Travel With Prescription Drugs and Supplements

"Are bags checked at customs?

The chance of getting chosen to be searched is small, but not zero. I would bring a hard and an electronic copy of all prescriptions. Also, are your supplements recorded in any medical records? If so, bring them too.

We ask our pharmacy to pint out labels for the prescriptions, then attach them to plastic bags. It's been a while, so I can't remember if they give us the bags, or we use our own. I just put the supplements in a plastic bag in my toiletries kit. I've never had a problem with that system.

My trips are so long (and calcium in particular is so heavy) that I set out on many trips with over 6 lb. of pills. The carefully-counted-out supplements go into supplement bottles they fit in best; the contents don't always match the label on the bottle. I guess the risk of doing that isn't zero, but I really can't afford the extra bulk involved in using the original containers with all that dead space.

My prescription medications are all very tiny, and they fit in a single prescription bottle, so I combine them. I bring a copy of the pharmacy printout for those. I do not have any narcotics or other medications that are popularly abused.

On travel days (up to 30 or so per trip), I carry the pills in my tote bag rather than leaving them in my suitcase.

Except for airport security staff no one has ever looked in any of my bags. The security folks have shown no interest in my pills.

I have been going to Europe since the 1970's. Like you, I use the tiny ziplock bags for my meds and supplements. I have never been questioned about them at all. I don't carry the original bottle or anything that has the name on them other than my handwritten notation on the bag they are in. I always carry these in the backpack that I take on the plane with me, they never go in checked luggage. Other than going through the x-ray machine at security, no one has ever looked into my backpack.

I'm planning to use something like this on my upcoming Europe trip
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001TIOLN4/?coliid=I2XUATHAREP04&colid=TZJQLQVGUQ9M&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

I take a ziplock bag with my supplements and prescriptions with me. My prescriptions are for blood pressure and cholesterol as well as for inflammation and muscle relaxant. I have been all over the World.

I was advised that i only need to take copies of prescriptions if I was taking a scheduled drug like pain killers, etc.

This question comes up a lot. Here is my response from an earlier thread:

You are not required to carry medication in original containers. Per Customs & Border Patrol:

Prescription medications should be in their original containers with the doctor's prescription printed on the container. It is advised that you travel with no more than personal use quantities, a rule of thumb is no more than a 90 day supply. If your medications or devices are not in their original containers, you must have a copy of your prescription with you or a letter from your doctor.

https://help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1160?language=en_US

Per TSA:

Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening. It is recommended that medication be clearly labeled to facilitate the screening process. Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels.

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures?fielddisabilitytype_value=4%20

We have traveled with an extensive array of medications to and from Europe many times, and it is always re-packed into small pill baggies. The pharmacy prints me a copy of all labels before we go, and I stick those on a piece of paper and include them in the medication pouch. In addition I carry a letter from the prescribing physician to cover any controlled substances, just to be safe. Absolutely no issues anywhere, ever.

Thanks to all of you for your responses! This helps me a lot.

I would also suggest taking more of your prescription meds with you in case you are quarantined.