Traveling abroad with medicines

healthysoch

New Delhi, May 23, 2019 :

• Research your destination
• Remember that medication laws vary.
• Some medications such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) and opioids used in the US are illegal in other countries or require government authorization prior to your arrival.
• Some countries limit the amount of medication you can bring with you to a 30-day supply or less.
• The CDC advises calling the embassy of the country you’re going to visit to ask if your medication is permitted there.
• Bringing oxygen on a trip is tricky. The rules vary by the type of oxygen products you use (such as a tank or a portable oxygen concentrator) and by your means of transportation (airplane, train, bus, or ship). For example, not all airlines allow the use of portable oxygen concentrators; trains usually allow concentrators and sometimes allow oxygen tanks on board with limitations.
• If you choose to bring some of your medications along in a multi-compartment pillbox, secure the box with a rubber band. Because if the box opens, the pills may spill and you may not be able to identify which pill is which.
• It’s safer — and in many states and countries, required — to leave each prescription medication in its original labeled container. The label should show who prescribed the drug and when, as well as the drug name, dose, and your name.
• Pack your medication in a clear plastic bag and keep it in a carry-on so it’s always with you.
• Use extra caution when packing injectable medications and other drugs that must be kept cold.
• Liquid or gel medications are allowed on airplanes in excess of the standard 3.4-ounce liquid limits. But you must inform security that you have medical liquids, and you may be asked to open the containers.
• For travel in some countries, prescription labels are not enough to authenticate your medications. Check the government websites of countries to which you are traveling. It may be necessary to bring a copy of your prescriptions as well as a letter from your physician (on letterhead) explaining what the medications are and why you need them. This is especially important for controlled substances, such as prescription pain medications.
• If you’re traveling to another country, consider having the letter translated into the language of your destination.
• Bring a master list. Keep a separate list of your medications and doses in case you lose anything.
• Include the name, address, fax number, and phone number of a pharmacy where the medication can be called in. (Harvard Newsletter)

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