If anyone has good ideas I'm all ears. I daily use a fair amount of over-the-counter pain treatments (ibuprofen, lidocaine patches and creams, thermacare pads etc., you know, stuff you can buy in bulk at Costco), as well as Sudafed and antihistamines for persistent allergies. Thinking I could buy these items in Italy, I packed much fewer than I would need for a full 49-day adventure (much of it exploring on foot historic city centers, museums and archeological sites) throughout southern Italy in Jan-Mar 2025. Turns out, you can't. Lidocaine anything is a no-no without a prescription. Antihistamines are limited to 7 or 10 day supply, and some pharmacies won't sell the type with a decongestant - Zirtec D - and sudafed-type decongestants alone require an Rx. Depending on how you ask, ibuprofen can be limited to a 10 pack, 400 mg tablet supply (as Buprofen) or 30 600 mg tablets (as ibuprofen). Thermacare is outrageously priced about the same as at home local stores in 2- to 4-patch packets. Packing enough of this stuff, as well as other prescription meds and vitamins for 49 days, would weigh about 10 lbs. I have my trusty Rick Steves backpack, but this asking a bit much for my recently repaired and hardwared spine. Anyone have suggestions, short of having med drops from airplanes along my route (12 cities, not counting various side trips)?
Posted by
5449 posts
To clarify, are you intending to travel with a backpack only?
Sorry to be daft, but I am not seeing how a few pill bottles would be that much weight or room?
I use the lidocain roll-ons, that should be about a month supply? Not sure if it would be counted as a liquid or not.
If you can get by without the thermacare during the day, you could probably buy a heating pad for cheaper, even if you ditch it.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9122 posts
check a bag.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16851 posts
I think there are two of you traveling, and that you are the "A" of A and K? If so could K pack some of it in their bag or are they already overloaded with OTC/prescription stuff too?
Or as suggested above, check a bag but with the LEAST important of the listed items listed above and none of the prescription meds in it. As well, If your airline allows a carryon + a personal item, like a purse, the stuff could be distributed between them.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8324 posts
Yes, you probably ran into the most common disconnect with US and European OTCs the allergy/antihistamine category. One reason I usually pack some Mucinex D in case I get something respiratory, and my wife brings her allergy meds. But I really had no issues getting Ibuprofen from a pharmacy, depending on country, either 400 mg or even 600 mg. Have had a bit of a problem finding 200 mg though. I thought pricing was very reasonable, as it was with other drugs.
Posted by
Colorado Mountains, USA
8068 posts
Back when I was taking mega doses of ibuprofen, it was so much more expensive in Europe than in the USA, and as you mentioned, buying a bottle of 500 caplets or tablets (at any price) was unthinkable. But it appears that you're already in Europe, with what you brought over, and needing to acquire more as you go, at the going price.
For the things requiring a prescription, can your doctor get you one, somehow? Or send one to a specific pharmacy where you’re going to be?
I don’t want to pry, but I wonder how your hardwared spine was treated at airport Security. Were they understanding, or did screening seem hostile after you went through the scanner? With my knees, I’ve had a lot more of the latter than the former.
I hope your research trip goes well, with good discoveries and not too much hassle/cost with meds and supplies.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34522 posts
the reason for the small quantities at a time is because the governments (same here in the UK) don't want you either intentionally or accidentally overdosing.
we treat medications somewhat differently over here.
Sorry it is costing more and is more inconvenient than you expected.
The idea of the heating pad is a good one. I even have one with a really long cord which goes over my shoulders like a cape.
This isn't a rare question here - sorry you didn't find us sooner.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34522 posts
to clarify for others I've looked at another post and it seems that it is K who is writing. And that the trip is wrapping up. So maybe this is more relating what happened rather than asking for help going forward?
Posted by
West Coast
267 posts
Thanks for sharing, and so very wonderful you took your bionic self on this long adventure!
Prior to my (23) day trip I posted the contents of my first aid travel supplies on the Packing Forum. It weighed 1 and 1/2 pounds, in a synthetic fabric Sea-to-Summit bag. As you noted, that was a lot of weight toward my 18 pound limit for wanting to do carry-on. So, about half as long as your trip.
I take only the "blister packs" rather than boxes and Sudafed Sinus is a must for me. I'm fortunate to not need as many pain relief supplies so can get by with just those little travel tubes. Still, decanted into snack-sized baggies would save some weight. I put my vitamins like that inside a pair of shoes or other wasted space. The oximeter is the heaviest, and a tiny thermometer is peace of mind. The roll-on idea for Lidocaine is great!
I find pharmacies when traveling overseas confusing and intimidating. It's not a place I'd want to have an adverse reaction or something not work. Have you actually tried weighing all the products you want and need to bring, next time?
You could also designate a backpack as the way to carry it all, if you're not traveling solo.
I'd say if you have a weight limit that's more of a challenge than fitting the products throughout your luggage. My pouch does just squeeze into coat pockets and I've used that strategy a couple times, transferring it once past the check in process.
Healthy and safe travels!
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1 posts
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