OTC medication question and airports

metime

Mouseketeer
Joined
Apr 27, 2008
Messages
262
I have 2 epi pens and 5 prescriptions to take with me to WDW and I know those need to be in the correctly labeled bottles. I buy the large bottles of Aleve, Ibuprofin, and Tylenol in generic form. I don't want to bring all of those with the giant bottles in my carry on and I am wondering since they are OTC if I can put them in smaller containers for travel. Does the container have to be labeled for and OTC or should I just go out and buy smaller bottles of each. The generic pills are not labeled on the pill so they don't say "tylenol".

If my purse goes through the conveyor and they see one bottle with 4 different shaped pills are they going to look at me funny? I feel like I am going to be a walking pharmacy but I would rather do that than pay the Disney prices at the resort.
 
The TSA website says the medication bottles or containers do not have to be labeled. I copied the policy below.

It is recommended (not required) that passengers bring along any supporting
documentation (ID cards, letter from doctor, etc.) regarding their medication needs. It is
recommended, not required, that the label on prescription medications match the
passengers boarding pass. If the name on prescription medication label does not match
the name of the passenger, the passenger should expect to explain why to the security
officers. To ensure a smooth screening process, passengers are encouraged to limit
quantities to what is needed for the duration of the flight.
 
All medication in pill form is labeled right on the pill - symbols and letters are pressed into each pill. If the screeners have any concerns, they can just check the code.

Now, if it is in liquid form, it needs to be labeled, etc.
 
I never carry any prescription bottles. I have three cases which will each hold a week's worth of pills, one for those at breakfast, one for those at dinner, and one for the bedtime one.

I also have a wallet size card, printed on both sides and covered with clear tape, that gives my name, the name and phone number of my primary care physician, and which lists (alphabetically) all the medications I take including the doses. For each if there is more than one name I list both and when I take the medicine.

If I am ever challanged by TSA I will have the list and show them which medicines are which. Another use of the list, of course, is when I go to a doctor's office or hospital and they ask about medications; I take this card from my wallet and it is an up-to-date listing of all my medications.
 

I never carry pill bottles. Like Cheshire Figment, I have a seven day organizer that holds my morning and evening medications. If the trip is longer than 7 days I have a spare. I take so many medications, including injected ones, that I also carry a list with dosages, etc. My primary care doctor's office is able to print it out for me so it has their name, etc on it. I've never been questioned. I just throw Aleve, Tylenol, etc in the spare compartments of my pill organizer. Since I have prescription pain meds, I don't carry that much but I like to have it in case DD or DH need it. I am the designated pill popper in my family!
 
I am not an expert but I do work for a major US commercial airline and fly A LOT!

I have in my purse at all times a small "travel" size (the size of a lipstick) Aleve bottle and in it is Zyrtec (allergies), vitamins, acne med & Aleve. Never once has this been questioned let alone opened.

I also carry my 9yo sons Vyvanse which is a highly controlled substance in it's own bottle because of what it is. I have been told by a pharmacist that because of what it is it always needs to be in it's proper bottle. You would know if one of the meds you carry was one of these "highly controlled" items.

If you take ANY liquids, lotions or gels on board:

3.4oz or less can be kept in a quart size ziploc bag and can be filled but only one bag per person. If you need to carry on any liquid over 3.4oz for medical reasons. (prescription) Bring the prescription labeled container as well as the prescribed item.

NEVER CHECK MEDICATION!!!! If the bag gets lost or delayed for a period of time you may have a nightmare replacing needed meds.

Have a great time!
 





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