Need help quick--Dates on Prescrip for security purposes

[lovetoscrap]

I have read through the TSA site and it says to carry prescription meds:


Please make sure your medications are properly labeled with a professionally printed label identifying the medication and manufacturer's name or pharmaceutical label. The prescription medicine must match the name on the passenger's ticket.


There is nothing on there about the DATE on the label. I have inhalers and an epi pet and I didn't save the boxes for them--I usually just toss them. I did manage to scrounge up some old prescription boxes for the same items from a year a two ago when we moved and I did save the original prescrip boxes. These labels fit the requirements above--there is no mention of the word "current" or a date requirement--, but I am concerned they are going to tell me that is not okay and then I will be in trouble! They are dated 2004 I think.

We get our meds from a mail order company, not locally, so I can't go to the store and get a reprinted label at this point.

If this is going to be a huge issue, then I would rather pack them in my checked luggage and hope for the best, rather than put them in my carry on and have to toss them and not have them for the week. But really I am supposed to have them with me at all times

Anyone know if the date on the prescrip is vitally important to get it through security???

 

[tinaluis]

I'm not sure about the dates on prescriptions -- we ended up checking ours in our checked luggage because we didn't want to take a chance. We flew to MCO on 8/15 (very soon after the London incident). I checked SWA's website, the TSA rules, etc. and they said presciption meds were OK as long as they were in the ticketed passenger's name. When we were checking in at the SWA counter, they inquired about prescription meds. and I said we had some in our carry-on and she asked if they were labeled. I told her they were, SHE DIDN'T CHECK THEM, but she said I should be prepared to show photo ID to match the name on the prescription. The problem was they were for my 10 y/o DD (she has ulcerative colitis and is on a host of meds.) and she doesn't have a picture ID. We decided to put them in the checked luggage then because we didn't want to risk security confiscating them and having to have them refilled in Orlando.

 

[bavaria]

I actually can't recall reading here or on flyertalk.com that the prescriptions were checked that closely ie re date. I've flown many times since 8/10 with no issue; I think that it's NotUrsula or DebbieB who said that they fly weekly with 6 prescriptions and no issues at all.

 

[NotUrsula]

Yes, I do. I have a couple of inhalers that have expired labels on them and they haven't been questioned; the closest look my "meds baggie" has gotten was a quick glance. The expirations on these are not really old, though; just about a month or two. The thing is, mine are labeled directly on the bottle, and the label is TINY; so unless they are incredibly farsighted, there is no way that any of the TSO's have ever actually *read* those labels, because they are looking at the baggie from arm's length.

I don't think that you'll have a problem, but if you want to be safe, call your pharmacist. They can print out duplicate labels for any current scrip. (Most Rx labeling software can do the tiny kind, too; you just have to specifically ask that the inhaler or tube be directly labeled with a small-version label.)

 

[CPT Tripss]

snip

I don't think that you'll have a problem, but if you want to be safe, call your pharmacist. They can print out duplicate labels for any current scrip. (Most Rx labeling software can do the tiny kind, too; you just have to specifically ask that the inhaler or tube be directly labeled with a small-version label.)

My pharmacist for most of my meds is in a mail order company half way across the country. How would the local pharmacist (who I use for acute meds) know about my other meds? Wouldn't it be an imposition to ask her for a label when she never filled the scrip?

 

[PatsMom]

I fly with a bag of about 12 different prescription meds. I've flown 3 times since the latest changes. The two times my bag was hand inspected (once at security and once at a random screening at the gate) the zip loc bag of pills just got a quick glance. No one looked at the labels closely enough to see what the meds were much less the date the prescription was filled. I also carry an insulin pen, blood test kit, etc. None of these received more than a second glance either.

 

[CarolA]

I have to admit, that the chances of the TSA even looking are slim and none and slim has probably left town..... And then if they do look and it's a labled scrip that doesn't have a date and you get the TSA agent on a power trip ask for a supervisor and get them involved. Tell them if they have a question they can call either the Phramacy and/or the MD, but you are NOT giving up your meds.

The TSA is NOT qualified to make medical necessity decisons for you..... I would NOT check them if they are critical. With the problems the airlines are having now you probably will get to buy new ones in Orlando. (lost luggage seems to be going up at an alarming rate!)

