Pack your bags… carefully! Are your meds safe to take on holiday?

18 December 2017

09:00

If you are considering a quick winter getaway or some last minute sunshine over the festive period, make sure you check your meds or you may get more than you bargain for…

Pack you bags

Before the festive season gets into full swing and intrepid holiday makers seek their last break away for the year, an update on the guidance for travel abroad has been issued by the Foreign Office on medicines.

This updated guidance has been prompted following the arrest of a UK national in Egypt for carrying the prescription painkiller Tramadol in her luggage.¹ Tramadol, although available on prescription in most European countries, is illegal in Egypt and anyone taking the medication travelling to the country is required to inform the Egyptian Embassy in London or carry a note from their GP specifying the purpose of the medicine and the quantity required for personal use.

Egypt is not the only country that has strict laws governing substances, not all of which are prescription medicines, over-the-counter products can also be included in these lists. Some of the more popular holiday destinations for the festive period may have more strict laws than expected, so it is advisable to pack carefully.

The UAE, for example, is already a popular travel destination for many seeking some winter warmth. However, the region has extremely strict laws about substances, including certain medications that are commonly prescribed or bought over the counter in European states.

There are some substances that must not be taken to the UAE and are classed as narcotics to the Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department, such as codeine, ketamine and morphine.² Other examples of drugs that are classed as controlled substances and should be accompanied by a prescription when travelling to or through this area include tramadol, diazepam, prostaglandins, anxiety medications (lorazepam), antidepressants (venlafaxine) and even some substances used in contraceptives and as components of hormone replacement therapy (ethinylestradiol and menotrophin).

As has been experienced within the pharma industry in relation to flavourings, Japan can apply stricter rules than other countries. This can also be true for seemingly innocuous and common substances including, pseudoephedrine — commonly found in nasal decongestants — which is a controlled substance in Japan!

In most other countries within Asia, like China, Singapore and Thailand, prescriptions for medication are required and travellers should be careful of the amount of medication they carry with them too.³

African countries, like Zambia, may prove tricky for winter wanderers too as cough syrups may get you into trouble there.

So, despite a lot of these medications being listed on the World Health Organisation’s (WHO’s) model list of essential medicines⁴ (those which should be widely available to anyone who needs them) there are country specific laws of which you should be aware. And, it is important to not forget about the countries you may be traversing, prior to reaching your final destination, as your luggage may be in question even if you are simply travelling through a place.

It is always worthwhile checking with healthcare representatives and various embassies to clarify if there are any issues before you travel and if in doubt, leave it out!

Thanks for reading and hope you all enjoy the festivities… safely, of course!

Felicity

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