Can you take tablets on a plane

Some prescribed medicines contain drugs that are controlled under the Misuse of Drugs legislation in the UK. This means that extra legal controls apply to these medicines. Check with the embassy about the rules for the country you're going to before you travel. You can also visit the GOV. UK website for more information on bringing medicine containing a controlled drug into the UK. Page last reviewed: 23 September Next review due: 23 September Home Common health questions Medicines Back to Medicines.

Can I take my medicine abroad? You need to check what rules apply to taking your medicine: out of the UK into the country you're going to Plan well ahead If you need prescribed medicine for your health condition, talk to your GP or practice nurse about your travel plans at least 2 months before your departure date.

Checking what's allowed Check the rules for all the countries you're going to, including countries that you're just passing through. Different countries have different rules and regulations about: the types of medicine they allow to be taken into the country the maximum quantity you can take in Some medicines available over the counter in the UK may be controlled in other countries and vice versa.

Individual states may also have laws regarding labeling of prescription medications. Contact a local pharmacy in the state you are traveling to if you have questions. Refrigerated medications may be packed using freezer packs, insulated lunch boxes, or coolers within carry-on luggage.

Used syringes should be placed in a hard-surface container. Arrive early to allow time for additional screening at the security checkpoint. Bring a medication list and note from your doctor. This can speed up the screening process and help answer questions. Tell the security agent that you have medically necessary medications.

Otherwise, you may be asked to throw out items that are over the limit for liquids allowed. Liquid medications do not have to be placed in a clear plastic bag. Label all medications and supplies. This can help speed up security screening.

Keep medical items separate from the rest of your luggage when you go through the checkpoint. Use separate bins for personal items. Keep medicines and supplies such as freezer packs, IV bags, pumps, and syringes together for inspection. Liquid medications will need to be X-ray screened. The container may be visibly opened, and a sample may be taken and transferred into another container and inspected by a TSA agent. If you do not want your medications to be X-rayed or opened, additional screening methods may be used.

Each country has their own laws relating to medications and controlled substances. Medicines that are legal in one country may be illegal in another. Check regulations for each place you will visit, including customs and border checkpoints. Contact the foreign embassy to learn more about specific national laws. Find out how much medicine you are allowed to bring into the country at a time.

There might be a limit such as day supply or day supply. Keep medicines in their original containers with a prescription label. If medicines are not in their original containers, carry a copy of your medication list or letter from your doctor. For example, you're permitted to pack medically necessary liquids in carry-on containers larger than 3. You also don't have to place liquid medications in a zip-close bag. However, if you do have a medically necessary liquid in your carry-on, you have to give your TSA agent a heads-up about it at the beginning of the security screening process.

The TSA recommends packing medication in a carry-on in the event that you should need it on the flight, but travelers are permitted to pack their medicines in either their carry-ons or checked luggage.

Medication is usually screened by an X-ray at security, but you can request to have yours inspected rather than X-rayed if you want. Make sure to make this request before sending any of your items through the X-ray tunnel. If you're taking prescription medicine with you on a flight, the TSA doesn't require that it be stored in its prescription bottle. However, each U.