Even for seasoned travellers, international customs (and domestic TSA) can cause some anxiety. Will your slices of Italian prosciutto between T-shirts pass through? You might get in trouble if you have a banana at the bottom your carry on. These situations are not only stressful or disappointing, but also funny.
When is it less funny? It’s not funny when your prescription medicine is confiscated at customs. It is essential to have these medications on you when you travel, whether you need them for chronic conditions like high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis or an EpiPen. You need to be aware of these tips to ensure that your medication reaches its final destination.
1. Verify that the product is legal
Make sure that your medication is legal in the country where you plan to travel. Some of the drugs available in the U.S. can be illegal in other countries. against the law To have in other countries. Eddy Bajrovic who is a doctor and medical director for the ADHD clinic, says that stimulants are a classic example of how stimulants can be prescribed. Travelvax Australia, a travel medicine service. “Stimulants have been banned in a lot of countries, even Japan.”
Visit the International Narcotics Control Board There is a website that provides lists by country of what is allowed and what is not. You can also check with the foreign embassy You should know the country that you are entering. Remember: Don’t just confirm your meds are safe to bring into your final destination—also check any countries where you have layovers. You can choose to travel to a country that does not allow prescription medications. Bajrovic advises that it is up to you whether you are able to travel without your prescription medication. Your healthcare provider can discuss with you the options available. You could, for example, take another medication while traveling that is not a controlled substance.
2. A doctor’s letter is a must-have.
You’ll want to make sure you follow some “best practices” even if the medication is legal. One thing is that, avoid tossing your meds into a travel-friendly pill caseThey can make it hard for authorities to identify drugs. However, you can still carry one. These are great for carrying around a few extra pills once you get to your destination. Bajrovic advises that you should always keep your medication in the original packaging. This includes a label with information about who prescribed it and what dosage to take. You should also carry a printed prescription or, if that is not possible, a note from your doctor stating you are carrying the medication. If you travel with an injection for a condition like type 2 or ulcerative colitis, this is especially important. Make sure that the generic name of the medication is included in the letter you receive from your doctor. Different countries use different brand names.
3. The right amount
Don’t bring too much medication or too little. Bajrovic says that most countries will allow you to take up to three months’ worth of medication. However, if you are taking a narcotic, stimulant, or psychotropic medicine, you may only be allowed 30 days. Bajrovic’s advice is to take enough medicine for your trip plus a few more days just in case.
4. Open up about your feelings
It may seem obvious, but you must declare all medications you carry when you go through customs. Bajrovic says that many people do not declare their medication, even if they are carrying something as basic as blood pressure medicine or anti-inflammatory arthritis medications. But if you’re not sure if the drug is illegal, you should definitely declare it. Medical marijuana, decongestants, amphetamines and certain decongestants are all things you need to be aware of. “If something is illegal—even if you didn’t know—and don’t declare it, you can be arrested,” he says.
5. Do not forget domestic flights
You may need to take some precautions even if your trip isn’t international. bringing more than 3.4 ounces of a liquid medication through TSA. Tell the agent at security as they may have to perform additional screenings before allowing you in.
It may seem tedious to do all of this work in advance, but it is better than the alternative – not taking your medication on your trip, or worse, being fined or imprisoned for something you forgot in your luggage.
