Taking prescription drugs into the US

[Blackcat]

Does anyone know what sorts of hoops we have to jump through when taking small personal amounts of prescription drugs thru US customs?

The relevant US website talks about having to declare such items.

We'll be taking in some fairly innocuous stuff (blood pressure tablets, sleeping tablets so I can grab some zz's on the flight, epi-pens), all of which have the chemist's "prescription" sticker on them which show our respective names.

We're happy to declare these to the US customs authorities upon entry, but do they want extras (e.g. letters from doctors) in support of these things?

 

[garyjohn951]

My last trip to US, I went to my Doc, who keyed up a form on his PC, transfered all by tablet types onto it, signed it.
Had it me in the drugs bag I have.
At JFK, bag was opened, they opened the form, put it back and the only comment was one security person to another, "has a doctors form".
I think the xray screener wanted it looked at.

 

[maninblack]

There is no need to declare small personal quantities of medications but do carry a doctors letter. This is not just for customs. I was in overseas with a business associate who lost the prescription painkillers he carries for a severe back problem. Having the letter from his doctor meant the local doctor he visited to get a replacement script was far more relaxed about giving it to him.

 

[garyjohn951]

And have a photocopy of it with your backup photocopy of your passport that should be kept totally seperate on your trip.

 

[NYCguy]

And have a photocopy of it with your backup photocopy of your passport that should be kept totally seperate on your trip.

Scans of all my important documents are in a folder at my Hotmail address, and therefore available from just about anywhere in the world. Well, anywhere I go, in any case.

 

[JohnK]

I have prescription drugs in my checked luggage, the packaging has a chemist sticker in my name, but have never asked for a letter from the doctor.

I normally also carry a small quantity in my shirt pocket. I have never been questioned in Australia or SE Asia.

From reading this thread it sounds like it may a good idea to get a letter from my doctor as I will be travelling through the USA and Europe.

 

[drron]

My medication is in my carry on.Have never been pulled up about it including several trips through the USA.The point about a doctors letter is very important,not just for your medications but in case you need medical attention on your travels.Also include any allergies that you may have.When you need attention you are not always in a position to tell the treating doctor those important facts.

 

[yo yo ma]

Yes, you should have a doctors letter, not just for coming into another country but for leaving Australia. You should also fill out a medicine export declaration form found below
http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/resources/pbs/ma_medicine_export_declaration_011005.pdf

There is also other information found on the medicare website. This includes keeping the medications sealed in the original packaging & only taking enough medication for personal use.
Medicare Australia - :: Information for doctors::
Medicare Australia - :: Travelling Overseas::
Hope this assists
Steve