Packing Medicine...A Question

[TerriP]

We leave Saturday and I've got a question about where to pack my medicine. I've got prescription pain medicine that I want to bring with me as a "just in case I need it" item. I was just going to pack it in my checked bag, because I didn't want any hassle at the gate (it's a narcotic and I'm not sure if that's an "ok" thing to bring on board), but my husband said "what if someone has to search your bag, finds it and takes it...and then you won't have it if you need it." So now he's got me paranoid.

So, would you take it with you in your carry-on or would you put it in your checked bag? I've checked our airline's website and they don't even address the topic of where to put your medicine.

 

[ladysoleil]

My prescriptions are always in my purse. Narcotics are very commonly stolen from baggage, and god forbid you lose a carryon bag. My purse feels safest to me, I'm always hanging on to it.

My husband forgot he had some vicodin in his toiletry kit once and it was taken. I thought maybe he'd forgotten it, but we found the empty prescription bottle in the suitcase when we unpacked. The thief just dumped out the pills and threw the bottle back in there.

As far as what you can travel with, the TSA is only supposed to be concerned with liquid medications with a valid prescription. Leave them in the original pill container with the prescription label, which should match the name on your boarding pass. This is always smart if you're talking about a controlled substance that may not be legal to carry without a prescription, anyway.

And keep them concealed or better yet, in the safe when you arrive. I've had friends who were absolutely convinced that a hotel housekeeper "borrowed" a pill or two from a prescription bottle, and it wouldn't surprise me.

 

[TerriP]

Thanks for the advice, ladysoleil. I think I'll do just that, put it in my purse and carry it with me. It's my prescription so my name and info is on the bottle so I'll cross my fingers that I don't have a problem.

Thanks again for taking the time to help me!

 

[kaytieeldr]

ladysoleil is right - medications are among the items ALWAYS recommended to be transported in your carry-on luggage; others are jewelry, electronics, other valuable items; travel documents; and whatever you need for the first 24 hours or so of your trip.

 

[ladysoleil]

Thanks for the advice, ladysoleil. I think I'll do just that, put it in my purse and carry it with me. It's my prescription so my name and info is on the bottle so I'll cross my fingers that I don't have a problem.

Thanks again for taking the time to help me!

No problem at all, I hope you have a great trip...and that you don't need that medication!

 

[SueM in MN]

ladysoleil is right - medications are among the items ALWAYS recommended to be transported in your carry-on luggage; others are jewelry, electronics, other valuable items; travel documents; and whatever you need for the first 24 hours or so of your trip.

TSA (Transportation Security Administration) says to always carry medications in your carry-on luggage, never pack it. As long as the medication is in the original prescription bottle, marked with your name, you should not have a problem. I can't get on the TSA website lately without it crashing my browser, but there is a page about travel with medications - go to www.tsa.gov and search for medications.

 

[I'mNoPrince]

I always travel with 3 prescrips right in my carry-on backpack and have never been questioned about them I fly 4 to 6 RTs a year .

And if you not keeping them with you then lock them in the safe as stated above.

 

[TerriP]

Thanks again, everyone, for your help. I definitely feel more confident taking my medicine with me in my carry-on. And like ladysoleil said, hopefully I won't even need it!