Why Los Algodones Is a Pharmacy Stop for Dental Tourists
Los Algodones, Mexico—known as “Molar City”—sits about three minutes from the Andrade border crossing near Yuma, Arizona. Most visitors come for dental work, but many also walk Av. A to compare medications. Important: no Los Algodones pharmacy publishes a price list. The Mexico prices below are typical online prices at national Mexican chains (Farmacias del Ahorro, Benavides, San Pablo, Guadalajara, Walmart MX) in October 2026, converted at about 18.4 pesos per dollar. Algodones pharmacies set their own prices, so ask at the counter. US prices are GoodRx 2026 (coupon low / average retail).
The key point: the big savings are on brand-name drugs still under patent. For cheap generics, a US GoodRx coupon is often equal to or cheaper than Mexico.
20 Common Medications: Mexico vs US Prices
| Medication (pack) | Mexico chain price (USD) | US GoodRx (coupon / avg retail) |
|---|---|---|
| Eliquis 5mg x60 | $101–142 brand; Mexican branded generic apixaban about $32 | $348 coupon / $468 avg |
| Xarelto 20mg x28 | $143–160 brand | About $603–753 brand; US generic rivaroxaban from about $27 |
| Januvia 100mg x28 | $87–101 | $563 avg; US generic sitagliptin about $44 |
| Jardiance 25mg x30 | About $124 | About $557 avg (10mg) |
| Ozempic 1mg pen | About $168–228 | $1,213 avg retail ($499 NovoCare self-pay) |
| Lipitor 20mg x30 | Brand $84; generic atorvastatin $13 | US generic $7.76 coupon |
| Crestor 10mg | Brand about $97–99; generic rosuvastatin $17 | — |
| Metformin 850mg x30 | $7 | $9 (500mg x60) |
| Amlodipine 5mg x30 | $15 | $5.70 coupon |
| Lisinopril 10mg x30 | $7 | $6.56 coupon |
| Losartan 50mg x30 | $10 | — |
| Levothyroxine (Eutirox 100mcg x50) | $22 | $10 coupon |
| Omeprazole 20mg 60 caps | $8 | — |
| Viagra 100mg x4 | Brand $48; generic sildenafil $12 | Generic 100mg x10 $15 coupon |
| Cialis 5mg x28 | Brand $164; generic tadalafil $35 | Coupon from $12 |
| Ventolin inhaler | Brand $29; generic salbutamol $5 | Albuterol HFA $19 coupon |
| Avamys fluticasone nasal | $31 (generic $15) | — |
| Prednisone 5mg x20 | $2.60 | — |
| Amoxicillin 500mg x12 | $6 (prescription required in Mexico) | — |
| Retin-A 0.025% 40g | $38 | Tretinoin 0.05% 45g $102 coupon |
| Lantus SoloStar 5 pens | $133–182 | $246 avg; GoodRx also lists Lantus $35 at Walgreens and generic glargine $60 |
Prices vary by pharmacy and brand. Always ask for a written quote and compare the exact strength and pack size. For dental costs, see our dental price list.
Where to Buy in Los Algodones
Two established options on Av. A: Inter Pharmacy (between 2nd and 3rd St; Mon–Sat 8am–6pm, Sun 8am–2pm; says it can order products it doesn’t stock) and Baja Pharmacy (Av. A, Plaza Gisela, Suite 1). Neither publishes prices here—ask in person. Counterfeit Xarelto and Eliquis have been reported in Mexico, so buy from established pharmacies, check packaging and lot numbers, and keep receipts.
Border Rules: What to Declare and Carry
Declare all medicines to CBP. A common rule of thumb is up to a 90-day supply for personal use, in original containers, with a prescription or doctor’s note. CBP says importing foreign-made versions of FDA-approved drugs is generally illegal, and FDA’s personal importation policy is enforcement discretion, not a right. Controlled substances: max 50 dosage units without a prescription from a DEA registrant at land borders. Mexico has required and enforced prescriptions for antibiotics since August 2010, and the pharmacy keeps the prescription—bring two copies. Mailing medicines into the US is generally not allowed.
Planning Your Trip
Many visitors combine a pharmacy stop with dental appointments. If you’re researching treatment, start with our dental implants guide or the visitor guide for border and travel tips.
Frequently asked questions
Are Los Algodones pharmacy prices always cheaper than the US?
No. Brand-name drugs still under patent often cost far less in Mexico, but for cheap generics a US GoodRx coupon can be equal or cheaper. Compare the exact drug, strength, and pack size.
Can I bring my medications back across the border?
Declare them. A 90-day personal supply in original containers with a prescription or doctor’s note is a common rule of thumb, but CBP and FDA discretion apply. Foreign versions of FDA-approved drugs are generally not allowed.
Do I need a prescription in Mexico for antibiotics?
Yes. Mexico has required and enforced prescriptions for antibiotics since August 2010, and the pharmacy keeps the prescription—bring two copies.
How do I avoid counterfeit medications?
Buy from established pharmacies, check packaging and lot numbers, and keep receipts. Counterfeit Xarelto and Eliquis have been reported in Mexico.
Can I mail medicines from Mexico to the US?
Generally no. Mailing medicines into the US is not allowed, so plan to carry them with you and declare them.
Related on algodones.mx
- Full Los Algodones dental price list (2026)
- Compare dentists in Los Algodones
- Dental implants in Los Algodones
- All-on-4 from $7,500 · Root canal from $180
