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Meds/vitamins/snacks - sorry to rehash the issue..


bconley351
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I searched but it doesn't look like this has been addressed in a couple of years and I'd like to verify info. We are flying into Sydney and boarding a ship for a NZ cruise, then returning to Sydney. Am I correct on these issues:

 

1. Only sealed bottles of water can be taken off ship. Which means NO refilling reusable bottles or using a camelback backpack.

2. NO snacks should be taken off the ship. If we declare our 'emergency rations', single serving cereal boxes, we MAY be allowed to keep them. My fave candy bars (chocolate, caramel nouget, nuts) should just stay in the USA.

3. My DH need to bring his statins in the pharmacy bottle, and we need to get a script or letter from the doc to take with us. Same for our friends' BP meds, and the antibiotics I always travel with since I'm prone to allergy based ear infections. Same for the 'just in case' shingles meds.

4. We carry a 'first aid' kit - OTC cold meds, Benedryl, cortisone cream, OTC pain meds, various other OTC meds - any problems with those if in blister packs/bottles?

5. What is the best course of action for the multivitamins, low dose aspirin, calcium, etc that we normally take? I'm tempted to just go without them for a few weeks.

6. I saw something about dive equipment on the immigration form. Should we just leave our stuff at home and rent there? I know there are concerns about microorganisms that may hitch a ride on our equipment, and we'd like to dive the GBR post cruise.

 

Sorry this is so involved, but I want to be prepared and not inadvertently violate any laws, or have anything seized. I live in an area where MedFly traps are occasionally put out so I understand the concerns.

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1. You can take off refillable bottles if they are empty

2. Cereal is less likely to be allowed than the chocolate bars so yes bring chocolate bars as well. Declare all of them and mention the empty water bottles.

3. Yep that's the way to do it

4. Should be OK provided they are OTC here. Some cortisone creams require a script here. Perhaps have dr include these in his letter.

5. if the vitamins are in original packaging no issues. Often the bottles are huge so buy a small version just for carrying.

6. No, bring it, lots of people do. Just make sure it is well rinsed and free of any sand/salt residue etc. Declare and they'll inspect.

 

The officers are generally pretty good.

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Mrs Waldo sets it out nicely. Have been in and out of Australia many times and my motto has always been "when in doubt declare it". You will never get into trouble when you declare. However being well prepared and informed takes all the stress out of going through customs. Have always found our customs officers polite and helpful.

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I understand the declare if in doubt etc. How do non-Australians handle the doctor's letter etc for prescription meds. Would a print-off of all meds from the pharmacist suffice? For us we have several doctors, one pharmacist, and prescriptions from each so getting letters from each one requires multiple appointments.

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We have a primary physician who co-ordinates our care so specialists report back to them. You can't see a specialist without a referral from the GP. They have a list of all the meds you take.

 

I would doubt a pharmacy printout would suffice as it would just show you have the script which may not have the same market/on the shelf name as here even though it is the same product

 

Another good reason to have the dr letter is if something does go wrong a dr treating you here will know exactly what meds you are on and why.

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I wish everyone would carry a current list of current medications, from there doctor, with them in their walle,t be they travelling overseas or just within their own country. Having spent many years working in ED, it's one of the first things we ask patients when they present "what medications are you on', it gives a good indication of what medical conditions they have. You would be amazed how many people do not know the name of the tablets they take every day. Also if the person is unable to answer for various reasons the list can be located very quickly as we searched for ID, NOK, etc.

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I'm not sure why I would need a doctor's letter -- I thought all that was required was a copy of the doctor's prescription (which I should be able to get from my pharmacy).

 

"Bringing medicines into New Zealand on your person or in luggage

If you are arriving into New Zealand and carrying prescription medicines (other than controlled drugs) either on your person or in your luggage you must ensure:

 

  • You declare the possession of those medicines on your incoming passenger arrival card which is lawfully required, and inspected, by the New Zealand Customs Service; and
  • You have a copy of the prescription from your doctor, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and
  • You carry the medicine(s) in their original containers, and
  • You have a quantity not exceeding three months supply for prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six month quantities" (from the NZ MoH site).

 

The devil is in the details......is it "....(a copy of the prescription) from your doctor....." or ".....a copy of (the prescription from your doctor)......"

 

I also don't know what difference it makes whether it's got a generic or a brand name on it, since the regulations seem to be to ensure that the right medication (on the bottle) is prescribed specifically for the the person bringing it in (on the copy of the rx). It's not at all about needing to get a refill, it's about ensuring the meds are only for personal use and not for resale.

 

 

 

I have contacted them about it, but who knows how long it will take to get an answer......

