Travelling with meds

[GoDisney18]

I need help with packing! Haven't travelled to the US before and am feeling unsure about what is allowed.
I believe that I need a doctor's letter for any prescription meds. What about over the counter stuff. I tend to be the person who packs for the worst case scenario - the advil, tums, cold meds, robax eyc.

Would love some advice.

 

[east_coaster]

I keep my prescription meds in their original bottle and in my carryon if flying. I’m not sure if the “rules” for non prescription medications, but I’ve never had an issue with those in my checked luggage.

 

[dis_guy]

If everything is in the original packaging/containers you'll be fine. If they do decide to check your meds that will likely reduce potential delays as well. I used to make a point of telling US Customs exactly what I was carrying, prescription and non-prescription and they usually just waved me off saying they were Customs not the DEA. However that was a few years ago, things may certainly be different now.

 

[bababear_50]

Hi
I fly with my prescription medication in their original clearly labeled bottles.
I put them into a clear large sealable baggie and put them in my carry on.
When going through customs I put the baggie in the grey/white bins provided.
I travel with an Epi-Pen also so it goes in there.
I don't want to take a chance with my bags going missing or lost with prescription medication.

In my packed suitcase I pack things that are non prescription like,(these are easily replaceable if needed).
:Advil/Tylenol
Tums/Zantac
Tylenol Cold and Sinus
Imodium
Skin cream

No Dr's note is required.
I've only ever had my Epi-Pen reviewed.
Not even sure why.

Best Regards
Mel

 

[Silvermist999]

Just like bababear_50, we pack any prescription meds in original bottles, we also pack over the counter meds in our carryon and put into one or two large Ziplocs, very easy to pull out for inspection. When our kids were much younger, we also packed other stuff like an ear thermometer in our carryon. Just in case. Sometimes we look like we are a travelling pharmacy at the airport!

 

[FigmentSpark]

I think it depends on the prescription. I think most are fine in their original containers (get a second one from the pharmacy and only take the amount you'll need; keep the rest at home). But if you are taking something that is highly regulated, you might also want a doctor's note for it. ie: certain ADHD meds or pain meds.

As for OTC meds, we take:
Tylenol, Advil, Polysporin, Gravol, PeptoBismol, cold meds, and an antihistamine or some type. These are "just in case" and mostly I don't need them. But I'd rather pack them in case than have to find them while travelling.

 

[caisland]

I have to take a biologic prescription needle with an ice pack. The carrying case from the drug supplier actually has a spot for the doctor to sign. Never even questioned at any of the airports we went thru.

 

[lolomarie]

I've never even considered this. I pack all non prescription meds not in their original bottles. I usually take one bottle with an assortment of stuff: Advil, Tylenol, Zantac, Imodium, gravel, ect. I do this to save on space. Never had an issue. We keep prescription meds in their own bottles, but honestly just because the bottles are small.

 

[Shanti]

I travel all over the U.S. with multiple prescription meds every time. I've also crossed the U.S./Canadian border with them. I keep the pills sorted into pill sorters, and never carry prescriptions or original bottles. No one cares. Like a PP indicated, TSA is not the DEA. As long as you're not carrying multiple months worth of pills (amounts worthy of smuggling or dealing), no one will even raise an eyebrow.

 

[Starwind]

Rx meds should be in their original pharmacy-labeled containers, and in some states by law must be. Your pharmacy should be able to give you a smaller labeled container for travel purposes if normally you get larger containers, if you ask.

For OTC meds they should be in original containers. Some need to be -- there are some meds that are OTC in Canada but require an Rx in the US. Anything with codeine is an example -- Tylenol One is OTC (available from the pharmacist, but not requiring an Rx) in most parts of Canada, but it is Rx-only in the US. There are also quantity limits on it for Canadians bringing it into the US for personal use.

If you Google

us cbp import medication personal use traveller

you will find webpages from both the US CBP and FDA giving guidance on travellers visiting the US with personal use medication.

SW

 

[FigmentSpark]

Rx meds should be in their original pharmacy-labeled containers, and in some states by law must be. Your pharmacy should be able to give you a smaller labeled container for travel purposes if normally you get larger containers, if you ask.

For OTC meds they should be in original containers. Some need to be -- there are some meds that are OTC in Canada but require an Rx in the US. Anything with codeine is an example -- Tylenol One is OTC (available from the pharmacist, but not requiring an Rx) in most parts of Canada, but it is Rx-only in the US. There are also quantity limits on it for Canadians bringing it into the US for personal use.

If you Google

us cbp import medication personal use traveller

you will find webpages from both the US CBP and FDA giving guidance on travellers visiting the US with personal use medication.

SW

Agreed. It may not be the DEA, but it's not TSA that people should worry about... it's customs. Most people won't have any trouble. I'd hate to be the one being questioned when I didn't comply and have the original packaging.

 

[BLAZEY]

I just keep my meds in the original pharmacy bottles. I have a stash in my purse and keep the rest in my carry on bag I take enough for the trip plus a few day in case we get delayed for some reason. OTC meds go in a zipock in my checked bag. So glad dd is past the liguid med phase and has chewables and is learning to swallow pills.

 

[AdamsMum]

As for OTC meds, we take:
Tylenol, Advil, Polysporin, Gravol, PeptoBismol, cold meds, and an antihistamine or some type. These are "just in case" and mostly I don't need them. But I'd rather pack them in case than have to find them while travelling.

You sound like me, every possible case scenario. Unlike you though I was really glad to have Benadryl and Polysporin on one trip, got a spider bite and those two along with a lot of ice got me through the last few days until I got home and got antibiotics. Always be prepared.

 

[Cheerio]

I carry every OTC med imaginable, and never had an issue. I keep script meds in their original containers and never had an issue.