Rules on packing medication

[begginer_cruiser]

Can anyone tell me from experience the rules on taking prescription medications and vitamins on flights and onto the ship?

We are wondering if we have to keep all medication in its original packaging or if we can have it in other containers (sometimes we put them into those daily tablet containers).

I am about to search the airline websites and P&O website to see if they can provide any information on this but though I would ask you all first.

Thank you in advance,
Jodie:)

[aliflem]

Dear Jodie,
You need to leave your medication in the original packaging so that it can be easliy identified. Its best to also have a letter from your doctor listing all medications you are taking (including non-prescription). Some medications that aren't restricted here may be restricted in other contries e.g codeine. It is better to be safe than sorry!
aliflem
:)

[swift_sport_cruiser]

Hi Jodie, are you flying overseas or just locally?

Anthony

[begginer_cruiser]

Hi Jodie, are you flying overseas or just locally?

Anthony

We are only flying from Brisbane to Sydney where we will board the ship for our 11 night cruise in the South Pacific.

I have been looking on the airline websites and can't seem to find any information.

Aliflem, thanks for your reply.

[swift_sport_cruiser]

Jodie,

With my work I travel to the USA, NZ & all over Australia, and have always just packed my medication, out of their packets, but still in the foil (name of the medication on the foil) together with panadol/panamax etc in my toiletries bag. I have had my luggage thouroughly searched in the USA a few times, and was never questioned about the tablets, and the USA airport security makes our security look like amateurs. JMO.

Anthony

[Charlie Girl]

Hi
When I went on both cruises had no trouble with meds
They just ask you to carry all meds in carry on luggage
cheers

[Shuboxx1978]

Good evening,

I had a letter with me when I went cruising just to cover me, but was never queried on it once.

Nev.

[Ozcruise2]

Hi Jodie

Going on holidays for us is like preparing a mobile pharmacy - everything from seasick tablets to vials of insulin, syringes and prescription medicines. We usually throw away packaging but leave stuff in foil containers - also take photocopies of prescriptions and doctor's letter.

As well as the security issue, if you have prescription medicine it's a good idea to take copies of the prescriptions - if you are unfortunate enough to be taken ill while on board (or in another country), it's good to be able to provide medical staff with copies (beats trying to remember what the little red pills are called!).

BTW, we're both pretty healthy really :D !!!

[gooch47]

Not just when you travel. My brother is a paramedic and says that info when available can be a lifesaver. He told me to list my current weight, too. :o They have to guess at your weight when they administer medicines and usually try to under medicate at first. He says it is easier to put meds into someone than try to suck it out. :eek:

Here is a sample of mine: (Minus the weight of course)

MEDICAL INFORMATION


Linda B. xxxxxxx, Born July 26, 1947, No known
Allergies, current weight xxx.

Morning:
Enalapril Mal Tabs, 20 mg (Generic for Vasotec)
Atenolol, 25 mg. (Generic for Tenormin)
Synthroid, 25 mcg.
Estradiol (.5 mg.)

Donald E. xxxxxx, Born November 1, 1944
No prescription medicines, no known allergies, current weight 200

Dr. Timothy Xxxxxxx – 555-2300

(As of 01/05/08)

[Kinkacruiser]

Hi Jodie,
In a similar situation to you...flying to Sydney and then a 14 day cruise. To save space (we are limited to a 20kg suitcase and 1 x 7kg carry on bag each) I have 4 plastic 7-day tablet containers ( am and pm meds) and will dispense the tablets into them before we go. I already do this at home from week to week and it doesn't appear to affect the effectiveness of the tablets.I believe the chemist will do this for you using the special packing they have.With the non prescription meds (eg sea sick tablets), I will just take them in the foil packs (less space).
Take a medical summary from your doctor and the original scrips just in case.
Hope this helps you decide and have a brilliant cruise.
Cheers,
Anna

[fishtaco]

I cant see there being a problem taking prescribed meds on an internal flight not in the original packaging and a South Pacific cruise is not treated quite the same as leaving the country by air.On internal flights they are looking for honey fruit and dangerous objects and substances,and taking your meds is the same as taking them in your bag around the shops,if you were stopped and asked in the streets about your meds you would also have to show proof.
A few years ago a woman from Perth was arrested at Athens airport for carrying a banned drug,she had panadeine capsules and codeine was a prohibited drug in Greece at the time,even though they are buy over the counter headache tablets in Australia she was still detained and questioned at custom. Also another woman was arrested and deported from Canada on arrival with her family because she had a drink driving charge in Australia and failed to tell the Canadian authorities before she arrived,It is a criminal offence in Canada but treated like a day to day charge by some in Australia.
It is always better to be safe than sorry when leaving the comfort of your own country.

Den.

[kaseyoz]

[quote=gooch47;12858375]Here is a sample of mine: (Minus the weight of course)

Love it:D :D

[sunlover62]

I was told by P & O to have a letter from the doctor listing the medications I take and I had to leave them in their original packaging. It was no trouble to put them in my daily containers after we got on the ship. It is good to have the letter just in case you need to see a doctor. I have 13 different meds so easier than having to remember the names etc. You must have them with you in your hand luggage, much easier when you tick the little box on your re-entry form that says 'do you have drugs with you?'. In fact, it always seems to get me through customs etc a lot quicker by having to declare my medication. I have seen others who have nothing to declare waiting in queues to get through.

[gooch47]

Back to the original topic (not my weight!), I did keep mine in the original containers this time and just took my little daily pill box to fill as needed. I counted out enough for the cruise and left the rest at home, though.

[Kinkacruiser]

I'll take that tip Linda, but just leave the tablets in their foil inner rather than take the whole box. The name of the drug is written on the back of the foil. That's close enough to P&O's policy, yet still freeing up some space (for DH's suit :D ).
Sunlover 62 ..you're dead right about the "declaring speed."
Jodie, I'm not a vitamins person so I can't help you out there. Perhaps an unopened jar would be best, but I really can't see that there would be time to check everyone's pill boxes and vitamin jars in a mass emigration or immigration.
Cheers,
Anna