Rules for Travelling to the USA with Prescription Medicines

@Robert Lane: Hi Robert,

medications containing codeine are controlled substances in the US. I recommend that you consult your physician about your situation so that you can avoid potential problems.

Have a safe trip to the USA. :-)

@Lisa Hannigan: Hi Lisa,

When traveling to the U.S. with prescription medications, especially controlled substances like Vyvanse, it is essential to be well-prepared with the proper documentation. Ensure that all medications are in their original packaging, clearly labeled with your son’s name, the prescribing physician’s details, and dosage information. It is highly recommended to carry a copy of the prescription along with a letter from the prescribing doctor that outlines the diagnosis, the necessity of the medications, and the treatment plan.

For Vyvanse, which is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance in the U.S., the additional documentation will help demonstrate that the medication is for personal use. :-)

@Beverly Cordel: Hi Beverly,

mailing prescription medications from abroad can be complicated due to strict U.S. import rules. Even if clindamycin is FDA-approved, Customs may flag or return the package. The safest, fastest solution is to see a U.S.-licensed doctor and fill the prescription at a local pharmacy, ensuring compliance with U.S. regulations and avoiding delivery issues. :-)

Hi Annika, yes, it is generally okay to carry your medicine in your checked suitcase when traveling to the United States, as long as the medication is for personal use and properly declared at customs. :-)

@Lisa Nesbitt: Hi Lisa,

Yes, a letter from your GP listing your medications, including Pregabalin, is a very good step and often sufficient for personal use when traveling to the U.S. However, to avoid any issues at customs, make sure the letter is in English, includes your full name, dosage, reason for prescription, and is signed and dated by your doctor.

Bring medications in their original packaging with prescription labels clearly showing your name. While Pregabalin is not a controlled substance in the U.S., it is in some countries, so U.S. Customs may still ask questions. Carry the letter in your hand luggage and declare the medication if asked.

Only bring a quantity appropriate for the duration of your stay. :-)

@Alice: Hello Alice,

probably not in the full quantity – and do not remove the packaging. As a returning U.S. traveler you are still subject to FDA and CBP rules.

FDA and CBP typically use enforcement discretion for personal-use quantities, with the rule of thumb being no more than a 90-day supply, in original packaging, and with an English prescription or doctor’s letter. Eleven monthly boxes exceeds that threshold and may be detained or refused on entry.

Pack the syringes and medication in your carry-on, declare them to CBP on arrival, and tell TSA at security.

Unused syringes are permitted when accompanied by injectable medication, but they must be declared for inspection. Do not discard the outer box or labels. Removing the packaging would both complicate admissibility (and violate labeled storage instructions).

@Latoya: Hi Latoya,

carry all life-critical medicines such as insulin in your cabin bag, not in checked baggage, because the aircraft hold can freeze or overheat and bags can be lost. U.S. authorities explicitly allow medically necessary liquids and supplies in “reasonable quantities”.

So tell the TSA officer at screening, separate them from other items, and expect extra screening if something alarms – ice or gel packs used to keep medicine cool are allowed even if partially melted; unused syringes are permitted when accompanied by injectable medication, and used ones should travel in a sharps container.

If you wear an insulin pump or CGM, inform the officer and request alternative screening if you prefer not to have the device X-rayed, you are not required to remove a device attached to your body – for documentation, keep medicines in original pharmacy packaging with your name and the prescription label, carry a prescription copy or a doctor’s letter in English, and bring only personal-use quantities with a common rule of thumb being up to a 90-day supply.

Insulin is not a controlled substance but if you travel with controlled medicines you should carry clear documentation and confirm they are legal to bring; for storage, keep insulin cool but not frozen, avoid direct ice or heat, and use insulated pouches or gel packs so the medicine stays within the temperature range on its label.

@Darren: Hi Darren!

Thanks for the positive feedback on the article and for bringing up such a valid point.

You are absolutely correct that Metamizole is strictly banned in the U.S. due to safety risks, and because standard alternatives like ibuprofen are widely available, it typically does not qualify for the FDA’s “personal use exemption”.

To answer your question: for a small personal supply of 10 tablets, the standard procedure is simply the confiscation and destruction of the drug by CBP. Since Metamizole is an unapproved substance rather than a controlled narcotic, you would typically not face fines or legal consequences for a small quantity (provided you are honest). There is no specific form for surrendering it. The best approach is to verbally declare to the officer that you have medications. If they inspect and find the Metamizole, they will take it, but declaring it beforehand protects you from penalties for hiding items.

@Marlene: Hi Marlene! You should be fine with most of these as they are common over-the-counter meds. Just a heads up – since the Astavent pump is a prescription medication in the States, make sure to bring a copy of your doctor’s script. Keep everything in the origina packaging to make things easy at customs. Enjoy your trip!