Do prescription medicines in carry-on luggage have to be in original containers for a US to Europe flight?

Question

There seems to be conflicting info. Some say yes, some say yes only if it is a controlled substance (only a few prescriptions are controlled substances). Then again there are no restrictions I could find for non-prescription meds. If I put some different OTC meds in one unlabeled bottle how will they know if it is prescription meds or not. The whole thing seems silly to me. I could just say "hey its non prescription medication" but how do they know especially with generics? Even a pharmacist or a doctor wouldn't know all of them. I just don't want to he hassled at the airport but then again I have alot of stuff to pack into one carry-on sized bag, I don't want to have to check luggage. I have 3 month supplies of some prescription meds that are not controlled substances but they have like 20 pills in the bottom of a huge container.

Answer 1

hi you

i have two long term illness one of which is epilepsy one the meds i take for it was up to what is called a class a drugs or a controlled substances and i fly to Spain from Ireland and back again each year for my holidays with no trouble but i do know if you get onto your doctor and ask him for the international trivial card you can get which you cant show at airports if you get stop and this will clear your way

Answer 2

Well first off do you need to take these pills with you on the plane? Or can you hold off until you get your luggage (I know you don't want to but you might end up needing to)... second i think just to be safe i would keep them in the original container. I flew to Ireland over the summer and i can't remember if i put my meds in my carry on or what. I suggest going with the safe way. Or even better you can call the airport your leaving from and ask them.

Answer 3

I worked in a pharmacy for many years, the answers is YES! For prescription meds carry on ONLY using the prescribed bottles with your label on it, meaning your name, telephone, name of drug, quantity, and if possible if your pharmacist can give you s***w-on tops on your bottles. For over the counter meds, keep them sealed, unopened and in their original bottles. Don't worry too much about your otc meds because you can get anything in Europe, besides the otc meds over there are a whole lot cheaper than in the states.