Medication and flying

[Anna114]

Maybe someone can help me out. With the volcano in Iceland having caused all sorts of mayhem it got me thinking about my meds. I was recently diagnosed a diabetic and haven't travelled since. I was just going to pack my meds. in my daily dispenser and put it in my suitcase. Just in case there is a problem I need to pack more. So I could just put it in my dispenser but if my luggage gets lost I'm SOL. My glucophage bottle is huge! I'd really not like to put it in my purse, it would take up most of the room in there I'm concerned with carrying the pills without the original bottle. Can you carry the meds. with out the prescription bottle? Can a pharmacy give you a bottle with the prescription on it without dispensing more pills? Does anyone have a better suggestion? TIA!

 

[Stumpy]

They recommend that you do have the prescription, but due to the number of diabetics and others with similar conditions, I don't think you'll need to worry. I doubt they would question you, but if nothing else see if you can photocopy the prescription label off the bottle or else get a printout of the medication to be on the safe side. Your pharmacist may be able to provide that.

 

[Mary2e]

Never pack anything in your suitcase that you can't afford to lose. Period.

 

[disneyfaninaz]

You can carry your daily dispenser on the plane with you. Remember, if you're stranded at an airport due to volcano ash, weather, etc. you may not have access to your luggage. I would carry an extra week's worth of your medication with you as well, just to be safe. It doesn't have to be in the original container, but you can put a prescription label with it so people know what it is in case of an emergency.

 

[safetymom]

I have never been questioned about my pills in my 7 day pill carrier. If you were going overseas that may be different. DO NOT PACK THEM IN YOUR LUGGAGE. Your luggage may be lost or you may not have access to it in the event of a delay.

 

[NotUrsula]

When travelling overseas, in most places in the first world you don't have to carry the original pill bottle; you just need copies of the physician's and pharmacy scrips to prove that you are the person for whom they were dispensed. Most pharmacies will print out a full sheet of your scrips labels at no charge.

Injectibles do usually need to be in original Rx packaging, though.

Do pay attention to what meds are allowed in what countries. There are some meds that are common in the US that are controlled substances in other countries, and some that are banned altogether. (Pseudoephedrine, for example, is banned in Japan. LOTS of things are banned in Japan.)

 

[Glencora]

ALWAYS carry your meds with you on the plane. My 7 day container (always just refilled) goes with me on the plane; for stays longer than a week, everthing else goes into the suitcase so I can refill when I need to. I also have my anxiety meds in a pill case in my purse. I have never had a problem with any of these - never needed to show a prescription, etc.

 

[PatsMom]

If you only have one medication it is simple. Just put it in your pill organizer. I've never been asked about prescriptions for the collection of pills in my huge organizer. Never pack prescription meds in your checked bag.

Alternatively, your pharmacy should be willing to give you a smaller bottle with a prescription label if you feel more comfortable carrying medication that way.

If you check your blood glucose, you might want to make sure you grab an extra supply of test strips to bring with you. Travelling and an unusual eating schedule can really mess up my blood sugar but I am on several medications for the diabetes. Metformin does not typically cause lows so you may not be testing (I know I didn't when I only had the one drug to deal with). I've never been asked for any documentation on my sharps, which include needles in addition to the lancets for the glucometer. But again, if it gives you peace of mind, your doctor's office can provide you with a letter saying you are diabetic and have to carry the lancets to test your blood sugar.

 

[bear_mom]

I never check my medication, always carry in my carry on luggage. Just an FYI incase anyone is wondering: inhalers are considered a liquid and need to be declared as such. It doesn't have to fit in your 3-1-1 bag, just declared sperately. I learned this the hard way .

Emily

 

[disneyag]

NEVER NEVER put medications in your checked luggage!

 

[bumbershoot]

Don't put your drugs in your checked bags!

Do pay attention to what meds are allowed in what countries. There are some meds that are common in the US that are controlled substances in other countries, and some that are banned altogether. (Pseudoephedrine, for example, is banned in Japan. LOTS of things are banned in Japan.)

Definitely.

DH nearly got in trouble in Australia as he takes HCG to mitigate the side effects of a pituitary tumor. He was lucky he packed the boxes with the rx info on it, b/c HCG is absolutely banned in Aus unless you have a prescription for it (and most men do not use it for prescription reasons).

No one has blinked at the needles for it, though.