By Patricia Prewitt
My Personal Rx Adviser

Have you ever wondered how to travel with prescriptions when leaving the United States? Here are some practical tips to know before you go:
• Check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or passing through. Check to make sure your medications are allowed, particularly prescriptions for medical marijuana. You may need an import license or permit to travel with certain medications. A Schengen Certificate may be required.
• Bring plenty of medicine for your trip. Include a few extra days’ worth in case of delays.
• Carry a letter of necessity from the doctor. It should describe your medical condition, and list prescription drugs with their generic names.
• Keep medications in their original, labeled containers.
• Bring the prescriptions with you in a carry-on bag to avoid loss or delay for checked baggage. (check TSA guidelines)
• Be aware that entering a country with a prescription medication, even if legally obtained in the U.S., could be illegal and result in your detention or arrest overseas.
• It is also recommended to carry a copy of your official immunization record when traveling abroad.
Find information about the Schengen Certificate here: www.schengeninsuranceinfo.com The certificate is generally good for 30 days of travel in the Schengen area, which includes 29 countries.
Are there any medications to be particularly aware of that might cause problems?
Controlled substances such as stimulants (like Adderall or Ritalin), opioids (such as oxycodone and hydrocodone), benzodiazepines (such as Xanax, Valium, or Ativan) are controlled substances in many countries that often require special documentation. When traveling with these meds, you must carry a valid prescription with you and potentially a Schengen Certificate or similar documentation. Even certain over-the-counter medications like pseudoephedrine and products with codeine are legal in the U.S., but banned in some European countries like Greece and Belgium. Medical cannabis regulations vary widely among countries. Check the website for each country you will be traveling to, or through, to verify any special requirements for traveling with your medications.
How do I obtain the documents I need from my health care provider?
Plan in advance with your personal provider, or utilize a travel clinic service associated with your health plan. Alternatively, there are private health travel services such as Passport Health. These services, including any vaccinations you need for foreign travel, might not be covered expenses by your insurance.
What else?
Check TSA https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips for specific guidelines about traveling with medications. Consider enrollment in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travel.state.gov to receive email updates from the local U.S. embassy or consulate. It’s a free service that can alert you to travel advisories for the country you are visiting.
Have a safe and enjoyable trip!
Content provided is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as a substitute for advice from a qualified medical professional. The opinions expressed within are those of the author.

About the Author: Patricia Prewitt is a local Massachusetts resident who spent more than 30 years in  the pharmaceutical industry. Tricia is a consumer education advocate, and loves helping people find ways to save money on their prescriptions. More information and free resources are available on her website at https://mypersonalrxadvisor.com/resources or call her at 508-507-8840. Favorite Quote: “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” – William James