Taking medication on holiday: Is your over-the-counter medicine legal?

It is also important to follow the storage information shown on your prescription (some medicine must remain refrigerated). It is a good idea to check with your pharmacist or doctor on the best way to store your medicine when travelling.

Know before you go
Filling a prescription abroad:
The FDA warns travellers that if they need to fill a prescription abroad they should be aware that although a number of medications are marketed under the same or similar-sounding brand names as in their home country they may contain different active ingredients. The FDA also cautions that taking a drug containing a different active ingredient may not help with the user’s medical condition and could even be harmful.

Another word of caution: if you purchase medication abroad, you might not be able to bring it back into the country. Check with your embassy if you have doubts.

Syringes: If you need to inject medication such as insulin for diabetes the Australian government’s Travel Health advises you to bring your own needles and syringes in order to ensure that they are sterile and that you have the type you need. However, it is essential to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to make sure this is acceptable. Any needles and syringes purchased overseas must be in sealed and sterile packaging. If your medical condition means you need needles and syringes with you on the plane, it is important that you inform your airline before you travel and, if necessary, arrange a letter from your doctor explaining why you need to carry them.

Side effects: It is important to be aware that some legal drugs which you use on holiday, such as certain types of malaria tablets, can increase your risk of sunburn as well as cause nausea and blurred vision. The FCO travel advice notes that this is something to be aware of when you plan to drive.

Overall, you should check that your medication is legal in the destination country. If you need to buy medicines overseas make sure that the medicine you need is readily available and that you are aware of any differences in dosage or quality. It is always a good idea to talk over any health concerns with your doctor before travelling overseas, and you can also get advice from the embassy of the country you plan to visit.

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