 

[NotUrsula]

Your mail-order pharmacy has the capacity to print duplicate labels, too, which they would then mail to you if they are willing to do it. They may print it on plain paper rather than a sticker. (Duplicate labels have to clearly say that they are duplicate.) If the pharmacy will not reprint the labels for you (which I can see might be a possibility if they send you large quantities of medication but have never seen you in person), they still should be willing to send you a list of your current scrips, which you could carry in case there was any problem.

A local pharmacy can't reprint a label for a scrip that they did not fill.

My frequent-traveller status is the main reason I don't use mail-order pharmacies. I prefer being personally known to my pharmacist so that they are more likely to be willing to help me out if, say, someone absconds with my meds when I am halfway across the world. It costs me more, but I load up my FSA account and accept that it is the price I have to pay.

 

[CDoobee]

If meds are packed in checked luggage, do they still need to be in their original pharmacy bottles with label?

I'd just like to bring one of those weekly pill containers holding just the amount of pills I'll need for the trip. That's still alright , isn't it?

What about putting this in a carry-on? No liquid meds, it's just all pills.

 

[NotUrsula]

There are no restrictions at all on meds in pill form (well, except for carrying REALLY large "drug-dealer-like" quantities of them, which may prompt TSA to call law enforcement). You can take them onboard in a pill case, but carry your pills in a bag that will never leave your sight.

This thread is about liquid and cream medications: drops, squeeze bottles, tubes, spray inhalers, etc. -- substances that would be forbidden on board as gels, lotions, or liquids if you didn't have the Rx.

BTW, I would advise that travelers NEVER put prescription medications in checked baggage if there is any alternative at all (including shipping ahead w/ insurance). Not only are you up the creek if the bag is delayed or lost, or if you get stranded in an airport, but meds have a habit of disappearing from checked baggage. Drug thieves tend to grab in a hurry without reading labels; they depend on a fence to tell them which pills have street value and which do not.

EDIT: Clarifying that the above is in reference to US Domestic flights. There *is* a requirement to carry pills with your Rx on int'l flights, but that is not about air travel safety or TSA; it is a Customs rule meant to deter drug smuggling.

 

[keishashadow]

My pharmacy has always been kind enough to relabel our mail order meds (that come in the giant bottles) into a smaller one, easier to handle. Never was an issue, perhaps because we get the first 3 months filled there, then transferred

I do use older, small bottles that are years out of date, if I still have them - even for controlled meds...perhaps I should rethink this?

As for epi-pens, I wouldn't pack them in checked luggage since you don't know what the temp. extremes will be.

TSA agent @ gate said it was a good idea to pack all meds in a clear makeup bag that I carry on, haven't had any problems so far.

 

[bavaria]

I have to admit, that the chances of the TSA even looking are slim and none and slim has probably left town.....

I'm quoting this because not only do I really like this statement I have yet to experience or witness any TSA or CATSA agent in the last 5 weeks look at medication, let alone closely. That includes my own and the ppl ahead of me in security lines.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Thanks for all the advice. I am really not sure what to do. I repacked my carry one today and decided to just put most of the meds in a check through that I will pick up at the airport (not send with ME). But now I am concerned about "disappearance". I did talk to a local pharmacist today and he was pretty unclear also. He did say that the way he sees it, the prescription expires after one year for REFILLS, but that shouldn't affect the legality of my ability to carry/own the med.

I did some looking on flyertalk, but didn't really see this specific question addressed there. I guess I will just have to take some risks. My local airport is pretty small so I guess the worst that will happen is I will have to go back down and try to put it in my checked luggage (not sure how that would work???).

I would think things would be more difficult at larger airports like ORD, and if it is confiscated there, I will be on my way home and can get more the next day! (really don't even need the epi-pen here--yet).

I am going to take all my pills in prescrip bottles also. I usually don't, but at this point the less hassles the better. All I need is some overzealous terrorist to decide to try to blow up a plane with a Birth Control Pill pack between now and when I leave or come back, thus causing me to need documentation for everything out of the blue! I took out all but what I need for the trip and am leaving them at home and just taking what I need in the original bottles.

