II. Precautions: International traveler's must be careful regarding prescription names
- Same drug name may represent completely different drug
- Allegro is Frovatriptan in Germany
- Ambyen is Amiodarone in U.K.
- Cartia (Diltiazem in U.S.) is Aspirin in Israel
- Dilacor (Diltiazem in U.S.) is Digoxin in Serbia
- Flomax is the NSAID morniflumate in Italy
- Norpramin (Despipramine in U.S.) is Omeprazole in Spain
- Zertaline is Azithromycin in Mexico
- Common medications may have unrecongnizable names in other countries
- Albuterol is Salbutamol in Canada and Europe
- Acetaminophen is often Paracetamol outside the U.S.
- References
- (2016) Presc Lett 23(7):42
III. Precautions: Security Restrictions (e.g. TSA)
- Security rules vary by country
- Medications may be carried on plane (even >3 oz for medically required drugs)
- Insulin
- Syringes and Needles
- Eye drops
- Protocol
- Keep liquid medications in the original bottle and declare them at security
- XRay screening does not affect medications
IV. Prevention
- Carry an up-to-date list of medications while traveling
- List should include both generic and trade names
- Consider carrying a written prescription for each chronic medication
- Attempt to keep medications on same schedule despite time zone changes
- Time critical medications should gradually be transitioned in 1-2 hour increments per day
- Be aware of medications that are illegal in country of visit (may result in arrest and imprisonment)
- Pseudophedrine is illegal in Mexico
- Amphetamines including Adderall are illegal in Japan
V. References
- (2005) Presc Lett 12(4): 19
- (2012) Presc Lett 19(8): 47