Travel to PH - prescription drugs

[kittens_0117 5]

My USC husband has some prescription meds that he needs to bring for his clinical anxiety, plus travel meds (he consulted a travel clinic and they prescribed him some stuff just in case he contracts an illness in PH since it's his first time to go there). We are flying to the Philippines next month, and because it's a 17-19 hour flight, psychologist provided him the meds he needed to cope with his anxiety. He has a variety of meds, all with the dosage and prescription info on each bottle of pills.

I am a PH citizen, and while I never really carry that much meds, will my husband be given a hard time going through customs with his prescribed medications? Besides the pretty detailed label stuck on the pills, will we need to bring anything else?

I definitely don't want customs confiscating his anxiety meds, he really needs it -- but given the fact that some people can't understand medically diagnosed anxiety, I am a bit concerned.

Any thoughts?

[Samantha78 117]

He should not have any problem as long as they are labeled appropriately (even though below it says otherwise) and they are actual, prescribed, medications and not like medical marijuana or something similar that would obviously not go through. They will put them through the xray machine, and may even open and look at them....but that could not happen at all.

Again....should not be a problem.

TSA - Medications

Per TSA website

"All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Atropens, an auto-injection system that can help treat many emergency conditions (low heart rate, breathing problems, and excess saliva related to insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisoning) are also allowed.

We do not require that your medications be labeled.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) migraine inhalers and CO2 refills.

Medications in daily dosage containers are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened.

Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

• You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
• If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.
• Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.
• In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
• Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area."

Edited January 3, 2012 by sam&jensi

[kittens_0117 5]

My USC husband has some prescription meds that he needs to bring for his clinical anxiety, plus travel meds (he consulted a travel clinic and they prescribed him some stuff just in case he contracts an illness in PH since it's his first time to go there). We are flying to the Philippines next month, and because it's a 17-19 hour flight, psychologist provided him the meds he needed to cope with his anxiety. He has a variety of meds, all with the dosage and prescription info on each bottle of pills.

I am a PH citizen, and while I never really carry that much meds, will my husband be given a hard time going through customs with his prescribed medications? Besides the pretty detailed label stuck on the pills, will we need to bring anything else?

I definitely don't want customs confiscating his anxiety meds, he really needs it -- but given the fact that some people can't understand medically diagnosed anxiety, I am a bit concerned.

Any thoughts?

[SMOKE 1,426]

he'll be fine, they're prescribed medication. i've never had an issue bringing meds into the PI.(6 trips) i just keep them in one plastic bag in my carry on bag w/ the other one bag of liquids/gels.

Edited January 3, 2012 by SMOKE

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

he'll be fine, they're prescribed medication. i've never had an issue bringing meds into the PI.(6 trips) i just keep them in one plastic bag in my carry on bag w/ the other one bag of liquids/gels.

Yep. Keep them in your carry on, or they might disappear from your luggage. There is nothing more humorous than seeing some of the luggage that has been repacked, covered with TSA tape, especially those balikbayan boxes.

[LAGOSLOVE 10]

My USC husband has some prescription meds that he needs to bring for his clinical anxiety, plus travel meds (he consulted a travel clinic and they prescribed him some stuff just in case he contracts an illness in PH since it's his first time to go there). We are flying to the Philippines next month, and because it's a 17-19 hour flight, psychologist provided him the meds he needed to cope with his anxiety. He has a variety of meds, all with the dosage and prescription info on each bottle of pills.

I am a PH citizen, and while I never really carry that much meds, will my husband be given a hard time going through customs with his prescribed medications? Besides the pretty detailed label stuck on the pills, will we need to bring anything else?

I definitely don't want customs confiscating his anxiety meds, he really needs it -- but given the fact that some people can't understand medically diagnosed anxiety, I am a bit concerned.

Any thoughts?

I took all my meds. I also had a letter from my physician every time I've gone to Nigeria. Try that

[Gosia & Tito 199]

My USC husband has some prescription meds that he needs to bring for his clinical anxiety, plus travel meds (he consulted a travel clinic and they prescribed him some stuff just in case he contracts an illness in PH since it's his first time to go there). We are flying to the Philippines next month, and because it's a 17-19 hour flight, psychologist provided him the meds he needed to cope with his anxiety. He has a variety of meds, all with the dosage and prescription info on each bottle of pills.

I am a PH citizen, and while I never really carry that much meds, will my husband be given a hard time going through customs with his prescribed medications? Besides the pretty detailed label stuck on the pills, will we need to bring anything else?

I definitely don't want customs confiscating his anxiety meds, he really needs it -- but given the fact that some people can't understand medically diagnosed anxiety, I am a bit concerned.

Any thoughts?

He needs to carry with him the prescriptions, and prescriptions need to match his name as in the passport. Best is to have all in carry on in case luggage gets lost or delayed.

It should be apparent that it is for personal use and for the period of time of the stay.

I'd research availability in Phillipines just in case; or a similar med. Have prescriptions ready. Don't know about laws in there and whether a prescription written here will be filled there.

[TeddyHoney 42]

I've traveled to the Philippines a lot with prescription drugs in my carry-on. For the last 2 years I've been on meds that I have to take certain ones at 9 am and others at 9 pm. I have more trouble trying to figure out what time to take the meds after I cross the date-line coming home than I have from security about the meds (which is none)

But I do have all the med's presciption bottles with me in carry-on because airlines losing checked luggage is an old and all too common occurance - especially on international flights!

Your husband won't have any problems.

[Samantha78 117]

TSA - Medications

Here's a link with the specifications about the meds. Sounds like he won't have any problem.

[calibob 73]

I traveled with a bunch of meds in my carry on 3 times to the Philippines without any trouble at all. As long as all the bottles are labeled and in his or your name, there should be no problems as both country's customs just go through the carry on luggage looking for illegal drugs or weapons. Just relax and enjoy the best you can. Wear a hoodie so you can sleep while listening to your ipod or mp3 of your choice. The people are beautiful and it's a trip you'll treasure. Best of luck!!

Bob

Edited January 3, 2012 by calibob

[William33 110]

Identical topics merged.

[DaveE 178]

Six trips to the Philippines in the last few years. Always put my prescription drugs in my checked bag. No one has ever questioned anything. Heck, most of the stuff you need a prescription for in the states is over the counter in the PI.

[kittens_0117 5]

Sorry I posted the topics twice. Thank you for your responses! I'm pretty sure we'll keep the meds in checked bags.

[I AM NOT THAT GUY 5,715]

Sorry I posted the topics twice. Thank you for your responses! I'm pretty sure we'll keep the meds in checked bags.

Why, after all the advice and experiences that you have asked for, would you do that?

[wilzhen 3]

He should not have any problem as long as they are labeled appropriately (even though below it says otherwise) and they are actual, prescribed, medications and not like medical marijuana or something similar that would obviously not go through. They will put them through the xray machine, and may even open and look at them....but that could not happen at all.

Again....should not be a problem.

TSA - Medications

Per TSA website

"All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Atropens, an auto-injection system that can help treat many emergency conditions (low heart rate, breathing problems, and excess saliva related to insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisoning) are also allowed.

We do not require that your medications be labeled.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) migraine inhalers and CO2 refills.

Medications in daily dosage containers are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened.

Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

• You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
• If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.
• Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.
• In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
• Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area."

When my husband came here last sept, 2011, He don't have any problem carrying his meds. He has with him all the prescription of all his medicines. By the way, all his medicines was given by the Veterans Affair in the US.