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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by janejj on January 14, 2002, at 16:54:33
Hey,
If you go through customs at an airport do they take your medication out and look at it ?? I'm going on a trip soon and I don't want the people I'm with to know that I am taking medication. I feel its a private thing. So what do I do, just put it in the suitcase and hope it doesn't get lost ??
Jane
Posted by kid_A on January 14, 2002, at 18:00:26
In reply to airports and medication, posted by janejj on January 14, 2002, at 16:54:33
jane,
perscription medicine does NOT need to be declared at customs... I made that mistake in england the first time I went (see my post, "A brief synopsis..." What I've learned is that the more 'normal' you dress, the less anyone bothers you... So don't wear your jean jacket w/ the pot leaf sewn on the sleave and you should be fine.
Posted by akc on January 15, 2002, at 6:50:40
In reply to airports and medication, posted by janejj on January 14, 2002, at 16:54:33
I always carry my medicines with me for fear that my checked luggage may not make it. I have never had anyone inspect my meds or question me about them. I do carry them in their original prescribed containers, so there is no question on what they are.
akc
Posted by Simcha on January 15, 2002, at 7:57:12
In reply to airports and medication, posted by janejj on January 14, 2002, at 16:54:33
I just went to Paris and back and I never had a problem with carrying my medication with me in my carry-on. They cannot deny us our necessary medication. They might look at it... They did not even look at mine, so don't sweat it...
> Hey,
>
> If you go through customs at an airport do they take your medication out and look at it ?? I'm going on a trip soon and I don't want the people I'm with to know that I am taking medication. I feel its a private thing. So what do I do, just put it in the suitcase and hope it doesn't get lost ??
>
> Jane
Posted by cmcdougall on January 15, 2002, at 11:23:14
In reply to airports and medication, posted by janejj on January 14, 2002, at 16:54:33
Don't worry.... Leave your meds in their original prescription bottles and put them in a carry-on bag. If you are searched and anyone looks at them, it will just be a glance. None of your traveling companions will even notice. They will be too concerned w/ their own bags. If they do notice and they ask, just say you take medicine for a "thing". If they persist, say its personal and leave it at that.Have a fun trip....
Carly
> Hey,
>
> If you go through customs at an airport do they take your medication out and look at it ?? I'm going on a trip soon and I don't want the people I'm with to know that I am taking medication. I feel its a private thing. So what do I do, just put it in the suitcase and hope it doesn't get lost ??
>
> Jane
Posted by fi on January 16, 2002, at 11:28:17
In reply to Re: airports and medication » janejj, posted by akc on January 15, 2002, at 6:50:40
My experience and views are exactly the same. Keep it with you- luggage does go missing and it would be a hassle to get more.
But do keep it in the original bottles.Couple of minor points to add:
The only thing is if you have drugs to inject (which I do for a severe allergy), in which case check with the airline for their post sept 11th policy. The one I flew with last year was OK as long as you had a doctor's letter saying you were perscribed it.Even if someone searches your bag, when you think about it no-one you are travelling with can actually read the labels- they would have to be able to read small print upside down from several feet away (given that you will be the one opposite the customs officer).
There are likely to be more checks if you are coming from Jamaica to Europe as there has been a big problem with cocaine smuggling. By the way.
Fi
> I always carry my medicines with me for fear that my checked luggage may not make it. I have never had anyone inspect my meds or question me about them. I do carry them in their original prescribed containers, so there is no question on what they are.
>
> akc
Posted by Gracie2 on January 20, 2002, at 0:39:06
In reply to Re: airports and medication, posted by fi on January 16, 2002, at 11:28:17
I've only had one problem with prescription drugs at airports and that was a fluke. I had to pick up my husband at the airport after leaving the doctor's office. The doctor had given me a handful of sample drugs in packages and I stuffed them in my coat pocket. The pill samples had aluminum in the packaging and set off the metal detector. I had to pull out the samples and explain what they were, which was kind of embarassing and real annoying.
On the other hand, during a visit to Hawaii, I was being treated at the time for panic attacks with Klonapin and did not bring an adequate supply of pills because I didn't feel that I would need them in such a relaxing setting. This backfired completely, because I was in a strange place and way outside my comfort zone, so the panic attacks increased to such a level that I was crying and getting physically ill. I had to go to an outpatient clinic to request more pills,
and even with a legitimate prescription the pharmacists were reluctant to refill an rX for Klonapin, which I had to pay for out-of-pocket. It was a terrible hassle, and I had to endure a lecture from the doctor on how important it was to leave home with an adequate supply of medication.
A good doctor will prescribe additional medication for a trip you have planned, even for benzos or painkillers, unless you have a history of trying to acquire these drugs illegaly.
However, should you be carrying pills in a prescription drug bottle with your name on it, I doubt you will have any problem with airport security, unless you have dozens of pill bottles all purported to carry the same drug.I wouldn't worry about it. Since September 11th, airports are much more concerned and preoccupied
with discovering weapons and combustible or explosive devices. And, as I explained, you will almost surely regret leaving your pills at home.-Ruined a trip to Oahu
This is the end of the thread.
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