Prescription Drugs & Customs

[stevefry]

Does anyone know where I can find out the procedure involved when carrying prescription-drugs and vitamin tablets through the US Customs? We'll be travelling with enough pills to open up a Pharmacy and obviously don't want any embarrassing encounters when we get there. We've done it several times before, but the only items we've ever been questioned about were our Oxo-cubes!!!
Steve.

 

[WDWFOREVER]

My husband and I are both on prescription medication and last time (June this year) carried a vanity case full of the stuff including:
2 different asthma pumps each (plus 2 for my DS)
Blood pressure tablets (2 packs each)
Arthritis tablets (1 pack)
Water tablets (1 pack)
Muscle relaxant (1 pack)
Ulcerative colitis medication (1 pack)
We have never been stopped or searched but have always carried the medicine we CANNOT live without in our hand luggage. Being a bit of a worrier, I usually ask my GP for extra of all my medication and that goes in one of the suitcases. Again, we have never had our bags searched.

In addition to the above, we were carrying a couple of packs of over-the-counter painkillers.

I hope this helps. I detailed all the drugs because they might be similar to what you are taking and therefore might put your mind at rest.

 

[Stuartpaul]

Anybody have any information in relation to injections? My wife needs to have one a day and I wondered about the carrying of hypodermic needles etc.

Needless to say it will be carried in hand luggage for fear of getting lost.

Thanks

Stuart

 

[WebmasterPenny]

Medication should always be carried in hand luggage so that if they feel the urge, anyone at any stage can check it over easily. They should also always be carried in their original containers and boxes with all the little chemist stickers on etc that show the name of the drug AND your name.

As for the hyperdermics - I'm not sure, I think I heard once that they carried a letter from their GP confirming the legitimacy, but it may have just been someone being extra cautious.

 

[crux]

We have to carry hypodermics as my wife is a diabetic - you do need an up to date letter from your GP and it is possible that the hypodermics will be taken from you by the cabin crew for the duration of the flight. Having said that, so far we've never had any questions/issues/problems going in and out of the USA - the only problem we've had was with a glucose injection pack that I carry when we came back from Paris. They refused to let us take it on the plane unless they could open it, but once they'd opened it is wasn't sterile and therefore useless, won't be going back to Paris in a hurry!

 

[Claire L]

I always carry my prescription migraine tablets in their orignal box with label giving my name and date they were prescribed to save any problems. I also put an extra couple in anothe bag just incase!!!
Claire

 

[stevefry]

Thanks for the info. - We'll take all prescription drugs in their original boxes and keep them in our hand-luggage.
We'll just have to take our chances with the vitamins and supplements though, because we bought them in bulk, and the plastic containers they arrived in are just too big to take with us, therefore they've been divided into smaller self-seal bags for storage. (Hope they don't look too suspicious!)
Steve.

 

[signtalker]

You are fine with prescription drugs if in their normal packaging.

You will need a GPs note for specialist drugs, (Grade A), which have to be declared at customs.
Our son is classed in the grade A range, but weve never experienced any problems.

Jules

 

[Bug Juice II]

If you ask your Doctor they should be able to provide a copy of the prescrition(s) to take with you. This might also come in useful should any need to be obtained in the USA.

As for the vitamin's ideally they should be in the sealed containers, not only for the USA Customs but also for UK security. Perhaps you could take a smaller bottle of the same pills still sealed so they can all see they are the same?

Having said all that I have never had a problem although I normally only have asprin / indigestion tablets in my hand luggage.

CC

 

[Miffy2003]

Hello

Hope this answer helps you out. The last 3 times I have flown (twice post Sept 11) and carried hypodermic syringes in my hand luggage, I have not encountered a problem at all. I did tell them at check in and they were absolutely fine about it. IMO, the GP's letter is not necessary unless it will put your mind at rest.

I need a syringe during a 9 hour flight (diabetes) and also would prefer to have them with me in case my luggage goes astray, so I understand how you feel!

Have a great holiday

Karen

 

[Bug Juice II]

I think the best bit of the Dr's prescription is that should anything unplanned happen the information is available (I carry it in my wallet). All I suffer from is slight asthma but I would rather the medics be aware as soon as possible.

I also have an injections booklet showing what vaccines I have had plus I note in there if I am on maleria tablets at the time.

It is a very handy back up for security and customs as well. Plus should I lose anything I do have some medical proof.

I do take loads of chances on many things but I do think that should I be hit by the proverbial bus or lose my bag I need some medical back up and/or information of what medicine I have taken so I can get the right treatment.

CC