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I'm not sure why I would need a doctor's letter -- I thought all that was required was a copy of the doctor's prescription (which I should be able to get from my pharmacy).

 

"Bringing medicines into New Zealand on your person or in luggage

If you are arriving into New Zealand and carrying prescription medicines (other than controlled drugs) either on your person or in your luggage you must ensure:

 

  • You declare the possession of those medicines on your incoming passenger arrival card which is lawfully required, and inspected, by the New Zealand Customs Service; and
  • You have a copy of the prescription from your doctor, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and
  • You carry the medicine(s) in their original containers, and
  • You have a quantity not exceeding three months supply for prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six month quantities" (from the NZ MoH site).

The devil is in the details......is it "....(a copy of the prescription) from your doctor....." or ".....a copy of (the prescription from your doctor)......"

 

I also don't know what difference it makes whether it's got a generic or a brand name on it, since the regulations seem to be to ensure that the right medication (on the bottle) is prescribed specifically for the the person bringing it in (on the copy of the rx). It's not at all about needing to get a refill, it's about ensuring the meds are only for personal use and not for resale.

 

 

 

I have contacted them about it, but who knows how long it will take to get an answer......

 

Are these same laws applicable to Australia?

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I'm not sure why I would need a doctor's letter -- I thought all that was required was a copy of the doctor's prescription (which I should be able to get from my pharmacy).

 

"Bringing medicines into New Zealand on your person or in luggage

If you are arriving into New Zealand and carrying prescription medicines (other than controlled drugs) either on your person or in your luggage you must ensure:

 

  • You declare the possession of those medicines on your incoming passenger arrival card which is lawfully required, and inspected, by the New Zealand Customs Service; and
  • You have a copy of the prescription from your doctor, or a letter from your doctor stating that you are being treated with the medicine(s), and
  • You carry the medicine(s) in their original containers, and
  • You have a quantity not exceeding three months supply for prescription medicines (with the exception of oral contraceptives which can be supplied in six month quantities" (from the NZ MoH site).

 

The devil is in the details......is it "....(a copy of the prescription) from your doctor....." or ".....a copy of (the prescription from your doctor)......"

 

I also don't know what difference it makes whether it's got a generic or a brand name on it, since the regulations seem to be to ensure that the right medication (on the bottle) is prescribed specifically for the the person bringing it in (on the copy of the rx). It's not at all about needing to get a refill, it's about ensuring the meds are only for personal use and not for resale.

 

 

 

I have contacted them about it, but who knows how long it will take to get an answer......

 

I'm hoping that a printout from the pharmacist will be sufficient as it is essentially a copy of the prescriptions. As you say it's the details that matter -- and does it also apply to Australia.....

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Australia and New Zealand are different countries, so Australia has its own laws.

 

Current Australian Customs guidance is available here: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4351.asp

 

Thanks for the link. I never knew Australia wasn't part of New Zealand.:confused: Even though I have been to each country several times! Although not since 1997, and these regulations seem to be new since 1997.

 

The fact is Australia and New Zealand do a number of things alike, and in this case, the regulations are similar, but not totally the same.

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Australia and New Zealand are different countries, so Australia has its own laws.

 

Current Australian Customs guidance is available here: http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page4351.asp

Thanks. The Travellers Exemption appears to apply in our case. DH does use something on their prohibited list so I've e-mailed for further info.

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I also don't know what difference it makes whether it's got a generic or a brand name on it, since the regulations seem to be to ensure that the right medication (on the bottle) is prescribed specifically for the the person bringing it in (on the copy of the rx).

 

 

Its not generic or brand its the actual drug content I was referring to

 

e.g. the actual chemical. The pharmaceutical company here may call it BONGO while in the US its called ZINGO. (OK thats just a play on names)

 

I wasn't referring to needing a refill. I was referring to if you have a health issue and need to be treated. The letter with the drug and the reason makes it easier. So that means for import you have both bases covered.

 

You've also mentioned cortisone which is generally Rx here. I'm guess I'm just trying to make the passage easier. A Dr letter will do that.

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The fact is Australia and New Zealand do a number of things alike, and in this case, the regulations are similar, but not totally the same.

 

Yeah, but I wouldn't mention that to the New Zealanders. Kinda like Canada and the US........woe to anyone who thinks that the rules in Canada must be the same as in the US since they're so physically close and financially linked.

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e.g. the actual chemical. The pharmaceutical company here may call it BONGO while in the US its called ZINGO. (OK thats just a play on names)

 

Actually, the chemical "international non-proprietary name" is what I meant by the generic name, and they are internationally recognized irrespective of the pharmaceutical company. Diazepam is diazepam is diazepam and amoxicillin is amoxicillin is amoxicillin around the world (in English). I can only think of one drug (out of the hundreds I know) where the generic, non-proprietary name is different in different parts of the world (i.e. paracetamol is the same as acetaminophen......neither is a brand name.)

