Prescription Medications
 

Wow, only 27 days to go. We're a little behind on things, though, due to some medical problems on my part.

Some questions about prescriptive meds:

While her medical conditions are very stable, my wife has to take 13 different prescriptive meds a day, plus some prescribed supplements. Normally we divide those into daily "4 time a day" plastic compartments. Many have said that prescriptive meds need to be carried in their prescriptive bottles. To do so will mean significant time each day to divide up the pills. Since we will only pass customs at Kiliminjaro (JRO),Amsterdam (AMS) and New York (JFK), can we get away with separating all the meds in daily compartments before leaving, or should we take the time during the trip?

My wife's doctor wants to simply sign a paper listing all the meds rather thn write out prescriptions for each med. Is this realistic?

I need to take along some painkillers (vicodin). How much trouble is this going to be?

Any other tips on meds?

Thanks in advance.

There are any number of threads about whether the scripted meds should be in original containers or not. And there are as many comments - yes, no, yes.

From my own experience and recent visit (1 wk ago), I have and did this time, keep my meds (vitamins all in one bottle... I recognize each) and the scripted ones (Vicodin included) in those divided pill holders.

I've never been asked about my pills, whether to show them, prove they're mine, or whatever might be of concern. That is not to say, that at some destination this won't happen.

I would, however, with so many meds, suggest you have the doctor write out the list as you mention, even if you choose to pack them in a compartment box... just in case!

I'd like to believe the TSA at JFK has more important concerns; in AMS "anything goes;" and at JRO I don't believe you'll have any worry.

I agree about a letter from your doctor. I travel with quite a few different things including morphine which I carry in case I can't get to a doctor within a couple of hours - for the worst case scenario. I have never been asked to show medications at any border crossing ( and we have crossed a good number ) A letter from your doc will do it for sure.

Hi V Town,
I usually carry an army's worth of pills and feel that keeping each script in an original container would require an extra suitcase and 2 extra porters to lug - not practical.

My pharmacy gives me a print out of each script when filled which I then duplicate for proof purposes and in the event that I may need a refill. I also leave an extra copy with my house sitter just in case.

This came in handy one time when my bags along with my meds. were stolen. I just handed my script copies to the Greek speaking only pharmacist and he took care of my needs.

This along with the fact that customs does have a PDR avail. should surfice if there's a question. In case you don't know, a PDR lists all manufactured drugs and includes pictures of each listed pill for comparision.

I filled a my compartments as you do prior to my last trip to Africa for ease.

Good luck;
Sherry

Just an aside - Since just about everyone carries one of 3 types of anti malarial meds is it necessary to carry a doctor's script for that too? I'm taking Malarone.
Thanks.

If you fill your scripts at a pharmacy (rather than mail order place) they should be able to run you a list of medications they fill for you - that will save trip to MD. But again, not sure if they would be helpful. Same pharmacy might also be able to give you smaller bottles with label for each.

Officially medications are supposed to remain in original bottles - but no one here to my memory has every had a problem with packaging them as you suggest.

I would perhaps be more careful with the Vicodan and might leave that in original bottle.

Just to clarify my above statement - sorry, the copy that I bring with me is NOT a copy of the original perscription.

It's (rather) a fill receipt from the pharmacy which has all the script, doseage, pharmacy info. and name of MD who perscribed the med. - all the same info. that one would see on a script bottle and easy enough to verify in the event of questioning.
Sherry