Everything You Need To Know About Packing Medications And Natural Remedies

Unsplash/Simone Van der Koelen

It’s important to pack all of your medications safely in order to stay in tip-top shape while traveling. But if you’re flying or leaving the country, you’ll have to go through security and that means packing smart. Here’s what you need to know about packing medications and natural remedies.

Bring small liquids for anything over-the-counter.

Non-prescription meds have to go in your suitcase just like every other item. So liquids have to be stored in 3.4-ounce (or smaller) containers to go in your carry-on suitcase. If you have a prescription for a larger liquid medicine, that’s good to go. Just make sure you have proof of the prescription ready at airport security.

Pack everything in its original container.

You may be tempted to bring your meds in a handy daily partitioned pill case. However, if security flags something weird in your bag and they need to take a closer look, you need to be able to prove those are your pills. This isn’t as important for basics like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, but prescription meds should be identifiable in their OG packaging.

This is especially important for natural remedies that don’t have obvious uses, such as fish oil pills or melatonin. If it might be confusing, make sure it comes in its original packaging so anyone can immediately see all the information about the medicine right there.

Have a copy of your prescription.

When going through screenings at airports or customs, you always want a backup. Just like you have papers for bringing along your pet, you also need documentation for medications. Just make sure you have a copy of your prescription any time you travel. It’s also good to have this if something goes drastically wrong and you need medical care. Your health care provider on the road can immediately see any relevant meds you’ve been prescribed.

Unsplash/Simone Van der Koelen

Translate a doctor’s note.

In case there’s a misunderstanding at airport security or going through customs, it’s always best to have your prescription translated into the local language. That way, security officials can see the active ingredient and understand the medicine’s use even if they aren’t familiar with the exact medication.

If you have an aggressive course of treatment with a complicated regimen of meds, you could have your doctor write a description of the plan and get it translated into the local language.

Check customs rules.

Some destinations are more strict than others about what you can bring in and out of the country. So before you go abroad, check the customs rules in the country (and states) where you’re heading just to make sure. For instance, there are medicinal substances in Colorado that you can’t bring to Turkey or even Tennessee. But the rule applies to things besides cannabis.

Don’t forget to pack any medication you need daily in your carry-on bag. You never want to be in a lost-luggage situation without access to your inhaler, insulin or even a pain reliever.

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