Taking medicines with you: points of interest

Some medications are considered narcotics. This can apply, for example, to sleeping pills, certain painkillers, and ADHD medications. The 'List of narcotic drugs under international control' shows which medications this applies to.

If you plan to bring these medications with you, you need a specific medical statement:

• For travel to Schengen countries, a Schengen Declaration will need to be completed and signed by your doctor.
• For travel outside the Schengen zone, it is recommended to contact the embassy of your destination at least six weeks before departure, as it can take a long time to get all documents in order. Embassies often require a medical prescription, and there may be limits on the number of doses you can import. In some countries, for example the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, there are severe penalties for the illegal import of these medications.

If you need to take syringes with you, you will also need a statement signed by your doctor when flying.

• Some medications cannot be stored at too high or too low temperatures. Never leave them in a car when it is hot or very cold.
• Ointments, creams and suppositories can melt or freeze, and therefore become ineffective.

Consult your pharmacist for advice.

• The dose of some medications needs to be adjusted if you are ill or have diarrhoea.
• Sometimes, the intake schedule needs to be adjusted to account for travel across time zones when flying west or east.

Discuss this with your doctor.

Be aware that counterfeit medications are sold in some countries. Buy medications only from reliable pharmacies. If necessary, contact your travel insurance for guidance on reliable sources.