 

 

As an aside, I've also been told that the Biosecurity people are very vigilant about ensure footwear and sports equipment is immaculately cleaned of any organic material like sand, dirt, or vegetation. Hiking shoes or even running shoes (trainers) have to have really clean soles and crevices......especially true if you've worn them at a port stop on the way to NZ.

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As an aside, I've also been told that the Biosecurity people are very vigilant about ensure footwear and sports equipment is immaculately cleaned of any organic material like sand, dirt, or vegetation. Hiking shoes or even running shoes (trainers) have to have really clean soles and crevices......especially true if you've worn them at a port stop on the way to NZ.

I found both NZ and Australia customs/immigration forms on-line and both ask if you have visited farms, wildlife areas etc. Better take a scrub brush (or old toothbrush) for our walking shoes!

Australia: http://www.customs.gov.au/individuals/goingthroughtheborder/arrival/incoming-passenger-card.asp

New Zealand:

http://www.customs.govt.nz/news/resources/forms/Documents/Passenger%20Arrival%20Card%20English%20language%20version.pdf

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I found both NZ and Australia customs/immigration forms on-line and both ask if you have visited farms, wildlife areas etc. Better take a scrub brush (or old toothbrush) for our walking shoes!
I don't know what they do at the sea ports, but I've availed myself of the Sydney Airport hiking boot cleaning service more than once!
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A Health Summary Sheet from you doctor is all you need. Much simpler than carrying multiple bits of paper for copies of Rx. Make sure it contains a list of medications (also name of active ingredients). It should also list a "medical history" which we found invaluable overseas as DH set off alarms when going into most countries.:eek: It was his hip replacement. All he had to do was give security the letter, which contained this detail, and they waved him through.

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I received a response to my inquiry -- this is not to advise anyone else, and it is an uncomplicated medical situation encompassing only one prescription drug. Do not take this as legal advice; I offer it only for your information should you want to make further inquiries yourself. What they told me was "As long as your pharmacy still holds the original prescription for [the prescribed drug] written by your doctor, you can get a copy of that from the pharmacy.

If the pharmacy no longer holds it, you would need your doctor to write a reference letter, stating that you are currently on [the prescribed drug] and the dose you are on."

 

Now I just need to contact the pharmacy.......

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A Health Summary Sheet from you doctor is all you need. Much simpler than carrying multiple bits of paper for copies of Rx. Make sure it contains a list of medications (also name of active ingredients). It should also list a "medical history" which we found invaluable overseas as DH set off alarms when going into most countries.:eek: It was his hip replacement. All he had to do was give security the letter, which contained this detail, and they waved him through.

Today security at airports will conduct a pat-down if you set off the scanners. No-one is waved through anymore even with a doctor's note.

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I received a response to my inquiry -- this is not to advise anyone else, and it is an uncomplicated medical situation encompassing only one prescription drug. Do not take this as legal advice; I offer it only for your information should you want to make further inquiries yourself. What they told me was "As long as your pharmacy still holds the original prescription for [the prescribed drug] written by your doctor, you can get a copy of that from the pharmacy.

If the pharmacy no longer holds it, you would need your doctor to write a reference letter, stating that you are currently on [the prescribed drug] and the dose you are on."

 

Now I just need to contact the pharmacy.......

I was essentially told the same thing. Just a list of meds and dosage signed by the doctor. I'm copying off my meds list+dosage from the pharmacy into a table, adding in the chemical name for the non-generics, and having my doctor sign it.

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I was essentially told the same thing. Just a list of meds and dosage signed by the doctor. I'm copying off my meds list+dosage from the pharmacy into a table, adding in the chemical name for the non-generics, and having my doctor sign it.

 

excellent idea.

 

Calliope,

 

here the generics i.e. non big brand like bayer etc, often still have a "brand name" e.g.

the last lot of Amoxycillin (usually Amoxil brand name) I got from the pharmacy was MOXIN on the labelling. There was no paper insert with all of the info that you get normally. I'm guessing this may well be country specific as generics have not been around here all that long.

 

What it all boils down to is having something signed by the doctor makes things easier

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Today security at airports will conduct a pat-down if you set off the scanners. No-one is waved through anymore even with a doctor's note.

 

You are correct and I didn't mean "waved through" literally. He is called aside and gets a secondary scan & his hip receives a pat down. The process is easier and he doesn't end up getting the 3 strikes and your out treatment or being placed in a glass cage as happened in the States. Have to be more precise in future posts. Hand slapped.

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