“Can I travel with medications?” Yes, but there are things you should know about. The following is a summary of the guideline posted on the website of Government of Canada for travellers who carry prescribed or over-the-counter medications.
Before departure:
1) Consult “what you can bring on a plane” to determine what you can and cannot pack in your carry-on bag.
2) Pack medications in your baggage in their ORIGINAL, labelled containers to facilitate airport security and customs screening.
3) Do not try to save luggage space by combining medications into a single container.
4) Carry a copy of the original prescription. A doctor’s note describing why you’re taking the medication is also recommended.
5) If you’re carrying any unusual medication, contact foreign government office in Canada of the country you plan to visit before departing to make sure bringing medical supplies are allowed into the country.
6) Canadian visitors to the United States should be aware that their personal medication may be subject to U.S. drug importation laws and regulations. For further information, visit the website of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
At abroad:
Do not buy medication outside Canada unless you have been advised by a health care professional. Be aware of counterfeit medications or those that may not meet Canadian standards.
Coming back to Canada with medication:
A) Prescription medication
– Health Canada may permit a single course of treatment or a 90-day supply, whichever is less.
– The drug must be in hospital or pharmacy-dispensed packaging.
B) Over-the-counter medication
– Permitted to import a single course of treatment or a 90-day supply, whichever is less.
– The drug must be shipped or carried in hospital/pharmacy-dispensed packaging.
Air Canada recommends that medication be packed in carry-on baggage. It makes sense as we may need to reach those medications in case of emergency. Given that checked baggage often goes lost, it is the best to keep your medication in your carry-on bag as much as you can.
Finally, don’t forget to pack your travel insurance certificate and ID card provided by insurer.
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Source:
Government of Canada http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/medication
Air Canada http://www.aircanada.com/en/travelinfo/before/contract.html