Travelling with medicines

Abstract

The overseas traveller needs to plan ahead to ensure medicines are available and used properly. This planning needs to take account of relevant legal, customs and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme restrictions. Medicines should be transported in their original packaging whenever possible and refrigeration during flight is seldom necessary. The timing of the use of drugs, like insulin, can be difficult when crossing time zones. A health summary including any allergies and a medication list, which includes generic names, is of great assistance to the traveller. Advice should be given about any new medicines that are prescribed or advised specifically for the trip such as drugs for malaria prophylaxis. The traveller may also seek advice about which drugs to carry in a medical kit.