Medicines kit

[Foreigner]

Just wondering what items should be in kit of basic medicines. I'm thinking the likes of antihistamine, anti-inflammatory tabs, di-gesic, et al.

 

[KitKat]

I suppose it depends on where you are going, how long, what problems you may encounter, what support you may get... including your preexisting conditions/susceptibilities

Generally, for first world travel I bring
- paracetamol
- NSAID
- a course of antibiotics for travellers diarrhoea (after a bad bout in HKG...)
- buscopan
- stemetil
- immodium

Ahem... just looked in my travel bag, still have a course of antivirals from the days of swineflu

 

[cove]

We take Vicks for the nose (used by Cathay pilots) on long haul flights. Biofreeze or Voltaren to ease a back pain or shoulder ache. A strong antibiotic for the just in case. A good throat gargle to kill off an acquired sore throat. Imodium and or Pepto Bismol to steady off the runs. A nitro spray to dilate the arteries in the event of a heart attack. A good headache tablet. Lamasil AT to intercept athletes foot.

Now in forty years plus of long haul travel I have not used the prescription medications but it is good to know it is there and inside it's use by date as the just in case of an emergency. Now the prescription items need to be in your carry on luggage.

 

[Foreigner]

A month ago in Europe, I had a minor foot fracture after twisting my ankle in the hotel. A cold pack would have been useful. Plus Voltaren cream and pain killers. This week, travelling domestic, sudden sneezing caused severe back ache and I could have done well with antihistamines and pain killers. I do keep Vicks when travelling. (Interestingly, it is not sold in Germany!)

 

[cove]

Vicks is working for me this year on the longer flights so I think I will use it on all flights. It is better than getting an international bug into your system. A retired Cathay pilot suggested it!

 

[The Rok]

Jameson
Jack Daniels
Heineken
Guinness
Corona
Magners
.......................... That would just about cure any illness

 

[cove]

Most of those medications should only be taken on a day that finishes with a "Y".

 

[markis10]

Its worth mentioning that some over the counter drugs may be banned overseas, for instance in the UAE codeine, amphetamines, methadone, robitussin, valium, xanax, Actifed compound linctus, tamiflu, reductil, Ritalin are all banned unless you have a prescription/note from the GP.

There are also restrictions on quantities of PBS medicine you can take:

Taking and sending PBS medicines overseas - Medicare Australia

 

[Foreigner]

In Germany, it's called Wicks I/o Vicks...for good reason!

http://www.toytowngermany.com/lofi/index.php/t69536.html

 

[jacfin]

I never leave the Perth metro area without Ural. A change in water can, in extreme circumstances, render me hospitalized with kidney infection rather than fully utilizing the benefits of QP

When traveling OS I have a note from doc re: prescription meds and I flatten out the boxes of my regular drugs, and include them in a zip lock bag with the doc note. Perhaps sounds OTT but I'd rather be cautious than arrested......so many lounges to enjoy after all

 

[harvyk]

Outside of any prescription meds I need at the time the most I take is a pack of panadol, and lip balm. The way I figure things is that most places I go to will have some sort of pharmac_ if needs be.

 

[casanovawa]

About 15 years ago on a holiday i picked up bali belly on the last day of 6 days in bali before flying up to Singapore for 5 days with a friend and proceeded to spend the next 5 days writhing on a bed or visiting the ivory idol with only panadol and charcoal tablets.. Good way to lose about 10kgs in 5 days and return looking like death warmed up...

So from now on, apart from my usual prescriptions meds, i take:
1 course of wide spectrum anti biotic from doc (for my recent couple of month trip i took two lots)
2 types of pain killer, one like panadol/nurofen and 1 strong, say endone (which especially in places like the US its best to have a doctors note)
1 anti nausea like maxalon or whatver the name of the one i have at the moment
1 gastro stop or immodium
1 cold and flu tablet
1 anti inflam tablet and/or gel
1 sleeping tablet type
plus a few bandaids etc...

A docotr's note is always handy as the bag can end up looking quite impressive with a few normal medications i take included...

Although of late I haven't had to really use any of them on myself but have dispensed a couple to other friends/people i meet so its their lucky break i suppose...

NB I have not succumbed yet to the wide spread obsession people on this site seem to have with lib balms, but perhaps at some point i will make it part of my kit bag of essentials?!?!?!

 

[russ]

My kit always includes plenty of condoms. One for each day I am away, and a spare just in case.

 

[tuapekastar]

My kit always includes plenty of condoms. One for each day I am away, and a spare just in case.

To fill full of heroi_ and swallow eh? :shock:

 

[casanovawa]

My kit always includes plenty of condoms. One for each day I am away, and a spare just in case.

Certainly sounds like the definition of optimism...

 

[samiam]

My kit always includes plenty of condoms. One for each day I am away, and a spare just in case.

I see you are on rations.

 

[cove]

So we have an optimist on rations posting.

 

[oz_mark]

Certainly sounds like the definition of optimism...

or not fussy :shock:

 

[albatross710]

When we did a family trip to China a few years ago I picked up a Travellers Medical kit from The Travel Doctor - TMVC, travel health, vaccinations, travel clinics, travel clinics Australia.

As well as getting my immunizations on the visit, the Dr loads the kit with adequately labelled prescription drugs for a wide variety of situations. I still carry it now as it also includes bandages, scissors and the meds.

For me the great benefit of the kit is that it has saved me 2-3 times. Once in China, once in VN and once at home. Although the drugs would have been easily available in each of the countries, it takes time to find an English speaking doc, get the meds and then get back on the agenda.

I'm thinking the kit cost $150 at the time and I now just refill anything I need back to the list of items.

 

[juddles]

I see from the frivolous replies that some people do not take travel seriously.

No matter what medicines you take, get your friendly pharmac_ to print off neat labels with your name on them. Seems to make the import of such things easier no matter which country you are entering.

But dont label the bottle of Jack Daniels. That never comes across as legit.

Having said that, I have seen most of the world. And these days no matter where you are you are almost never more than two days travel from a world-class hospital.

And I have never suffered an injury or disease that Jack Daniels did not supress for the 2 days it took me to get out of there