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Can I bring it with me?

 

The Transportation Security Administration's new rules regarding what's allowed in airports and on airplanes can make it harder for people who have to travel with medicine.  You may get through one airport's security with items in your luggage that should be questioned and stopped on your return at another due to the TSA's inconsistencies in adhering to their own policies.

 

Travel Tips 

Whenever you travel make sure you bring more than enough medication in case you are delayed or decide to extend your visit.  Take along copies of your prescriptions too, along with the contact information, including fax number and e-mail address, for your doctor and pharmacist.  Carry a list of all the drugs you take and the schedule for taking them.  And if you're traveling to a sunny locale, ask your Pharmacist or doctor if any of your medications make your skin more sensitive to the sun's rays, as some antibiotics do, increasing your chance of sunburn.

 

For Airplane Travel, take these additional steps:

• Keep medication in original packaging and make sure that the name on the bottle matches the name on your ticket.
• Pack most medication in your carry on bag so you won't have to go without it if your luggage is lost, and so it won't be exposed to temperature extremes in the baggage compartment.
• Put needles for injections into your checked luggage if possible.  And check with the TSA (www.tsa.gov) for other meds that have to be checked through.
• Declare all medication you carry aboard with you to the TSA agents.
• Put liquid medication 3 ounces or less in one quart sized, zip top, clear plastic bag.  Larger amounts can be confiscated from your hand luggage.
• Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you're visiting about special restrictions on the medication you can bring in.
• Consider bringing a letter from you doctor that details your diagnosis and need for medication.
• If you're traveling through multiple time zones, work out a plan with your doctor or pharmacist for adjusting the timing and dosage of your medicine.  That is especially important for people who take insulin for diabetes.

August 2008 * Consumer Reports on Health