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Taking medications to Canada

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 4/16/2009 5:22 PM (GMT 0)
I'm travelling to Canada on Saturday to visit some friends for 2 weeks. My medications are listed below, (and I have been given more to take with me should my symptoms get worse) however I'm having trouble getting a letter from my doctor explaining what they are all for. All the medications are labelled and packaged which I understand is all thats needed. But I'm still worried there may be problems with them letting me take them in once I get to Canada. My symptoms are much improved but not normal and BM's are down to 2/3 mostly formed, a day. On Mon my pred is due to stop, and I also drop down to 1 suppository every 2 days (the Acetarsol). Is it worth me just taking the mesalazine and one of the types of suppositories with me, rather than taking everything else (including extras should I need them) ??
Posted 4/16/2009 6:01 PM (GMT 0)
I travel to Canada many times a year and bring in lots of medications for my Colitis. Just pack them in your checked bag and keep only what you need for the flight in your carry on. I have never been questioned about them. I typically take 2 days worth in my carry on in case my luggage gets delayed. Never had a problem. I have taken a month's worth in my checked bags and no problems.
Posted 4/16/2009 6:17 PM (GMT 0)
By 'checked bag' do you mean my main luggage? I don't actually need any for the flight, its just for while I'm there, so maybe I'll just take them all in my main luggage like you said. The reason I ask is that I spoke to the airline (British Airways), and they said that certain countries don't allow certain medications in. But as you say you travel to Canada often with no problems I assume it'll be ok! :-)
Posted 4/16/2009 6:26 PM (GMT 0)

I travel outside the country regularly and have never had a problem with any medication.   It shouldn't be a big deal if your name is listed on the prescription label and defintely keep anything you'll need in the next day or two in your carry-on bag. 

Posted 4/16/2009 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
Canada has no problems with the medications you have listed. Howright is right... bring the medications in the bottles/packages with your name and Dr. name on it... bring the original packaging. I always keep some Asacole, Zophran on me as well as Tylenol, Pepsid C and anything else I take during the day. Yes, keep the medications in your main baggage that you check. You probably will carry a purse or bag with you onto the plane so you can keep your pills you might need during the flight in there.
Posted 4/16/2009 8:03 PM (GMT 0)

Ok thanks! The labels on the packaging do not have my Dr's name on it but it has my name and obviously the name of the medication and the pharmacy it was issued from. Come to think of it I went to Canada last year and took some supps and some tablets in my main luggage and no one ever asked me about them so it was never an issue.

Thanks!  

Posted 4/16/2009 8:15 PM (GMT 0)
As long as your prescriptions are in their original package with all the info labels youre ok :)
And don't forget to put all your prescriptions in a clear plastic bag and I recommend to bring all your important medications with you in your carry on bag (check the sizes of the bottles if you have liquids they can't be bigger than a certain size look on aircanada.com for more info). THe reason why I recommend that is that sometimes luggage get lost, delayed , etc and it would be a bummer to lose your meds. They are permitted on planes if they are well identified and not gels or liquids exceeding the recommended sizes.

I used to travel a lot between usa and canada, I am from Canada.
Posted 4/16/2009 8:18 PM (GMT 0)
Great...thanks, thats put my mind at rest! Just out of interest - what would they do anyway if your meds weren't labelled or weren't allowed into the country?!

Posted 4/16/2009 10:56 PM (GMT 0)
You should honestly have no problem, I travel to Canada all the time and it is never a problem. Same as above, just make sure its in the original bottle/package and it shouldn't be a problem. I usually have loose pills in my purse, in case i stay out late unplanned i can take it, and thats never questioned either. Happy travels!
Posted 4/16/2009 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
Do NOT put your meds in your checked luggage. You never know if your bags might get lost and you also don't know what the temperature is like in the cargo hold of the aircraft, which could damage some medications (I'm thinking enemas and suppositories in particular).
Posted 4/16/2009 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
The liquids and gel rule does not apply to medications. They just have to be declared if they are liquids or gels and you are flying. All other meds you shouldn't have a problem with.
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