{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As summer trip As the season gears up, 77% of Americans expect to bring a prescription medication for travel — but nearly half don’t check to see if it’s even legal to bring these medications into other countries.
Additionally, more than a quarter of Americans have had medications confiscated while traveling internationally, according to a May 2024 survey of 1,048 respondents by SingleCare, a free prescription savings service.
“Certain medications that are commonly prescribed in the United States may be illegal or severely regulated in other countries,” Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a pharmacy and health expert based in Dallas-Fort Worth, told Fox News Digital.
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Here are some important details on this topic.
4 Types of Medications That May Be Illegal for International Travel
“In general, drugs that have a high potential for effects abuse or dependence are more likely to face strict regulations,” Bourgeois warned.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, pharmacy and health expert at SingleCare based in Dallas-Fort Worth, shared tips for traveling with prescription medications during this summer season. (Jennifer Bourgeois/SingleCare)
These include controlled substances, which are closely regulated because of their potential for addiction and abuse, she said.
Stimulants, which are used for conditions like ADHD and are considered illegal in some countries, are also included in this category.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Bourgeois shared the following list of prescription drugs that may be illegal to transport across the border.
No. 1: Narcotics and opioids
Drugs such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and codeine are heavily regulated or banned in many countries because of their potential for abuse, according to Bourgeois.
No. 2: Psychotropic medications
Medications for mental health problems, such as amphetamines (Adderall), benzodiazepines (Xanax), and certain antidepressantsmay be restricted.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}As Americans prepare to travel this summer, 77% expect to bring a prescription medication — but nearly half aren’t checking to see if it’s even legal to bring those medications in other countries, according to a investigation. (iStock)
No. 3: Medicinal cannabis
“Even though they are legal in some U.S. states, cannabis and cannabis-derived products are illegal in many countries,” Bourgeois warned.
No. 4: Powerful painkillers
Some countries restrict strong painkillerssuch as tramadol, which is an opioid sold under the brand names ConZip and Ultram, to treat moderate to severe pain.
How to check legality before traveling
“Bringing banned medications into a foreign country can result in serious consequences, such as medication confiscation, fines and possible arrest,” Bourgeois warned.
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“In serious cases, travelers can be arrested, prosecuted and even imprisoned.”
Legal issues can also cause delays and complications in travel plans, she added.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}All medications should be kept in your carry-on rather than checked baggage, an expert has recommended. This way, in the event of an unexpected travel delay, you will still be able to access your medications. (iStock)
Before packing your prescriptions when traveling abroad, Bourgeois recommends checking the websites of your destination country’s embassies or consulates as well as the laws regarding medications.
“You can also consult your doctor, pharmacist or travel agent, who may be able to advise you. adapted to your destination,” she added.
If there are specific restrictions regarding your medications in the country you plan to visit, it is best to follow the instructions from the country’s embassy so that you can continue taking your medications during your trip.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Importing banned medicines into a foreign country can have serious consequences. »
“For example, many countries only allow a 30-day supply of certain medications and require you to carry a prescription or medical certificate from your health care provider,” Bourgeois said.
If you know you will need to refill your prescription while you are away, check with your pharmacy two weeks before your departure.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends taking a make an appointment with your health care provider or a travel health specialist at least one month before your departure, as indicated on their website.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Before packing your prescriptions when traveling abroad, check with your destination country’s embassy or consulate websites for laws regarding medications, an expert recommends. (iStock)
“Pharmacist may need to request refills or “vacation cancellation” of your insurance” Bourgeois noted.
If your medications are absolutely not permitted in the destination country, Bourgeois suggests consulting with your healthcare provider to discuss alternatives and potential adjustments to your treatment plan.
What to Know Before Packing Prescriptions
Even if your medications are allowed in the country you’re visiting, it’s still important to follow some basic guidelines when traveling abroad, according to Bourgeois.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}First, it is important to always have a copy of your prescription or medical document. signed by your doctor explaining why the medicine is essential for you.
“Exceeding quantities intended for personal use may arouse suspicion.”
On its website, the CDC also recommends leaving a copy of your prescriptions at home with a family member or friend in case you lose your copy or need an emergency refill.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Also keep all medications in their original packaging to clearly display the prescription label,” Bourgeois advised.
Also, she said, make sure the name on the prescription matches the name on your passport.
“Carry only as much as you need for the duration of your trip, plus a small reserve,” Bourgeois said. “Exceeding quantities intended for personal use may arouse suspicion.”
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Even if your medications are permitted in the country you are visiting, it is important to follow some basic guidelines when traveling abroad. (iStock)
Also be sure to declare your medications to customs if the destination country requires it, she said.
All medications should be kept in your carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage. This way, in the event of an unforeseen travel delay, you will still be able to access the medications you need.
5 More Tips for Travel Medications
Bourgeois shared the following additional items to consider when transporting medications across the border.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#1: Keep Time Zones in Mind
“Take medication daily to chronic conditions can be confusing when you’re traveling around the world,” she warned.
“In serious cases, travelers can be arrested, prosecuted and even imprisoned.”
“Be aware of time zone differences and take the medication based on your last dose, not the local time of day.”
#2: Check OTC Rules
“It’s also important to check your destination country’s laws regarding over-the-counter medications,” Bourgeois said.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Carry only the amount (of medication) you need for the duration of your trip, plus a small buffer,” advises one expert. “Exceeding quantities intended for personal use may arouse suspicion.” (iStock)
“For example, pseudoephedrine – commonly known as the brand drug Sudafed, purchased without a prescription in the United States – is banned in Japan and Mexico.”
#3: Don’t buy from non-pharmaceutical sellers
If you are travel internationallydon’t buy medications that aren’t sold in pharmacies, Bourgeois said.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Counterfeit medicines are common in many developing countries and their quality is not guaranteed.”
#4: Stock up on essentials
Before you travel, stock up on over-the-counter medications and travel-size items at the pharmacy, Bourgeois said.
“Talk to your pharmacist about vaccine-preventable diseases and ask for a travel health consultation to make sure you’re protected,” recommends one expert. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa)
Common over-the-counter medications for travel include antidiarrheals, motion sickness medications, allergy medications and medicines for pain and fever.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}#5: Understand disease risks
If you are traveling outside of the United States, it is important to understand the risk of illnesses in the countries you plan to visit.
“Diseases such as hepatitis A, yellow fever and typhoid can be prevented thanks to vaccinations” Bourgeois said.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}“Talk to your pharmacist about vaccine-preventable diseases and ask for a travel health consultation to make sure you are protected,” she continued.
“It is essential that you do not wait until the last minute to get vaccinated, as it usually takes up to 14 days for antibodies to form.”
Fox News Digital has contacted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for comment.
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