Travellers warned about banned medicines abroad

In the media this week, travellers have been warned to check travel advice when they take medicines abroad. This is because the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) have issued a statement on banned medicines abroad . You can read one of the media articles on the BBC website.

Which medicines are banned?

Please call into one of our pharmacies for specific advice about your travel plans. We offer a travel health service. This includes vaccines required for travel and malaria tablets as well a travel risk assessment. We have heard about the following common issues:

• Some cough and cold medicines are banned in Japan. These include medicines containing the decongestant pseudoephedrine.
• Codeine and tramadol and diazepam are all controlled drugs in some countries.  These countries include Greece and the United Arab Emirates.
• Costa Rica and China you need to bring a doctor’s note with your prescribed medication.
• In Costa Rica, you should only take enough medication for the length of your stay. You will need a doctor’s note to confirm that this is the right amount.
• In Indonesia, many prescription medicines such as codeine, sleeping pills and treatments for ADHD are illegal.
• If you are visiting China, you should always carry a doctor’s note with any medicines that you are taking.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice

The FCO said you should seek advice at least four to six weeks before you travel. We can check your medicines to see what extra precautions that you may need to take. So call into one of our pharmacies for further advice.