Traveling with Medication

Before you hit the road, consider these tips from AARP on traveling safely with your medicines.
Carry your personal medication record with you.

Keeping a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and the conditions they treat, is especially important in the event you need medical attention while away from home; it's important to carry this information with you in case your medicine gets lost or stolen and you need to replace it.

Pack your medicines in your carry-on bag. Getting separated from your luggage can turn into a matter of life or death. Keep medication in the original containers to make it easier for customs officials to inspect. If you have a medical emergency, it's easier to determine what medications you have been taking.

Bring more than you need -- If your travel arrangements change, it's a good idea to carry an extra week's supply.

Consider storage -- If your medicine needs to be stored and kept cool, take a small insulated container, like a lunch pack.

Do your research -- Some countries have regulations about the types of medicines that can be brought in; some over-the-counter drugs may be considered a controlled substance in other countries such as medicines containing codeine.

Contact BarnesCare's Travelers' Health Service or the appropriate embassy before you travel to check your medications; if you take narcotic prescription drugs or travel with needles, ask your doctor to provide you with a letter of explanation.