If you are taking prescribed medications, you may wish to speak with your physician about purchasing enough medicine to last the duration of the program. However, this may not always be possible or advisable. For example, there are restrictions on the amount of narcotics that can be introduced legally into some countries.
In some countries, medications used to treat depression/anxiety/OCD or ADD/ADHD are severely restricted or even illegal. It is important that you check the regulations and plan ahead to ensure that you will be able to continue with your medication uninterrupted. If you must keep your medication under special conditions, they may not survive the trip. In situations pertaining to refrigerated storage, it is highly suggested that you contact your airline and inquire about in-flight refrigeration. To avoid problems with customs, you should have a detailed statement signed and dated by your healthcare provider listing the conditions for which the prescriptions were issued, the brand and generic name of the medication, the prescribed dosage and instructions. This would also provide vital information for health care providers in case of an emergency. Plan ahead for time changes and consider how this may affect your scheduled times for taking your prescription.
When traveling through customs, it is a good idea to get a letter on your doctor’s letterhead stating your medical history and the need for certain prescribed drugs. Since some medications have a black market value, keep your medication in a safe place to prevent theft.
Pack prescriptions in your carry-on luggage in the original, labeled container. Make sure that the name of the label and prescription matches your passport. If you will be purchasing medicines abroad, ask your physician about getting the right medication while abroad. You will need to see a physician in the host country for a new prescription and should know the generic name of your medication, as the exact same medication may not be available. Keep in mind that medicines or vitamins mailed overseas may be held up in customs. Also, you may want to check with your insurance provider about what is covered in terms of your prescriptions and office visits while abroad.
If you have other medical conditions, such as severe allergies or reactions, diabetes, heart conditions, or epilepsy, you may wish to carry a card or wear a tag or bracelet that identifies the condition.