Visiting Texas from abroad
Have a Prescription from Another Country? Getting It Refilled in Texas
Medically reviewed by Nicholas Atudonyang, MD
Board-Certified Physician · Last reviewed October 2026
A Texas pharmacy generally can’t fill a prescription written by a doctor licensed only in another country. To continue an established medication while you’re in Texas, a U.S.-licensed clinician needs to evaluate you and, if appropriate, write a new U.S. prescription. MedRefillCare does this online for eligible non-controlled medications for $39, with no U.S. insurance needed.
You must be physically located in Texas at the time of the visit. Adults 18+. Prescriptions are not guaranteed and are issued only when medically appropriate. Not for controlled medications. Español · Kiswahili
Visiting family in Texas?
Parents and relatives visiting from abroad often stay for weeks or months, longer than their medication supply lasts. Examples of maintenance medications we may evaluate include blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol and thyroid medicines. If your relative is physically in Texas, they can start a MedRefillCare review, and you can help them with the intake.
International students in Texas
International students from India, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya and other countries may need help continuing established medication before arranging care with a local doctor or campus health center. If you are physically in Texas and take an established, non-controlled medicine, you can request a refill evaluation (sometimes called a repeat prescription or renewal) for $39, without U.S. insurance.
- Bring the box or strip, your prescription or doctor’s letter from home, and any recent lab results.
- Your campus student health service may also help. MedRefillCare is not affiliated with any university.
- A refill evaluation is meant to bridge you until you set up ongoing care in Texas; it is not a substitute for regular follow-up.
What to bring
- Photo of the box, strip, or pharmacy label
- The active-ingredient (generic) name and strength, not only the brand name
- How you take it each day
- An English translation of the label or prescription when reasonably available
- Recent readings or labs if relevant (blood pressure, blood sugar, thyroid)
- The Texas pharmacy you want to use
Medicine names differ between countries
The same medicine can have a different name in the U.S. A few common examples:
| Name abroad | U.S. name |
|---|---|
| Paracetamol | Acetaminophen |
| Salbutamol | Albuterol |
| Glibenclamide | Glyburide |
| Frusemide | Furosemide |
| Thyroxine | Levothyroxine |
Some brands and fixed-dose combinations sold abroad aren’t available in the U.S. The clinician may discuss a U.S.-available option after checking the active ingredients, strength, release formulation and dose. Do not substitute medicines yourself.
Notes for visitors from common countries
Mexico
Mexico is Texas’s largest source of international visitors. Certain original written non-controlled prescriptions from Mexico or Canada may be filled in Texas under specific conditions. Ask your Texas pharmacist whether your prescription qualifies. Some medicines sold without a prescription in Mexico require one in the U.S. Información en español.
Canada
Many generic names match. Certain original written non-controlled Canadian prescriptions may be filled in Texas under specific conditions; ask your Texas pharmacist to check yours. A salbutamol inhaler from Canada is albuterol in the U.S.
United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Europe
Generic names usually match, with a few differences such as paracetamol and salbutamol. In the UK and Ireland, a refill is usually called a repeat prescription. Bring your packaging; a few medicines common in Europe aren’t sold in the U.S.
Australia
Most generic names match, with differences such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) and salbutamol (albuterol). Bring your labelled box and any repeat prescription; an Australian prescription itself can’t be filled in Texas.
Brazil
Brazilian packaging uses Portuguese generic names, for example losartana potássica for losartan. Bring the box showing the active ingredient (princípio ativo) and strength.
India
Indian prescriptions often use brand names and fixed-dose combinations. Bring the strip or box showing every active ingredient and strength; some combinations may need to be prescribed as separate U.S. medicines.
Kenya and East Africa
Many medicines in East Africa are sold under brand names from India or Europe, so bring the packaging with the generic name and strength. Tunazungumza Kiswahili: soma kwa Kiswahili. See also our guide for visitors from Africa.
Nigeria, Ghana, and West Africa
Bring the packaging with each active ingredient and strength; some forms common in West Africa, such as nifedipine “retard” tablets, may not be sold in the same form in the U.S. See our guide for visitors from Africa.
Everyone else
The same process applies to visitors from any country: you must be physically in Texas, the medication must be established and non-controlled, and the clinician decides whether a U.S. prescription is appropriate.
Source: Texas State Board of Pharmacy consumer guidance and 22 Texas Administrative Code §291.34. Exceptions depend on prescription format and other requirements.
What we can’t help with
MedRefillCare does not prescribe controlled substances (such as opioids, benzodiazepines, ADHD stimulants, many sleep medicines, or testosterone), start new medications, or handle urgent symptoms. For an emergency, call 911. Visitors who are no longer in Texas should contact a clinician where they are.
Frequently asked questions
I'm an international student in Texas and running out of my medicine. Can you help?
Possibly. If you are physically in Texas and take an established, non-controlled medicine, a clinician can evaluate a refill for $39 without U.S. insurance. Bring your packaging, prescription from home and any recent labs. Your campus health service may also help; MedRefillCare is not affiliated with any university.
Is a refill the same as a repeat prescription or renewal?
The terms overlap but are not identical. A refill uses an existing prescription with authorized refills remaining; a renewal requires a new prescription. A repeat prescription is a term used in the UK, Ireland and Australia for ongoing medication. If you need a new U.S. prescription, our clinician evaluates whether continuation is appropriate.
Do you offer interpreters?
Yes. If you prefer a language other than English, we connect you with a certified medical interpreter by phone during your clinical evaluation, at no cost to you. Our staff also speaks Spanish and Swahili.
Can I pay with a card from outside the U.S.?
Yes. Major credit and debit cards issued in other countries are accepted for the $39 review. Some banks block international online payments unless you turn them on in your banking app first. A family member in the U.S. can also pay for you.
Can a Texas pharmacy fill a prescription from another country?
Generally, prescriptions from foreign doctors cannot be filled in Texas. An exception may apply to certain original written non-controlled prescriptions from Canada or Mexico. Ask your Texas pharmacist whether your prescription qualifies. If a new prescription is needed, a clinician authorized to treat you in Texas can evaluate whether continuation is appropriate.
Can MedRefillCare convert my foreign prescription?
Not as a simple conversion. A Texas-licensed clinician independently reviews your history and medication and, if continuing it is medically appropriate, issues a new U.S. prescription. Prescriptions are not guaranteed.
My parents are visiting from abroad and ran out of blood pressure medicine. Can you help?
Possibly. If they are physically in Texas, are 18 or older, and the medication is established and non-controlled, they can start a refill review. Bring the medication packaging and recent blood-pressure readings if available.
What if my medicine isn't sold in the United States?
Some brands and fixed-dose combinations sold abroad aren't available in the U.S. The clinician may discuss a U.S.-available option, sometimes as separate tablets. Active ingredients, strength, release formulation and dosing must be verified; do not substitute medicines yourself.
How much does it cost without U.S. insurance?
The clinical review is $39. Medication is paid separately at the pharmacy; many generics have low cash prices, so ask the pharmacy for its cash price. Some travel insurance policies reimburse medical costs, so keep your receipt.
Related: International travelers · Lost medication while visiting Texas · Forgot medication on vacation · Newly moved to Texas
Ready to start?
⚡ Completed refill requests are reviewed during business hours. Review times vary.
Not sure your medication qualifies? Check it before you pay. Controlled medications are never eligible.
See pricing and refunds. Certified interpreters are available at no cost.