Medication prescriptions when moving

[Turquoise 11]

Hello!

 

I was wondering if anyone has had experience taking prescriptions to the airport when you move?

I read that if you take your medication that is meant for longer than 3 months, then you need a prescription.

 

My question is - did you have them translated in English? Because I asked if it’s possible to get the prescriptions in English and there isn’t an option like that in my country.. the doctor said that it really doesn’t matter anyway because all the pills are labeled in Latin too. But I don’t know if that’s enough because the usage etc. isn’t in english..

 

But yeah! Just wanted to ask about your experience!

[Dashinka 26,604]

No experience here, but here is what it says on the CBP site.  It appears the 90 day thing is just guidance.

 

Non-U.S. Citizens Traveling with Medication

For non-U.S. citizens temporarily visiting the United States, you may be allowed to travel with your own medications.

In general, you should have with you a valid prescription or doctor’s note—written in English—to bring medication to the U.S. The medication should be in its original container with the doctor’s instructions printed on the bottle. If you don’t have the original container, bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor explaining your condition and why you need this medication. Travel with no more than you need for your personal use during your stay. A rule of thumb: Bring no more than a 90-day supply of medication.

If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you may have additional medication sent to you by mail or courier. You should be able to provide documentation showing that the medication is being sent for your own use while visiting the United States. This documentation may include: a copy of your visa and passport, a letter from your doctor, and a copy of your prescription (in English). See the FDA’s Regulatory Procedures Manual (RPM) Chapter 9-2 “Coverage of Personal Importation” for more information.

Warning: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the importation, by mail or in person, of fraudulent or counterfeit drugs and medical devices. These include unorthodox "cures" for medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.  Additionally, unapproved drugs have resulted in patient harm, and the FDA works to protect patients from the risks posed by these drugs. See this page for more information: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/enforcement-activities-fda/unapproved-drugs.

If you have questions regarding the import of medication, please refer to the FDA’s Personal Importation page and Frequently Asked Questions About Drugs. For additional questions, please email the FDA’s Division of Import Operations (DIO) at Imports@fda.hhs.gov or phone (301) 796-0356.

 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items

[Turquoise 11]

Thank you for the reply!

 

I'll have a K1 visa, so does this apply to me?

40 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

If you’re staying longer than 90 days, you may have additional medication sent to you by mail or courier. You should be able to provide documentation showing that the medication is being sent for your own use while visiting the United States. This documentation may include: a copy of your visa and passport, a letter from your doctor, and a copy of your prescription (in English). See the FDA’s Regulatory Procedures Manual (RPM) Chapter 9-2 “Coverage of Personal Importation” for more information.

Warning: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration prohibits the importation, by mail or in person, of fraudulent or counterfeit drugs and medical devices. These include unorthodox "cures" for medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, arthritis, or multiple sclerosis.  Additionally, unapproved drugs have resulted in patient harm, and the FDA works to protect patients from the risks posed by these drugs. See this page for more information: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/enforcement-activities-fda/unapproved-drugs.

If you have questions regarding the import of medication, please refer to the FDA’s Personal Importation page and Frequently Asked Questions About Drugs. For additional questions, please email the FDA’s Division of Import Operations (DIO) at Imports@fda.hhs.gov or phone (301) 796-0356.

 

[Crazy Cat 46,333]

1 hour ago, Turquoise said:

Thank you for the reply!

 

I'll have a K1 visa, so does this apply to me?

 

It says ADDITIONAL medications.  You should see a US doctor for additional needed medications since you are planning to live in the US.

Edited 8 hours ago by Crazy Cat

[Dashinka 26,604]

1 hour ago, Turquoise said:

Thank you for the reply!

 

I'll have a K1 visa, so does this apply to me?

 

Technically, yes it applies.  I realize it is worded more for visitors (B2/ESTA, etc.), but it actually applies to anyone also intending to immigrate.  I suspect if you are able to get more than a 90 day supply to bring with you, you should be fine if it is a maintenance medicine, not sure if it is a prescribed narcotic/painkiller.  Beyond that, like as @Crazy Cat mentioned, since you are intending to immigrate, you will need to look for a US based Dr. eventually.

 

Good Luck!

[JeanneAdil 7,492]

med bottles need to be in plastic see thru bags

FYI 

It is best to put them in carry on luggage (checked in bags are often delayed or lost )

 

you can not have them sent from another country

 

https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1815?language=en_US

 

Prescription drugs are approved and regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In most circumstances, it is illegal for individuals to import drugs or devices into the United States for personal use because these products purchased from other countries often have not been approved by the FDA for use and sale in the United States. For example, a drug approved for use in another country but not approved by the FDA would be considered an unapproved drug in the United States and, therefore, illegal to import. 

 

You will need a US dr to get your meds after the 90 days