Travelling with an asthmatic

[paulc]

I’m starting a 2 up RTW tour very soon with my girlfriend who suffers with asthma. Not a problem as long as we can get inhalers. We can probably carry about 6 months supply but will obviously need more on route. Has anyone else come across this particular problem? Can these sorts of 'prescription' drugs be bought ‘over the counter’ from doctors etc in various parts of the world, what sort of prices, form filling needed etc? Also what are customs attitudes to carrying legal drugs across borders, a potential problem? Any advice appreciated.

[onlycookie]

Most countries ask, if you carry any drugs with you!

When you take a description of the drugs she needs and the type of asthma (or whatever is the illness) she has from your doctor or even better from your health department I'm quite confident, that you are OK in most western countries.
I'm not sure about others though. Maybe contact a few embassies of countries you intend to visit (or best: all - at least short before you plan to enter the country).

For the medication - you shouldn't just take ANY medicine - take a description of the important chemicals in the medicine she uses AND a prescription of her doctor with you!
Maybe more than one copy of the chemicals - in English (haha), Latin and even better in the most commom languages from the countries you intend to visit.

Maybe it's possible to get a packet from home to a certain address - usually you can send it to a post-office and pick it up with your ID.

Hope there are more people with ideas

Good luck!

[usl]

From the part of the world that i know ;

* Russia and the former republics can be a problem. I havent seen any imported pharmautical material there and therefore assume that you wont be able to find any medicine with the name that you are used to. Similar content but most probably with different name.

* Syria can also be a place where you may not find your medicine with the same name in west.

* Jordan will not be a problem.

But in the borders they were all very cooperative and friendly. So i guess you wont have any problem there.

Good Luck ,

[A.B.]

Egypt is also no problem.

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A.B.

OasisPhoto.com – Images from the Magical Sahara.
ShortWheelbase.com – Jeep preparations.

[paulzen]

Hello, the key os to write down the generic names of all the meds you are currently taling.ie. albuterol, solbutamolm, etc.
these drugs are widely available aroung the world under different names. also take prescriptionns in english from your country, they will be accepted in most contries.
goodluck

[ultimatejourney]

Asthma is common everywhere in the world, and I never had trouble finding ventilin, albuterol, or other such products in any decent pharmacy. In first world countries, you may need a prescription, which requires a visit to a clinic. I also kept a supply of prednisone for emergencies, also easy to find (much easier to get than in the USA!!!)

Good luck and hope you're having fun!
Chris & Erin

[This message has been edited by ultimatejourney (edited 26 September 2003).]