Packing prescription drugs

TSA does NOT require that you pack your meds in their original pharmacy bottles, although they do recommend labeling them for your own safety. You're fine with your pill organizers. Also, you do not have to go through customs overseas, unless you're importing something that has to be declared, which is highly unlikely.

Yes, you should bring either your original bottles or some proof of prescription. I know it's a pain, I take 5 prescribed medications.

The main reason for identifying your meds is so that if something were to happen to you anyone helping you would know what you are taking. Except in the case of controlled substances, there is no requirement that they be labeled. TSA won't even look at them. I use a pill case all the time and I have never been asked about it.

This is the answer I gave to a previous post: TSA does NOT require that medications be in original bottle or even have a label. That said, it is always advisable to have the correct info with your medications in case of illness, emergency, needing refills, etc. Ask your pharmacist to print you an extra label and put it on a small Ziploc bag, then put the medication in the bag. Alternatively, some pharmacies will prepare blister packs with all your meds grouped according to when you take them (example, day 1, am in one blister, day 1 lunch next, day 1 pm next, then day 2...) and put all the labels on the top of the sheet. You could also use a pill organizer and put the labels from the pharmacy on one sheet of paper taped to the bottom of the organizer. Lots of ways to do it. I also carry an information sheet with all of my medications listed (both generic and name brand), the dose I take, when I take it and what condition it is for. I also list my Dr's phone #s, pharmacy's #, and emergency contact info as well a list major medical conditions (I have asthma, high blood pressure, PCOS, etc.) and surgeries /dates. This info sheet has come in handy when I had a severe asthma attack at work (the EMTs knew everything they needed even though I had trouble speaking). If you become ill while traveling, or need a refill because you lost meds, etc. this could be vital. Feel free to private message me if you want a sample copy of the info sheet. Also, liquid meds of more than 3 oz should NOT be placed in your 3-1-1 bag, but should be in their own baggie. You must declare them to the TSA before screening. It is helpful for liquids to be in their original bottle. Also- if you use a CPAP, a nebulizer, etc, these devices must be declared and removed for separate screening. (Also- most airlines don't count these in # of allowed carry-on bags)

We just got back...flew into London and out of Brussels. I did bring original packaging for perscription & OTC, but threw away OTC bottle and just put meds in ziploc for trip home.

As a pharmacist, I recommend that you keep your medications in labeled prescription bottles. If you should have an accident or get sick, medical personnel will need to know what you take and how you take it in order to help in your diagnosis and treatment. You could always take a pill-minder to take on your daily outings, but keep the bulk of them in the original labeled bottles.

As someone who takes prescription drugs that are highly controlled I can tell you two things; Keep the meds in the bottles. Also, make a copy of the presciption before having it filled. My doctor has no problems calling in for my meds but when I'm getting ready to go someplace I make an appointment so I can get it written and I make copy. I have indeed been bothered about it in the past.

I keep my meds in a pill organizer but I carry labels along with me. I've never been questioned. Also, while day touring I keep in my messenger bag a sheet of paper with this information: my name, my country of origin (US), a list of meds I take daily and dosages, and contact phone numbers in case of emergency. This is in case I pass out or get hit by a bus and someone needs to know which way to turn to help me (I typically travel alone). And of course, I carry my passport in a money belt.

I think a reasonable bottom line to this one is that you need do nothing different from what you would do on a trip within the US. Someone in Europe needing to know what you are taking in case of an emergency is no different and the TSA screeners on domestic flights are the same as international. European customs is, as noted, almost non-existent so it is highly unlikely that you will have any problem.

Alright, original packaging it is. :) I will also carry an "In Case of Emergency" sheet in my purse. My physician will only fax prescriptions to the pharmacy, which I find to be a bit ridiculous, but maybe the pharmacy can get me a copy of whatever they receive. Thanks!