Medication

Hi Richard,

We were in Italy for a month in May and had some medication in the original packaging and others in a pill box. We were never asked about medication at TSA in the US, transfers in Frankfurt, and in Italy.

Generally, you would never have a worry. Customs does not go through your bags, unless you are pulled aside in a very, very, random check, or that they suspect something in a checked bag.

As for if someone asked, if you have a small amount that is obviously for personal use, likely no problems. If you take a number of pain killers and Control drugs, then I would have good proof of the prescription and why you were prescribed, as well as taking with you only what was needed for the trip.

There are some drugs prescribed in the US, Adderall for one, that are illegal in Europe, that take extra caution, but those are few, and if you have a concern, google the drug for travel to Europe.

In all cases, I would have the prescription information, mainly because if I had an issue and needed more, I would have documentation for a Doctor to get more.

Checking the CDC website is always a good idea: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/italy/traveler/packing-list.

TSA is about security. What you bring into a country is Customs business. If the Italian customs folks decide to check and they think you're bringing in a large enough quantity of something to sell, then they would have a problem. Whether they bother to check is a different story.

Pharmacies in Italy do not fill prescription drugs in labeled orange containers like in America. When an Italian doctor prescribes a medicine, let’s say for 30 days, the pharmacy gives you the prescription drug in the original sealed manufacturer’s package, obviously in that case it will be a 30 dose manufacturer’s package. If the doctor prescribes the medicine for 10 days the pharmacy will give to you a 10 dose size package. I’ve never heard of Italian customs authorities challenging people for the prescription meds. If you have concerns take a copy of the prescription with you.

Richard,

I've travelled with prescription medication for years and no one has ever asked about it, either going through airport security at my home airport or in European countries. I always travel with the med's in the original container with the prescription info and doctor's name on the label. I can't be bothered transferring med's to a pill box or whatever.

As others have been mentioned, it would be a good idea to check further if you've been prescribed any analgesics that may be on the "controlled" list in European countries.

I travel for three months at a time and take three months worth of prescriptions. Sadly, that's a lot of medication and some are the size of horse pills. Most I transfer to quart or snack size ziploc bags to save room. I write on the front of each ziploc the name and dose of the meds inside. I always have a copy of the prescription labels with me so that if stopped I can show what I have.

So far, I have never been stopped or challenged at any border crossing or airport security. They know people take medication. As long as you can prove what you have, and don't have an excessive amount, you'll be fine. A tourist bringing personal medication for their own use is not what they are looking for.

One last thing.....if you have any prescriptions that are controlled substances, those you probably want to keep separate and in their original container.

Like others mentioned if it is a controlled substance o narcotic then I would look on the CDC website for guidance. I have one tube of prescription Gel I use for arthritis that I do keep in the original box with the prescription so it can be exempt from the liquid rule and one that is controlled substance that stays in the original container. All others go into a pill box.