Taking medication abroad

Taking medication abroad, even prescription medication, should not – in theory, at least – be a problem. However, there are some issues to be aware of and precautions to take.

Taking medication abroad: Controlled Drugs

Some prescription drugs are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Regulations. We refer to these as ‘controlled medicines’ or ‘controlled drugs’. Common examples are:

• Tramadol;
• Morphine;
• Oxycodone; and
• Oxycontin.

Controlled drugs are subject to stricter controls to try to prevent misuse.

Taking medication abroad: Get a letter from your doctor

For all prescription medication, but particularly for controlled drugs, it’s helpful to obtain a letter from your doctor outlining:

• your need for the medication:
• the daily dosage; and
• the amount you are intending to take with you.

Always carry this letter with you so that it’s available for inspection by airport staff and officials in your destination country. Ideally, the letter should also state your full name, address, date of birth, a brief itinerary and intended travel dates. Please note that your doctor will inevitably charge a fee for this service.

Personal licence

Exceptionally, for controlled drugs, you may find that you require a personal licence issued by the Home Office authorising personal use of the drug abroad and, importantly, allowing you to bring it back into the UK. For example, you may need a personal licence if the duration of your visit exceeds three months. The Home Office can provide more specific information on the individual requirements for your drug(s). Your doctor must provide a supporting letter for your application if a licence is required.

Requirements in your destination country

You must check well before travelling for local rules and requirements in your destination country. If the country’s embassy’s website is unhelpful, contact the embassy directly and ask for details. Contact them in writing, and you can then take their reply (letter or email) with you to produce in the destination country should you encounter a problem.

Taking medication abroad: Practical steps

Always transport drugs in your hand luggage (see below for liquids) in their original, labelled packaging if possible.

Doctors in the UK are usually restricted to prescribing a maximum of 3 months of any particular medication. If the length of your stay means you must source further supplies in your destination country, a more detailed letter from your doctor is highly advisable. Your doctor should explain your condition and the need for each medication. Also, remember that travel plans can experience disruption, increasing the intended length of your stay. Ensure that you take sufficient additional supplies with you.

Both standard and brand names often differ between countries. To avoid confusion, research the name of all your medications in your destination country.

With advancing technology, the rules on carrying liquids in airline hand luggage are beginning to relax. But it’s always better to be safe than sorry. For drugs in liquid form, if accompanied by a detailed letter from your doctor, you should be allowed to carry in your hand luggage containers exceeding the usual 100 ml limit. HOWEVER, it’s essential to check this with your airline and the airport in good time before you travel. If there may be a problem, ask your pharmacist to dispense the medication into multiple containers not exceeding 100 ml.

Consider storage conditions in your destination country. How might the local climate affect your medication? Discuss this with your pharmacist. Is there a refrigerator available? For security, is there a safe available?

Ensure that your travel insurance covers the loss of prescription medication.