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I'm on pain medication for an auto immune disorder. I've read that I should have my doctor write a note saying I require this medication. Is this really necessary? Since I'll be taking it in the bottles it came in? I've never had my medication even looked at when going through security so I'm unsure if it will be that way when we hit customs.
Thanks!
I always bring prescription meds in their original containers. I've never had a problem - they never even look at them. I don't think you'll have any problems at all especially if they are in their original bottles. I've never had a doctors note either.
No need for a dr's note. Controlled meds are a non-issue in their original containers. If they have issues they can simply call the number on scrip....
If I had pain meds, I would bring them in the orig prescription bottle, and the Dr's note. Why risk having them taken. I work for a pharma co, and am a bit OCD on this. What are your pain meds? Are they restricted? They can be anything from Tylenol with codein to opiates .... get the Dr note and be sure they won't be taken. What flows freely in one country, is restricted in another - i.e. Codein is controlled in the US but is OTC in Canada. If you are on common stuff like cholesterol, or blood pressure, or hypo-hper thyroid, yeah. Fine. Just the original package is fine. But pain meds? I would get the Dr not to be sure.
P.S.: For international travel, I would ask you prescribing physician for an original prescription, in addition to the note. That way if something happens, you can go to a Dr in Jam, he can look up the physician (they are all connected and can have ways) in wherever you are, and without all the testing and problems, USUALLY (not guaranteed) prescribe with his Jam licence what you need. Particularly for pain meds. Just some thoughts.
I have traveled the world over with meds, controlled and non controlled, have lost them or had them jacked a few times and have had zero issue. Now if it is a med that is CRITICAL, have your Dr write you a separate scrip and have two bottles in two different locations. Scrips can be verified universally with a simple phone call if you come up short or come across an issue. No worries.....
Yes they are a controlled substance, I'll see the doc right before I go, so I'll probably just have them write a note just in case I have issues. I have a medication lock box I'll take with me, I'll carry them on and keep them in the room safe. I'm not worried about them getting stolen. I'm always paranoid going through security because I have a surgically implanted medical device. And I always get a pat down.
I'm also not sure they'd have the meds I take in Jamaica. I don't want to go into details but before we met our deductible two scripts were just under 800 bucks. Wish I was kidding. I do like the two bottles idea and will maybe split up the meds in two original bottles or something.Thanks for all the tips guys!
I take my meds to Jamaica everytime, always just carry them in my bottles in my carryon..
If its pain meds they will not have them - the only pain meds available readily is codeine.
I'm prescribed a Class 4 narcotic for chronic pain. I bring them with me and have never had a problem.
If its pain meds they will not have them - the only pain meds available readily is codeine.
I'm prescribed a Class 4 narcotic for chronic pain. I bring them with me and have never had a problem.
That's what I suspected Tiger Lilly. I'm not sure what class the meds I take are, I just know if a normal person took my dosage they'd be dead lol. I've been fighting this disease for 14 years and my tolerance level is high. Thanks so much for all the replies. And god bless Tiger Lilly, I know a lot about chronic pain and the hell it is.
When I came in thru kingston last year, I had to declare my medications and showed them to the custom agent (got me thru the line much faster) never had to do that in mobay. also i ran out of meds in negril and purchased tylenol#3 otc, my same dosage. i too have a lot of metal inside me. I always carry in carry on and bring original bottles just in case (but never had to show to anyone) i have had regular scripts refilled as well with and without a dr. Get bloodwork done once a month in sav and dr calls for results. Hope this helps.
Thank you Babalew, can you explain how you had to declare your meds? Was there some kind of announcement they made to everyone or did they pull you aside? I just have a nerve stimulator implanted in my back, I have a card I always show security. I must admit, with the news talking about people having bombs implanted in their bodies, I'm a little nervous flying with it now.
I believe the customs card asks if you had any narcotics and i checked yes (had problems before, trying to get an expedited card) the customs lady was more interested in my grille skillet than my meds she just glances at them. i too have cards and always get patted down.
Hadn't even thought about it really. I just put all my scrips in one bottle. LOL
I'm on a few different meds and I have a little medical lock box I keep them in. Where at in Austin are Tizzy? I'm in Pflugerville. Me, you and Sweetness should get together for coffee and Negril stories one of these days! I've lived here since 2007 and don't know anyone. Hard to meet people being a stay at home mom.
Jbizek...I'm out by the lake/river (Bee Cave). YES we should. In fact, There was a little FB talk between me and Sweetness about doing something for Memorial Day. Do you have plans?
Sorry for hijacking :o
Your hardly hijacking, if anything I hijacked my own thread, lol. No plans so far, we're planning on staying close to home and doing yard work. If you'd like to look me up on Facebook I'm Jean Bizek. I'd love to meet you guys, I've been trying to hook up with Sweetness for awhile now but timing has been off.
Sounds good J :)
Jzbiek - don't declare them - then you open yourself up for a gazillion questions. Just keep them in their original script bottles (I stay on island for several months so I bring LOTS of meds with me, lol). If they ask to see, then show. But don't declare. And make sure you have enough for your trip - if you run out you can always visit the doc then pharmacy and get codeine in varying strengths, even Dilaudid if absolutely necessary....there are ways around it but its best I've found to just count it all out and bring enough for you stay, and then some.
Keep it tucked away too - people are not above stealing pharms.
Jzbiek - don't declare them - then you open yourself up for a gazillion questions. Just keep them in their original script bottles (I stay on island for several months so I bring LOTS of meds with me, lol). If they ask to see, then show. But don't declare. And make sure you have enough for your trip - if you run out you can always visit the doc then pharmacy and get codeine in varying strengths, even Dilaudid if absolutely necessary....there are ways around it but its best I've found to just count it all out and bring enough for you stay, and then some.
Keep it tucked away too - people are not above stealing pharms.
Oh and BTW, I've found my pain subsides in Jamaica. Less stress, more warmth and the sea is magical. Keep the faith my brother. It all passes....