Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 29 No. 3 2006
Travelling with medicines
People on medical treatment need to carry their medicines with them when they travel. It is particularly important that they plan ahead when going overseas.
Medicines that are available in Australia may not be available overseas. People therefore need to carry enough medicine so that it does not run out. However, there are limits to how much medicine can be taken out of Australia.
It is helpful if the traveller has a list of their medicines. This should include the chemical (generic) names as the brand names may not be the same as in Australia. Some Australian medicines, such as codeine, may be illegal in other countries so it is best to check with the foreign embassy what is allowed.
Some medicines such as insulin need to be taken at particular times of day. Patients may need advice about when to take their medicine if they are crossing many time zones, for example on a flight to Europe.
As vaccinations may be needed for some countries it is important to get advice well in advance of travel. This would also be a good time to plan how much medicine will be needed for the trip.
Information about carrying medicines supplied by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme is available from the Medicare Australia website [http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/yourhealth/going_overseas/travelling_overseas/taking_pbs_medicine_os.htm] or by calling 1800 500 147. The website includes a form that can be filled in if you are taking medicines out of Australia.
See also: Medicines on the go. Medicines Talk No. 15 Spring 2005. Information for consumers and consumer groups.
http://www.nps.org.au/resources/medicines_talk/mt_spring2005.pdf
