Hydrocodone (Vicodin) banned in France? Alternatives?

The Spanish are just like Americans in that they can suffer back pain. If you are in that situation, then go to a pharmacy and buy what they suggest. If that doesn't work, then find a doctor or hospital. Your hotel will be able to advise you.

As for drugs which are legal in your country but not in the one you are visiting, then take them if they are vital to your survival. I have never had my bags examined and drugs confiscated.

I understand your concern, as my husband has a history of back spasms toward the end of a trip. He is now diligent about his back exercises, but carries oxycodone when we travel, just in case. I will have to check and confirm that we can take a small supply into France, as we are going in May. But assuming it is, you might ask your doctor about switching to that, or codeine.

If I were bringing my own supply and was concerned about confiscation I would Just put them in a different pill bottle like aspirin or something else.

Oh yes, of course...like THAT wouldn't land you in jail in a heartbeat! No - never attempt to hide your drugs (especially prescription narcotics) in a different bottle. That's a recipe for disaster.

Shame on you Vega..
Always carry all prescription meds in original container. I think travelers with one month supply will be allowed. Double check with your airlines.

The key is if it's a reasonable supply and if it's in a container that clearly indicates that it is your prescription. An "unreasonable supply" would be if the script clearly states "Take one tablet twice a day", but you bring 120 tablets for a two week trip.

With only a few exceptions, medications legally prescribed in the US are allowed. Some of the exceptions include marijuana (a gray area even in the US) and certain medications used for addiction therapy.

I have gone to different countries in Europe during 13 of the last 14 years and have always taken along "very strong narcotics" in their original prescription bottle along with a letter from my prescribing doctor for a skeleton problem that is actually getting worse as times go by. I have never been questioned about it and always put them into my carry-on bag. Luck or whatever?

I have gone to different countries in Europe during 13 of the last 14 years and have always taken along "very strong narcotics" in their original prescription bottle along with a letter from my prescribing doctor for a skeleton problem that is actually getting worse as times go by. I have never been questioned about it and always put them into my carry-on bag. Luck or whatever?

Technically, yes, a lot of the advice for narcotics is to bring a 30 day supply. How long is your trip? Do you take this medication every day? If your trip is less than 30 days, just bring your medicine in its prescription bottle and a doctors letter. If your trip is longer than 30 days, you will want to look further into the rules. I poked around a little bit on here
http://www.incb.org/incb/en/publications/Guidelines.html
On the France page it says that for over 30 days, to contact a Health Product Safety Agency.

Now, I will say that I've never had pills examined to see what they are and you are probably fine bringing in a 2 month supply for a 2 month trip. What would cause issue is bringing huge bottles for a one week trip or something. But technically...

Your issue would be if you had a problem while there and needed to get a rx filled. They won't have it if it's banned, obviously, but whatever local people use for severe pain would be prescribed. If that works for you or not is anyone's guess