Prescription Meds.

I always pack 14 days worth of prescription meds in medisets, and NEVER had anyone look at them going into or out of the US or EU, during our annual trips. I try to use an original bottle if I am taking more than two weeks worth of meds. But, if any of your meds are narcotics, it would be best to follow the State Departments admonitions, and carry them in the original bottle, with a copy of the perscription. "A traveler going abroad with a preexisting medical problem should carry a letter from the attending physician, describing the medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. Any medications being carried overseas should be left in their original containers and be clearly labeled. Travelers should check with the foreign embassy of the country they are visiting to make sure any required medications are not considered to be illegal narcotics." Once I was flagged at US entry Customs, and asked if I had purchased drugs in the EU. They had my name, and sought me out before I reached the check point! I had run out of one of my Blood Pressure meds in Austria, and got a refill. This was obviously reported to the US authorities, and they wanted confirmation from me of the purchase. I told them what I had done, and they allowed me to go forward with the balance of the Customs inspection without any problem.

It's better to take the original bottles, just in case. We've never had meds or vitamins questioned, but if we do, we keep meds in the original bottles.

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Jan, DO research whether any of your meds are considered illegal, etc., for travel in Italy (you'd be surprised). I'd bring the original bottles with prescription label attached. Once in Italy, you can sort your meds into your Mediset - anything to help you remember while traveling. Many people take prescription meds in ziplocs and report no problems; many people drive 140 mph in the nude and drunk and report no problems. Yet. Don't be over-anxious about it, but you'll be dealing with people who are speaking English as a second language, if at all...anything to make things go smoothly is my motto. AND PLEASE bring several days extra - you never know when the next air cabin crew strike or volcano eruption is coming...;-) AND Pack Them in Your Carry-on.*********Follow the directions in Kent's post - lots has been written on this, and much of it very lately...

To browse 171 prior discussions of this question, each with multiple replies, as in maybe a thousand answers to this question, go here: http://tiny.cc/kdrum * * * ¶ It may be that we have now said everything that can be said about this, and about using ATM's in Europe, and about the weather in Doofusville in 2 months, etc. * * * And a trivia question for frequent users of the Helpline: What famous event in Helpline History occurred on October 20, 2009? (Eileen, you're disqualified from answering, but you can give hints)

Keep your prescription medications in their original labeled bottles. If you should become ill or have an accident, medical personnel and/or family will need to provide information about the medications you are taking. This can make a big difference in diagnosis and treatment and could mean the difference between life or death. I am a pharmacist and this is my best advice to you.