Prescriptions
 

My family is going to Italy for a month in Sept. My husband needs to bring quite a few medicines with him to last the month. Do they need to be in the orginal bottles? Can we put them in ziplock bags. Not sure about customs in/out of Italy/US. Also, what about vitamens?

Bring all that he might need, and a few extra, clearly labeled with the original pharmacy label attached. Do not alter anything. A statement from the doctor (you can type it, he can sign it) if he has anything worrysome that might require urgent care. for example, my son had herpes in his eyes, needed immediate hospital attention should it recur, so he carried a dr's letter everywhere he travelled. Keep medicines together. DO NOT put in Zip Lock bags. The people at customs are not noted for their intelligence and may misconstrue your intentions.

Get a double of all the scripts. You carry a month's worth and your husband carrys a month's worth, both in a secure place. I wouldn't worry as much about customs as I would about being ripped-off, been there, done that.

Leslie, we travel to Europe every year for a month (this year 5 weeks). I take 11 different prescription medications so this can be daunting. The advice about bringing everything in the original bottles is probably the best. But I don't do that. I got myself six of those little pill organizers (one for each week plus one week extra--you never know when you're going to have an extra couple of days. I have been doing this for twenty years and I have never been questioned. If I had to bring all the pill bottles, I'd need an extra bag!

To Popinip: It is obvious that you have not traveled in the Mid=east. I have seen customes agents in Saudi, Baharain, Jordon, etc., just throw anything they can't identify in the garbage. Had a particularly nasty tussle with a guy who questioned my husband's very large jar of salsa (his favorit food). After shoving the bottle back and forth over the counter and him yelling "open it, open it!" I finally convinced him it was tomato soup and he let it pass. I still say, take the original bottles, and make the space...most people do understand prescription drugs, but some countries are paranoid about drugs (illicit) entering the country.

Be sure you ask the pharmacy for the childproof lids---not because you have kids, but because the others can pop open in your carryon. And, make sure you keep them in your carryon in case your suitcase goes one way and you the other. Duplicate Rxs are a good idea, but I don't think a European pharmacy will fill them without the OK of a local doctor.

To Julie: No, I have not taken ex-bottle medications to the mid-east. My comments were made regarding western Europe, where Leslie is going. Another good hint: be sure to bring a list of your medicines, with the specific generic name. Names of drugs can be dirrent overseas.