?
Will his Israeli papers have to be signed by a Notary?
In short, what is the exact procedure which has to be carried once
Ritalin leaves Israel by mail, every month, and what should be
prepared in advance.

Second mode of action - obtaining Rx from a local physician
-----------------------------------------------------------
Will local doctors prescribe him Ritalin based on his papers? Should
these papers be signed by a notary? What sort of physicians?
For this answer to be complete, please specify the cheapest
physician/s that will do that in Palo Alto area, or a link to such
list of physicians. Also, please specify the cost of 60 Tabs of
Ritalin IR 10mg and 60 Tabs of Ritalin SR 20mg.

Thanks you very much in advance!
Jimmy

I have imported various medicines from China, Mexico in the past, but
friends tell me this is now a spotty procedure.  I could not tell you
what is necessary.

I can tell you, if he has a prescription for the medication, he should
be able to bring at LEAST a 3 month supply in his luggage, as most
insurances will cover this much.

His doctor could easily send a doctor in Palo Alto his diagnosis, and
assorted medical records if need be, thereby limiting the cost of
treatment in Palo Alto quite a bit.  In such case, the doctor should
be able to write a prescription for next to nothing.

chugs

www.drugstore.com and similar sites should have the info you want about cost.