How to Travel with Medication: Tips from Women to Pack Smart

What government websites say about travel with medication

Make sure you can bring it into another country:  Check the Travel Advice and Advisories for the country you plan to visit and make sure your medication is allowed into the country. Some over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal and homeopathic products may be illegal in other countries or require prior approval from local authorities. Some U.S. prescriptions are actually considered illegal narcotics in Europe, such as Adderall and other stimulant drugs used to treat ADHD/ADD, as well as some pain and anxiety medications.

Make sure you can bring it on the plane: There is no exercise more fascinating than reviewing the list of items permitted on an airplane. On Transport Canada’s website, there are 50 items listed in the medical category, ranging from wheelchair batteries to medical defibrillators, which are searchable by clicking here. Items such as gel packs, ice packs and diabetic supplies are permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) devices are permitted and the distilled water used by this device is exempted from the liquid restrictions.

Keep prescriptions in original containers: According to Transport Canada’s site, prescription and essential non-prescription liquid, gel and aerosol medication in quantities more than 100 ml are permitted in your carry-on bag. Liquid, gel or aerosol prescription medication should be in original containers with a pharmacy label identifying the medication, and it’s recommended that all medication be packed in your carry-on baggage. Travellers to Canada should contact airlines for specific requirements. You can do that here.

Label medication clearly: For travel to the US, It is recommended that medication be clearly labelled to facilitate the screening process. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) site says that travellers can bring medically necessary liquids, medications and creams in excess of 3.4 ounces or 100 millilitres in your carry-on bag. The TSA allows larger amounts of medically necessary liquids, gels, and aerosols in reasonable quantities for your flight, but you must declare them to TSA officers at the checkpoint for inspection.

When going through security: Remove medically necessary items from your carry-on bag and place them in a bin or bowl. If a medically necessary liquid, gel, or aerosol alarms additional screening will be required. If the alarm cannot be resolved, the item may not be allowed. You may inform the TSA officer of your disability or medical condition verbally, by using the TSA Notification Card or by providing medical documentation.

Have a travel health kit: The CDC recommends that travellers prepare a travel health kit with items you may need, especially those items that may be difficult to find at your destination. Include your prescription and over-the-counter medicines in your travel health kit and take enough to last your entire trip, plus extra in case of travel delays. Pack medications in a carry-on in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Bring copies of all written prescriptions: The site advises that travellers should keep medicines in their original, labelled containers. Ensure that they are clearly labelled with your full name, health care provider’s name, generic and brand name, and exact dosage. Bring copies of all written prescriptions, including the generic names for medicines. Leave a copy of your prescriptions at home with a friend or relative in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill. Ask your prescribing health care provider for a note if you use controlled substances, or injectable medicines, such as EpiPens and insulin.