Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Planning your trip
• Part 2 of 3: Packing your medicines
• Part 3 of 3: Avoiding pitfalls
• Tips

When traveling, remember to bring any prescription medications with you. In most cases, you can travel without much hassle with prescription medication. However, there may be restrictions on certain types of medication abroad. Even if you're traveling domestically, it's good to take some precautions when packing and storing your medication. However, with a little time and planning, traveling with medication is a fairly straightforward process.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Planning your trip

1. Check regulations when traveling abroad. When traveling abroad, taking prescription medication can be difficult. Certain prescription medications are illegal in some countries. For example, it is illegal in Japan to take Adderall into the country. Other medications may only be allowed in certain amounts or require medical documentation. Check the regulations so that you do not run out of medication when you pass through customs.
   • You can check the regulations regarding your medicines by viewing country-specific information on the government website. You can also contact the embassy or consulate of the country you want to visit.
   • It may help to check the public health website as well. The United Nations website also provides information regarding regulations on prescription medication per country. With a little research you should be able to find out what restrictions, if any, apply to your medication.
2. Buy enough medication in advance. It is good to plan ahead if you plan to travel and are taking your prescription medication. Try to get your prescription well in advance so that you have enough medication for your trip. If you wait until the day before, delays or problems at the pharmacy can prevent you from receiving your medication in time for your trip.
3. Make sure you have all the necessary documentation. In some countries, documentation is required when traveling with prescription medication. You may need to have a copy of the prescription with you to submit to customs. You may also need a letter from your doctor describing the purpose of the medication. Make sure you have these documents together before you travel.
   • Doctors are often very busy. It may take a few days, or even weeks, for him to write a letter about your medication. Start collecting these documents well in advance if you plan to travel abroad.
4. Consult with the doctor about adjusting for the time zone. Some medications need to be taken at about the same time each day. If this is the case with your medication, talk to your doctor about how to adjust to the time zone. He or she can give you advice on how to gradually adjust the intake time in a new time zone.

Part 2 of 3: Packing your medicines

1. Keep your medicines with you. Pack all your medication in your carry-on bag. In the event that your checked bag gets lost, you don't want to run out of the necessary medication.
   • You must also ensure that you keep the medication in its original packaging. If you go through a security check, it shouldn't look like you are carrying suspicious pills.
2. Pack more than you need. When you travel with medication, you need to bring a little more than you need. Delays happen when you travel, and if you're stuck somewhere for a few days due to weather conditions, you don't want to run the risk of running out of medication. Make sure your supply of medication is always enough for a few days longer than the duration of your trip.
3. Make sure you store the medication properly. Some medications need to be kept in a cool environment. If your medication is normally in the fridge, make sure it stays cool during your trip. You can use an ice pack, cooler bag, thermos or insulated bag for this.
   • While it is unlikely that any of the above items will be prohibited, it is good to check the airline's rules. If restrictions apply, they can usually be circumvented for medical reasons.
   • Even medications that do not need to be stored in a cool environment can be affected by heat. It is unlikely that the heat in an airplane is enough to affect medication. However, it is a good idea to check with your doctor before traveling to see if there are any warnings in the package insert of the medication regarding heat. Be on the safe side.
4. Bring a copy of your recipe. You must have a copy of the prescription with you when you travel. This should usually contain information about the medication and its purpose. This is important not only for safety reasons, but also in case you need medical care while on vacation. It may be useful for the doctors to have a copy of your prescription.
   • If you do not have a copy of the prescription, you should be able to get it from the doctor. This can take a few days, so plan ahead.

Part 3 of 3: Avoiding pitfalls

1. Check the airline's policy regarding liquid medications. Liquid medication is excluded from the restrictions on liquids on most airlines. You usually have to take the medication with you in the original container. Some airlines require a letter from the doctor or handwritten prescription. So check the policy of the airline you are flying with if you have to take liquid medication with you.
2. Check your insurance. Medication is sometimes lost. In an emergency it must be possible to obtain a prescription for new medication while traveling. However, this can cost a lot if your insurance does not provide cover. Before you travel, make sure you know your insurance policy regarding travel.
3. Get a letter from the doctor if you need needles. If you need needles, you usually need a letter from the doctor explaining their purpose. You should also usually keep the needles in their original packaging during the trip. Plan ahead here too. It may take a few days for your doctor to write a letter for you, so make sure to make this request well in advance.

Tips

• If you are going to be outside and on the road most days, you can get a pill box to consider. Here you can put in the pills for the whole day every night.