Almost every traveler will need to pack medications with them at one point in time. Whether it is birth control, advil, or something that only a doctor can prescribe, we will all put medications in our travel bags at some point in our lives. That said, taking ibuprofen, or any other over-the-counter medication, is usually quite simple. Prescription medicines are where things get complicated. Below are some tips for traveling with prescription medications.
- Plan in advance
Laws vary from country to country, and there is no centralized and up-to-date repository. It is very important that you consult your doctor, travel insurance company or local pharmacist four to six weeks before you leave. When you ask about your shot, ask for medications. Chances are they may not know off the top of their head, but they have the means to always find out about it. Write down all the names of your medications, as well as what it is being called in the country you are traveling to, so you can ask for more if you need them. Your local pharmacist should be able to help you and provide general advice. Take note of your doctor’s contact information including all numbers in case of emergency.
- Label and pack your medications properly
Carry all your medications – including vitamins and supplements – in one container or bag to ensure they are all safe and organized. Make sure the name on the prescription, the medicine container and your passport tallies. Should incase of misplacement, ask the pharmacist to print a new one for you. Also check the Transportation Safety Authority’s website for rules and regulations regarding the packing and transportation of your medication. To prevent your pharmaceutical labels from becoming discolored or torn, you should put your medications in a protective case. The best protection you can give your prescription medicines is to put them all in a SafeTote Rx Locking Tote. This way, you don’t have to worry about anyone tampering with your medications and they will all be in one safe place for when you need them.
- Take the necessary documentation with you
Keep copies of your original prescription if you can. Better yet, collect a letter on your doctor’s official letterhead, listing the medications you need and why they have been prescribed. Ideally, you would translate this into the language of your target country so that it is easy to read. some countries require that documents of prescribed medicine be presented to government officials well before arrival.
- Reduce or substitute medications
Prescribed medicines are permitted in some countries but are limited in quantity, reducing the dosage or switching to another available drug is the best way to comply with the regulations. Make sure you provide enough time beforehand to make sure the smallest medication is working, and consider making the switch before you travel to give body time to adjust very well. Some medicines can be used for multiple diagnoses. Hormones for birth control can also be used to treat excessive menstrual bleeding
- Make sure you have enough
Take enough medications just in case your trip takes longer than expected. Running out of your prescription seems to occur at very unfavorable times – weekends or holidays are not the time to look for a refill. Check your medications when travel planning and packing trips are not a distraction. Ask yourself a few days before you leave if you have adequate medication for the duration of the trip. Then, if you need a refill, you can do it through from your pharmacy.
- Make sure you know your dosage schedule
If your travel plans take you through one or more time zones, you may need to change the time you take your medications every day during your trip. Talk to your doctor and do a dosing schedule. If it is imperative for you to take your prescribed medicine exactly on time, regardless of the time zone, buy a multi-zone watch or alarm clock to track your dosing times and wake up at night. Test it before leaving the house.