Travelling with Medications 2021
Travelling can often be stressful, especially when border officials decide to search through your luggage! Some countries have different regulations for medications commonly used in Canada, so travellers are often concerned about whether they will have any issues travelling with their medications, and how best to pack them. Below you’ll find some helpful tips about travelling with medications so that you can plan ahead!
Prescription Medications
All medications should be packed in your carry-on luggage. If you pack them in your checked luggage and it was lost you might be left without necessary medications on your trip. Medications should be kept in their original containers with clear labels with the patient’s name and medication dose. Avoid putting medications into smaller containers or daily-dose containers so that all medications can be easily identified by border officials. Prescription medication in liquid form is exempt from liquid restrictions when flying but be sure to present these to the screening officer separate from your carry-on bag.
Bring enough medication to last your entire trip, plus an extra supply in case you are away longer than expected. In case of loss or theft of your medications, travel with a copy of prescriptions, including generic medication names, and preferably translated in the local language of your destination.
Needles and Syringes
Bring needles and syringes needed for injectable medication in your carry-on luggage. Make sure you have enough for the duration of your trip plus an extra supply as these items may be difficult to purchase in some countries. Ensure you carry a letter from your prescribing doctor on the office’s letterhead about the necessity of these types of supplies. You must have the medication with you that is to be administered by the syringe or needle.
Controlled and Prohibited Medications
Some commonly used medications in Canada are considered controlled or prohibited substances in other countries. Did you know that diphenhydramine, the active ingredient in Benadryl, is a prohibited item in Zambia?! Do not travel with any medications that are prohibited in your destination country. If it is necessary to bring controlled medications contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country to ensure you will not have any issues entering the country with your medications. Carry a letter from your prescribing doctor on the office’s letterhead to indicate the necessity of travelling with any controlled substances. It may be helpful to translate the letter into the local language and attach it to the original letter.
Cannabis
Cannabis was legalized in Canada in October 2018 and is often viewed as a relatively harmless drug. Because of Canada’s relaxed laws surrounding marijuana, some travellers forget that many countries have very harsh laws surrounding this drug. Travelling with cannabis across Canadian and international borders is illegal, even if using it for medical purposes. Don’t be left “high” and dry – leave your weed at home!
Check out our blog about drug laws for examples of some very harsh marijuana penalties worldwide.
Obtaining Medications Abroad
Sometimes the unexpected can happen and you might find yourself needing to obtain medication while travelling. This can happen if your luggage is lost or stolen, if you run out of your packed supply of medication, you need a new medication to treat an illness, or you need to change a medication (e.g. changing antimalarial medication).
Medications in developing countries can often be unreliable. The World Health Organization estimates that 10-30% of medications in developing countries may be counterfeit, and up to 35% in Africa and India may be counterfeit. Some counterfeit medications can have additives that affects the potency of the medication, dangerous additives that can cause a reaction, or less of the active ingredient than labelled. Mislabelling can also occur causing dosing errors. When obtaining medications be suspicious of cheap brand products, check that the medications are in their original unopened container, and check the container for misspelling, poor print, or expired dates. Avoid purchasing medications in open markets, street vendors, or businesses that do not look legitimate, or purchasing directly from physicians in developing countries. The most reliable pharmacies in developing countries are likely to be hospital pharmacies.
For more information on finding reliable medical care and medications while travelling, visit our blog.