Taking my opiate medications abroad?

[Unity]

Hi,

I just wonder if anyone can advise whether I need to do anything special about taking my opiate medications abroad with me?

I'm using Durogesic patches which are morphine based and need to be applied to my skin every 72 hours. Obviously I don't want any hassle with over-enthusiastic customs officers :rolleyes: and I suppose that technically these could be termed 'Class A's':eek: . I know that when I have to pick them up from the chemist they are always kept in the safe.

I will only be travelling within the EC but any advice would be gratefully accepted.

Thanks.

[razorbladekisses]

Edited as I'm obviously wrong.

[Unity]

I believe you can take a maximum of 45mgs with you without any problems. If you need to take more than that you need to get a licence from the home office.

Thanks for this, I'll have to work it out as the patches are in microgrammes and I use 87mcg every three days plus additional supplies in case the heat causes them to fall off - I can't re-stick them and so need to apply new ones :rolleyes: .

[razorbladekisses]

Edited as I'm obviously wrong.

[mr_rush]

A letter from your doctor stating that you need the medication will be sufficient. Take them in their box(es).

[digger3]

Hi.Mr Rush just beat me to it. take them in their original boxes with the dispensing label on with your name and dose details.Ask your GP for a letter to confirm you are taking the medication and show it if you are asked to

[moneysaving pharmacist]

As far as I am aware, the advice from Mr Rush and digger3 is correct, provided you are travelling for less than three months. If you are travelling for more than three months you will need a personal import/export license - see www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/licensing/personal (http://www.drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/licensing/personal)

[razorbladekisses]

I guess the HMRC website must be wrong then!

[RAMBLER]

I am on injection medication, which is a problem in certain countries,,,, what i need to do is have a letter from my consultant stating that i need this medication and that it can not be removed from my person, that is important in case they want someone to mind it while you are on the flight etc.

Also as previous people have said keep in tact in boxes, and take a repeat prescription slip as well.

Have a great holiday

[digger3]

Hi Razorbladekisses - you might have been right in you original posts.

[suki1964]

Actually razorblade you are right - the Op is talking about a CONTROLLED drug which is handled differently - the HMRC has the up to date information

[Unity]

Thank you all very much for your help :T :T :T .

I asked the pharmacist at Sainsburys and he said that it's a bit of a tricky one. If I had been taking morphine tablets, then I would have needed a doctor's letter, however the patches are a different kettle of fish and to double check with my GP. Probably a printout of my meds with do plus, like everyone has said, I should take them in the original packaging together with the dispensing labels attached.

To be honest, I thought it wise to ask on here, as if anyone had experienced problems with taking meds abroad, I knew I'd get an informed reply.

Thanks Razorbladekisses for checking the HMRC website, it didn't occur to me and to Rambler for the wishes for a great holiday.

I'm really looking forward to going now, I'm usually better in the heat and the only downside is not being able to take my 'leccy' bed and thus having to sleep flat :( .

[Krystaltips]

Put cushions between the matress and the bed base...

[razorbladekisses]

Have a lovely holiday.

[Unity]

I'm not entirely sure why the pharmacist said that. Fentanyl and morphine are both schedule 2 controlled drugs and class A under misuse of drugs act, so as far as I can see, the same rules should apply for both (schedules are to do with medical use, classes are what the police are concerned with).

He said that Durogesic is 'morphine like' and the application was different :confused: . What would you advise?

Thanks for your input.

[S0litaire]

To be safe... find out where the local consulate for the country you are going to and Email or phone them if you are worried. They may say A Doctors Note with the packaging will be ok! (If it's inside the EU that will probably be the response! )

Also remember to sign up for the EHIC :D

[Unity]

To be safe... find out where the local consulate for the country you are going to and Email or phone them if you are worried. They may say A Doctors Note with the packaging will be ok! (If it's inside the EU that will probably be the response! )

Also remember to sign up for the EHIC :D

Thanks for this - EHIC is always kept in with my passport :D .