 

[CPT Tripss]

I am going to take all my pills in prescrip bottles also. I usually don't, but at this point the less hassles the better. All I need is some overzealous terrorist to decide to try to blow up a plane with a Birth Control Pill pack between now and when I leave or come back, thus causing me to need documentation for everything out of the blue! I took out all but what I need for the trip and am leaving them at home and just taking what I need in the original bottles.

Great line! Can you imagine the outcome if the really smart terrorist also uses that "little blue pill" to (using your words) blow up a plane?

 

[bavaria]

I am really not sure what to do

Seriously, you have 3 of the most frequent fliers on this board who have responded to you. We've tried to clarify and show you the pros and cons. Sorry that we were not helpful in making your decision, but I think that the 3 of agreed that there was almost no issue at all in putting the items in your carryon.

 

[bavaria]

I guess the worst that will happen is I will have to go back down and try to put it in my checked luggage (not sure how that would work???).

FYI if you flying within the US, your luggage would already be on the luggage distribution system on it's way to your plane by the time you get back to check in. If you are flying internationally, it may be a different story (ie Canadians who fly out of a Canadian airport that preclears US customs and immigration don't drop their bags until just BEFORE security, but again they wouldn't be able to go back and retrieve their bag without a lot of hassle and time)

I would think things would be more difficult at larger airports like ORD

I fly through or from/to ORD many times a year; my last trips took me through/to/from airports such as IAD, LAX, ORD several times, and there was no concern there. Again, the TSA haven't been looking that closely by any reports here or on flyertalk.com over the past several weeks.

 

[lovetoscrap]

Seriously, you have 3 of the most frequent fliers on this board who have responded to you. We've tried to clarify and show you the pros and cons. Sorry that we were not helpful in making your decision, but I think that the 3 of agreed that there was almost no issue at all in putting the items in your carryon.

I really appreciate the help. You were all helpful, but since you all can't make the decision for me I still have to weigh those pros and cons and how they apply to my situation! When I didn't get much response this morning before I finished packing I went ahead and repacked to put it all in check through and felt okay with that. Then read about having to worry about it being stolen and then I had to rethink that decision. It is just so frustrating.

Now I am thinking that I will go ahead and carry it on. I talked to DH about it. Worst case, he will be at home and can contact my dr, pick up a script and take it to a national chain here so I can get it transfered to somewhere there. And really, that is WORST case.

I sure miss the days of flying being a relatively simple thing! I am not all that old (mid 30's) and still remember flying out of our hometown airport in Illinios that didn't even have security! You checked your bags at one end of the room and walked out the back door to the plane. The "airport" was more like a bus stop! Even more recent memory was an airport in Texas that didn't x-ray carry ons--I think they just had a wand they waved past you as you walked toward the door!

But I do understand, and appreciate what is being done to attempt to keep us safe.

 

[DebbieB]

I have some daily prescriptions in pill form. I use a daily pill container, never had a problem. As a backup, I keep a second weeks worth in my checked luggage in my makeup bag. Not so much worrying that TSA will take the ones in my purse, but just in case I forget them.

 

[bavaria]

Can I give you some honest advice? I think that you just need to understand what you can control, and what you can't. You can arm yourself with all the information in the world, yet you can't control that one TSA agent who is going to screen your baggage. That person may be misinformed, or they may be on the ball, but you can't control that.

I would recommend putting your worries aside - you've done all that you can to gather information, and I think that it's good information - a mix of the official line from tsa.gov, anecdotal evidence from frequent fliers here, a vist to flyertalk.com.

Yes, you may end up being the first person we've heard about to have an issue about the date on a prescription, but I doubt it.

I used to get worked up about travel when I only flew 6x a year. Now that I fly almost weekly, I've learned that I can't control everything. In fact, the only thing that I can control is myself and my response when things go awry.

Have a good trip, relax, and have fun!

 

[aubriee]

If meds are packed in checked luggage, do they still need to be in their original pharmacy bottles with label?

I'd just like to bring one of those weekly pill containers holding just the amount of pills I'll need for the trip. That's still alright , isn't it?

What about putting this in a carry-on? No liquid meds, it's just all pills.

I mistakenly told my mom that this would be OK. Thank goodness, she got nervous and called. The rep she spoke to at American Airlines in Dallas told her she could not have her pills in one of those weekly pill boxes, that they had to be in their original bottles with her name on the prescription.