Prescription meds in their containers

Wes I always get my pharacist to give me a smaller bottle.. labelled with prescription for the amount i need to take on trip. I also pack a small amount of backup pills in seperate place,, just in case I lose pills.

I only take two pills, so I carry the prescrition bottles in my purse, but with bulk of med left in hotel safe.. that way if I pass out, or get hit by a car,, ( I travel solo alot) then at least they know what I am on..

It's required by law. Customs inspection entering the EU are rare, but if your going to have medications left over after your trip, and are selected for a hand search by US customs on your way back they could give you a hassle. It's happened to me at Newark Airport. It's always best to be in compliance.

On five trips to various locations abroad I've never taken the prescription bottles with me and have never had a problem, but then, I've never been searched on return to the US, and maybe I've just been lucky. I'll probably take the bottles with me on my next trip.

Hi
Medicines, if in original foil, are easily identifiable - usual stuff doesn't matter (just be sensible).
If you want to make absolutely sure (ie thousands or pills, etc) in UK you'll need to contact customs and declare on entry (may actually find queues are less than "nothing to declare").
Here we get a doctor's prescription before we can buy drugs and then we can carry part of this (it's a National Health Service legal document).
But, for any control drugs you'll need to declare them (eg DF118, etc). You'll need a physician's letter and contacting Customs before is wise. They'll need to be sure that the amount is appropriate to your personal situation. At worst arrangements can be made for drugs to be prescribed in UK.
Laws around the EU are all pretty similar.
These things are technicalities and are VERY EASY to get round following correct channels (we like visitors).
I'm pretty sure I'm correct here (I'm a doctor). Note - take great care if you are bringing undeclared controlled drugs into the UK. It's easy to make a mistake.
s

TSA does NOT require that medications be in original bottle, or even have a lable (even controlled meds -see their website).

That said, it is always advisable to have the correct info with your mediactions in case of illness, emergency, needing refills, etc. Ask your pharmacist to print you an extra lable 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 accoring to when you take them (example, day 1, am in one blister, day 1 lunch in next, day 1 pm in next, then day 2...) and put all the lables on the top of the sheet. You could also use a pill organizer and put the extra labels from the pharmacy on one sheet of paper taped to the bottom of the organizer. Whatever works for you. I also carry an information sheet with all of my medcations 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 and 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 very helpful.

Hi Just re-reading my post - what I meant re: controlled drugs was - you'll need to declare them!
s

Sorry, just to add - see HM Customs document "Taking medicines with you when you go abroad" which you can read. If you are taking controlled drugs I would take their advice - it'd be embarrassing to have those lovely cute Springer Spaniels leaping onto your luggage when you could just quickly produce an e-mail saying you were OK! Better contacting them if you are unsure.
s

TSA does NOT require that medications be in original bottle

This is not a TSA issue as there are no weapons or explosives involved. It's enforced by Customs which is a law enforcement agency.

State and Federal drug laws DO require than all prescription drugs be in properly labeled containers. You can have them confiscated and you can be detained and/or arrested. Doesn't have a thing to do with TSA or Customs. Ask your pharmacist.

Doesn't have a thing to do with TSA or Customs

It has everything to do with Customs. They are the agency (in all countries) responsible monitoring what stuff (including medications) comes into and out of the country, and enforcing all the laws pertaining to it. It's their entire purpose in life:)

I believe Michael is correct. The job of Customs is to monitor and control all items brought into the country. Including Pharmaceuticals. For your own health and welfare, it is advisable to carry prescription medications in the original bottle. This bottle gives emergency medical people important information. A little thing that might one day save your life.

The reason I mentioned TSA in my post, is that some travelers have expressed concern that their meds will be "checked" or even taken at security or that they will have to put them in checked baggage. Some TSA agents are overly zelous (and some are not well trained)and being informed about your rights- esp. concerning medical matters- is important.

As long as medication is properly identified it is not vital that it be "in the original container". Having a proper lable (ONE PROVIDED BY THE PHARMACY) IS important. Customs is not really concerned with small amounts (of meds that are legal in the passenger's home country), brought in for personal consumption. Larger amounts are definatley their concern.

I simply want to be sure that the OP knows that there are alternatives to the large, brown, plactic bottles they get from their drug store. You can pack plenty of meds for a LONG trip in minimal space, and still be "legal".

Customs is not really concerned with small amounts (of meds that are legal in the passenger's home country

That's not my experience. I was hassled by US Customs at Newark Airport because one bottle of prescription-only nose spray I take for hay fever didn't have the pharmacy sticker on it. The bottle had the manufacturer sticker on it, clearly identifying what medication it was. But the agent wanted the pharmacy sticker on it. This gave him the excuse to thoroughly search every inch of belongs and baggage. Plus I had to endure a longer lecture about medicines being labeled and all that. Fortunately I live in the NYC area, but had I had a connecting flight to catch, there's a good chance I would have missed it.

Michael- sorry Customs gave you such a hard time. Again, I want to say that some agents (TSA and Customs) have an attitude problem, are poorly trained, etc. That is why it is important to know your rights and to know what is required. Note- he wanted the pharmacy lable- that's what I encouraged the OP to take care of- not the original container.

Wow. I didn't expect such immediate responses. Our trip takes us from the US with a brief layover in the UK, to Amsterdam.After nearly a month we then return to the US.

I found your responses very helpful. Since this is our first trip to Europe, we are excited and just want to do what is necessary to avoid problems. We thank all of you.