Prescription Medicine

[k-herm]

Is there anything I need to be aware of with regard to taking prescription medication to the states? My DW needs to take pills with her and is concerned that she might need a doctor's letter or something to show customs. The pills are in a standard chemist's plastic bottle with her name on them.

Thanks.

 

[wilma-bride]

My daughter is on Ritalin for ADHD - when she flies domestic, it's fine, but I would say you might be as well to check on the US embassy website (regarding what you can and can't take into the country). If in doubt, get a doctor's letter, explaining what the medication is, who it's for etc.

 

[Mr-D]

How do I bring my prescription medicine into the United States?
NARCOTICS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS ARE PROHIBITED ENTRY. THERE ARE SEVERE PENALTIES IF IMPORTED.

A traveler requiring medicines containing habit-forming drugs or narcotics (e.g. cough medicine, diuretics, heart drugs, tranquilizers, sleeping pills, depressants, stimulants, etc.) should:


Have all drugs, medicines, and similar products properly identified;

Carry only the quantity that might normally be used by an individual having a health problem requiring such drugs or medicine:

Have either a prescription or written statement from your personal physician that the medicine is being used under a doctor's direction and is necessary for your physical well-being while traveling.
Medication can be sent by post if the prescription or doctor's letter is included. A notation should be placed on the outside of the parcel stating, for example, "DOCTOR'S LETTER ATTACHED."

 

[FizzyPop]

Wow , my son is on lots of heart meds, I was just going to make sure they where in there original packaging and only take what he needed..
But reading that I think I will get a doctors note.

 

[mushumadness]

hiya

im worried now i have to take steroids, and theyre the type athletes use to make themselves faster, do you think i need a letter

 

[disneyholic family]

As an American, I travel back and forth to the US quite a bit (we just got back 2 weeks ago and i'm going again on tuesday). I usually have a carry-on case full of my prescription medicine, since it can't be purchased in the US (not approved by the FDA). I'm always afraid i'll end up having to stay in the states for a few months, so i bring several months worth of it with me, just in case.

I've never had a problem bringing it in,even though i bring so much with me.

So i don't really think you'd have a problem with your medicine. However, one thing i would recommend. Just in case you lose your prescription medicine somehow. Assuming that it's available in the US, i would bring a prescription with you for refills. While your presciprtion might not be valid in the US, it might help you convince a US doctor (at CentraCare for example) to write a replacement presciption for you.

 

[Tatakai]

If you are up front with prescription medicines there is no problem, if in doubt speak to the airport security

 

[gilld]

So i don't really think you'd have a problem with your medicine. However, one thing i would recommend. Just in case you lose your prescription medicine somehow. Assuming that it's available in the US, i would bring a prescription with you for refills. While your presciprtion might not be valid in the US, it might help you convince a US doctor (at CentraCare for example) to write a replacement presciption for you.

I really agree with this. At least it shows you are obtaining your medication legitimately. My DD1 is an Insulin Dependent Diabetic who has to carry needles. Her Dr said as long as she takes the repeat script then she doesn't need a letter and last time she travelled no-one queried anything at all.

 

[londonpenguin]

If you do bring along a written prescription (which is a very good idea, by the way), be sure to have your doctor write it out for the generic form of the drug. Some drugs have different names in other countries, and you wouldn't want a pharmacist to be stumped by an unusual name.

 

[mej]

My mum has travelled with us this year and last year - she takes literally DOZENS of pills each day and we have never had any trouble. (Getting holiday insurance is the issue!!)

 

[Andrew Bichard]

Another thing to remember:

My wife and I always assume our medicine will get lost or stolen during the trip, so always take double what we need, divided between our respective carry on luggage.

Also:

Some non-prescription medicines are only a fraction of the cost in the USA. It pays to check out the prices in Florida drug stores.

Andrew

 

[alanjones]

We've always carried prescription medicines into the US without any problems. My mum used to take loads of pills, and never once got asked about them, and I've always had a few to carry, and even with the recent bag inspections that they do, I still haven't been questioned. Just make sure they have the pharmacists label on the bottle/packet stating what they are, and you shouldn't have any problems.

 

[Ali and boyz]

we are just back and had a backpack full of medicines for our DS one of them being a controlled drug.

we got great advise from his hospital liason sister.

1. take all the drugs in the original sealed containers which are labelled from the chemist.
2. take a copy of your prescription repeat form which details all the drugs.
3. take a letter from your GP saying what is wrong with you and why you need the drugs.
4. keep all the drugs together in one bag including the ones for that day.
5. don't put any in your suitcase, keep them all in your hand luggage.

hope this helps