When packing prescription medications, is it necessary to bring them in their original prescription bottles? Or is it acceptable to pack them using pill organizers? For myself, it would be a significant difference in packing space.
Thank in advance for any advice!
Diana,
I am a pharmacist and a fequent traveler. LEGALLY, you are supposed to carry all Rxs in a container labeled by a pharmacist, even in this country. That said, I never travel with anything but the long little pill containers with seven compartments, one for each day of the week. I carry two separate sets, one in my carry-on luggage and one that my wife carries in hers. I have never had anyone contest that, either here or in Europe, and it is in the US on the return you are most likely to be stopped. We travel almost yearly to Italy and sometimes elsewhere as well.
I also know a doctor who caused a rukus over an extra bottle of wine at customs on return to Houston who was also charged with illegal, unlabeled possession of controled substances. Your choice.
Hmmm. That's what I was afraid of. I'm kind of a scaredy cat when it comes to playing loose with rules. Plus a couple of my meds are controls which complicates things even further if they were confiscated. I guess I'll just play it safe.
I did work in a pharmacy for a few years - and I remember people coming in to get the smallest bottle we had to be re-labeled with their current prescription by the pharmacy. This saves some space if I can cut back on the bottle size.
Thanks!
You know, that some drugs that are legal here as over the counter , are illegal in some countries( only by prescription) , I was told codiene was one, which I always have with me ( migranes) .
Well I take them anyways, but always in orginal container (at least they can see what the heck they are , but, I have never been stopped or questioned, but I guess there is always a first time)
I always carry prescription drugs in orginal containers, always.I do ask for smaller pill jars though as I can get a 90 day prescription which of course comes in a huge vat, LOL .
I don't know if this would work, but maybe you could keep the pills in the organizers and have a sheet of paper with all of the labels????
I would strongly suggest keeping pills in the original containers. Posters above have given good reasons, but also keep in mind that if you don't have the pills in the original containers it could hamper the ability of medical professionals to help you in a medical emergency.
Since medications and pill shape/size/color can vary from country to country, it's important that a doctor/nurse/paramedic have a separate label for each type of pill. Also, for any crucial medication, be sure to have some record of generic alternatives as not all brand names are available in many European countries.
I second the previous suggestion that you ask the pharmacist for smaller bottles if you don't need that many pills for the trip.
On the other side of the coin: in 2003 I was in Ireland visiting relations and doing a bit of traveling when I had a cough I could not shake. I went in to the local Chemist in Bantry to get some cough drops after a rather restless and sleepless night. Instead of 'Halls' cough drops they had a brand called 'Hacks'; which I thought was quite funny which caused me to go into a severe coughing fit. The chemist came out and spk to me and asked what problems I was having and after explaining my symptoms she provided me w/a bottle of Robitussin w/codine over the counter. It was fantastic and w/in a few days I was back to normal, however, I have to admit I had to ditch it in the trash before coming home because i didnt have a 'prescription' for it from a phy. My doctor was really impressed when I told him the story later.
This topic keeps coming up. A search using the search box in the upper right hand corner will give you a plethora of information on this topic.
The Pharmacist is right, you must legally carry medications in their originally labeled containers.
As a Paramedic I would urge you to follow suit. I've seen what can happen. First Responders need to be able to see/understand this vital information.
The labels contain what we call the "Five Rights of Medication". Removing this vital information is unwise and unsafe.
The 5 Rights Include:
-The right person
-The right medication
-The right dose
-The right method
-The right time
Hand written labels are not acceptable nor are they legal. That information must be found on a proper label from the Pharmacy.
Transport your meds safely. Take your organizer and fill it upon arrival. Ask for two smaller labeled containers from the Pharmacy. Mine does for me automaticly now. Plus take an extra 7 day supply plus generic RX.
continued...
You can also request your Pharmacist to blister pack your meds in daily portions. This is often done for Seniors but works well for Travellers as well. Better Pharmacies will provide this service. Don't forget, your Pharmacist is your "travel partner" as well.
Like I said, do a search using the box in the upper right hand corner...lots of information there...
One final thought. If I read Charles' post correctly...He said he (the Pharmacist) "never travels with anything other than two of the seven day long pill containers".
If I read that correctly, I'm surprised that a Pharmacist, a fellow Health Care Provider, would do that. I thought a Pharmacist would be the first person to advise against it.
Don't take chances with your life, transport your medications safely.
I think it is best to have meds labeled with drug name, strength and instructions and here is why. I am a pharmacist and during the aftermath of the 9/11 attack I had two customers that were stranded oversees, they ran out of medications and did not have them in labeled containers. They had to call me from Europe and ask me to fax labels/info to them so they could take them to a physician there to get a prescription. So for my two cents worth, an original pharmacy label on the smallest container is best.
I truly appreciate all the advice. I think I will take my medications in their bottles with the appropriate labels. As another caution, just in my regular (non-traveling life), I keep a card on me that lists all my medications and dosages. My husband knows about this as well, in case anything happened to me.
Thanks again!
