Medication Musts: Your Travel Guide

Planning to travel! 

Passport? Check. Itinerary? Check. Prescription medicine? Oops. 

Do you want to fall sick while being on vacation? ‘NO’ right 

Nearly half of the Indian population take at least one prescription medication every day. If you are one of those, why not take your meds along with you. 

Travelers frequently get caught off guard by the broad range of regulations governing the transport of and access to medicines across borders, whether mailed or hand-carried.

Yes traveling with medication is a task, but If you plan and prepare ahead, traveling with drugs doesn't have to be stressful.

Travel with prescription medication 

Every country has different regulations for different medicines. Certain drugs that are considered over-the-counter in one nation may be classified as controlled narcotics in another.

Before the travel, Research the drug laws and policies of the nations you will be traveling through as well as the one you are going to be arriving at. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is well-known for its regulations and security inspections. Certain drugs could be limited or need more paperwork, particularly if they include regulated chemicals. Know what drugs are prohibited or restricted where you are going to, by visiting their embassy website, you can find out the rules and regulations of your desired location.

Some of the common restricted medication you should take care of :

• Narcotics and psychotropic medications (e.g. Adderall and Ambien)
• Over-the-counter medications and nutritional supplements (e.g. protein powder)
• Hormone medications (e.g. birth control pills, morning after pills, and hormone therapy medication for gender transition)

Prescription drugs are permitted to be brought with you, but it's crucial to have some kind of proof with you. Keep a copy of your doctor's prescription with you, or a note from your physician stating that the drug is necessary. If you are using any medications that are prohibited (like opioids), it is crucial. These documents might assist you pass customs if you are requested to disclose something, but they can also come in handy if you need to see a doctor or a chemist while traveling. If feasible, get these documents translated into the language spoken in your destination.

Don't repack your meds Make your journey through customs easier. Make sure your tablets and liquid medications remain in their original, labeled containers.If you do need to store your pills in a pill organizer, mark it with the medication name, dose, frequency, and expiration date. Alternatively, take a photo of the original bottle to have all of the information handy. You should also consult with your doctor to see if any medications require specific storage.

Manage your supplies Make sure you have a enough supply of medications for the trip, plus a little extra. If you want to remain longer than planned for, it's a good idea to pack an extra two weeks' worth of supplies. Note down the medication's generic name in case you need a refill while you're away. distinct countries may have distinct brand names. Medications sold under the same brand name may occasionally have distinct components.

Are you going to be in different time zones? That could make taking your meds more difficult. Take into consideration modifying your prescription regimen to accommodate for time zone shifts while traveling. To help you remember to take your dosages at the same frequency, set an alarm on your smartphone. Taking medication one to two hours early or late is generally safe, but avoid taking two doses at once. 

Travel with non-prescription medication:

If you are not taking any prescription medication still you need to carry medication along with you. These medications can be general, non-prescription , over the counter drugs that can be required by any one to avoid travel related problems like jet lag, travel sickness, temperature changes, and infections. 

Pack a travel first aid kit

Start with a general travel medical kit available from sporting-goods stores and pharmacies and stock it with:

• Aspirin
• Any painkiller 
• An anti-diarrheal 
• A topical antibiotic
• Antihistamines to relieve allergies
• Aloe vera
• An over-the-counter antacid (Maalox)
• Earplugs
• Motion or sea sickness drugs or patches
• Cough drops, OTC allergy medicine or some nasal spray

Travel healthy 

Traveling with medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, requires careful planning and preparation. By understanding and adhering to the regulations of your destination, keeping medications in their original containers, and carrying necessary documentation, you can ensure a smooth journey through security and customs. Always pack extra supplies to cover unexpected delays, and consider time zone adjustments for medication schedules.For non-prescription medications, a well-stocked travel first aid kit can prevent minor ailments from disrupting your trip. Essential items like painkillers, anti-diarrheals, and motion sickness remedies can be invaluable.