Are OTC medications allowed?

Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 05:33 AM
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Are OTC medications allowed?

Being a nervous flyer, I take the drowsy Dramamine right before boarding & carry the container with me at all times. Also I never go anywhere without a bottle of Percogesic, muscle relaxant & great for headaches. Will this cause a problem if I have these 2 in my purse??
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 05:41 AM
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Non-prescription medications are not restricted in any way on U.S. domestic flights. The restrictions apply solely to liquids and gels.
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 07:10 AM
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Liquids and gels also include OTC with the exception of a small amount of cough syrup. (I think they stated something like 3oz. was allowed).
Anything in pill form is fine.
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 05:51 PM
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OK I admit that I haven't kept up with the news much this month. But exactly why the sudden care about prescription drugs on planes?
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 06:07 PM
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Actually, this is one item that if you "admit you haven't kept up" you should. Check out www.cnn.com or any other new source to understand the major threat that existed to UK-USA flights until recently. This is major - something worth reading up on.
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 06:42 PM
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I was wondering about OTC asthma inhalers, such as Primatene Mist. I haven't found any info on it on the "can't have onboard" lists, but it is in a liquid form in the canister. Anybody have any idea on that one?
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 07:42 PM
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(Head hung in shame) I guess I missed the big news day. I do know about the terror threats and I do know about the Rush Limbaugh incident, but I still don't understand why prescription drugs are being targeted now.
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Old Aug 17th, 2006 | 08:42 PM
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Prescription drugs are NOT being targeted now, wsoxrebel. Any product is being targeted if it is in the form of liquid, gel etc.
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Old Aug 18th, 2006 | 03:54 AM
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On one of the ever-changing lists they noted prescription medications must be in original bottles with name matching that of traveller.

In my opinion and observation, every time they tighten security rules two things happen - they gradually relax them days or weeks later and they use it as an opportunity to enforce already existing rules (like prescription medications in labeled bottles) or add things they wanted to do and now have the opportunity to.
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Old Aug 18th, 2006 | 06:26 AM
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That is only if the RX is a liquid or gel.
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Old Aug 18th, 2006 | 06:29 AM
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It may be confusing because they have the rule about rx meds, but that only applies to liquid meds -- ie, you can't bring ANY liquids on board unless it's a prescription liquid medication. Prescription and OTC pills are not prohibited.
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Old Aug 18th, 2006 | 11:17 AM
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thanks everyone - I get it now
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Old Aug 19th, 2006 | 05:29 AM
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Might be best to look in the "horse's mouth", since the regulations may change as the conditions become more clear.

http://tinyurl.com/ptxdw
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Old Aug 19th, 2006 | 08:07 AM
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Asthma inhalers are fine to bring aboard.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2006 | 08:09 AM
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I now see inhalers are on the ok list, but it states that you must label the box with your name. I wonder if they mean to just handwrite it (as if I still have the box anyhow), or that the inhaler must be prescribed and therefore you should carry it in the box with your name and script info.

Anybody gone aboard with Primatene Mist with no box?
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Old Aug 22nd, 2006 | 11:30 AM
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The TSA actually wants you to have the box or bottle labeled with the original prescription label.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2006 | 11:47 AM
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So, only prescription inhalers are allowed. That's what I initially figured. Thanks, Doug.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2006 | 12:16 PM
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That's actually not what that means at all. For liquid prescriptions, the TSA does request that they be in original containes with original prescription label.

From the TSA website (please see Jed's link above) it says as of right now, that up to 4 oz. of liquid non-rx medication may be carried on as well.

Please, please get this type of info directly from the source. People unintentionally spread all sorts of misinformation, simply because they think they understand the rules but don't really.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2006 | 12:17 PM
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It also says, if you click on the link at TSA's website:

Non liquid or gel medications of all kinds such as solid pills, or inhalers are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Please make sure your medications are labeled.

Of course, this could all change tomorrow. Which is just another reason to check official sources, since word of mouth info, even if once correct, may be out of date.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2006 | 01:10 PM
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What I read on the site says specifically that inhalers are allowed, but they must be labeled with the passengers name. That, to me, means prescription inhalers only since an OTC inhaler is not going to have the passengers name on it.
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