Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Staying Healthy on the Road
Controlled prescription medication Controlled prescription medication
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 30 May 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
Controlled prescription medication
Hello,

We will be embarking on a 10-12 month trip in our campervan, around central Asia.

Both my son and I take Concerta XL (methylphenidate hydrochloride) which is a controlled drug. My wife has briefly spoken to our GP who has said that they will prescribe a maximum of two months.

From what I have read, even if I were to fly home for the purpose of obtaining a repeat prescription, I would be refused.

Any advice will be greatlfully received.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 31 May 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Salisbury
Posts: 204
Why would you be refused a repeat prescription by your GP if you returned home? One possible avenue to explore is seeking a private consultation with the GP and a private prescription being issued for the amount you require. The cost of some drugs can be horrendously expensive.

Pharmacies in some countries sell all manner of medication over the counter without a prescription, the problem with that is ensuring the drugs purchased are authentic.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 845
You don't say where you're from, but I presume UK.

I also take prescribed drugs and because I work abroad the GP agreed to let me pick up batches of 3 months. Strictly speaking this isn't the spirit of the NHS rules but it works for him and me. He won't go to more than 3m because he needs to do periodic blood tests to make sure the dosage stays right, however there isn't a problem with me flying back, getting checked and picking up the next batch.

Depending on where your route is planned to take you, you may find it worthwhile to research and contact a local medical service and get a private consultation/supply. Not only might they be more amenable to selling you a longer supply but it could work out cheaper then repeated plane fares.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Jun 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Take with you a medical record that justifies the drugs you need, with contact details for your GP. You should be able to get this from your GP. Then when you start to run out of the drugs .. find a local GP and present the record with a request for more drugs. If that does not work you'll then need to think about returning, or getting somewhere (more local but another country) that should provide a similar (to home) drug service.

You may also find difficulty crossing borders with drugs ... the medical record should help there too.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
Thanks for the replies.

The person that my wife spoke to also mentioned that if we are out of the UK for more than 2 months I would have to surrender my NHS card.

I have booked an appointment to see my GP, so hopefully we can work something out.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
My wife went to see the GP and he has agreed to prescribe 3 months at a time. The GP doesn't need to see my son or I. My wife said she will fly back to collect the medications.

What's the protocol for another person carrying prescription drugs through customs?

Is there any reason that a family member could post them instead?
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 16 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 66
Meds
UK doctor gave me 3 months and in Africa a copy of my repeat prescription at a chemist got me the meds I need. Had to pay and wait for them though as not stocked. Cheaper than flying home.
__________________
julian
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 17 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 85
I'm from Québec. I can get my medication up to 6 months when I go to Colombia from November to May each year. When in Colombia I can have access to medicinal marijuana which can cut my medication up to 90%.

I have no problem leaving Colombia with a prescription and supply up for 1 year and I have no problem when I come back to Canada. In fact I declared to the security check and they don't bother to look. The doctor in Colombia told me that with a prescription I will never be bother. isn't amazing, who would think it possible for a country like Colombia.

On the other hand, I won't do that if travelling overland in a country known to have corrupted officers at its frontier.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 17 Jun 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 14
Quote:
Originally Posted by jquinton View Post
UK doctor gave me 3 months and in Africa a copy of my repeat prescription at a chemist got me the meds I need. Had to pay and wait for them though as not stocked. Cheaper than flying home.

I've been advised not to buy abroad due to the fact it has to be the same brand I we already take and that lots of medication can be fake.

Were you able to get the exact product and brand?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 Jun 2017
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: UK
Posts: 66
Meds
Once no they were a branded variety (as they are in the UK), In Kenya, South Africa and Zambia, went to a reputable pharmacist and had to wait a week longest for the branded. Thinking back on it though, ALL doctors are ethical world wise and I think that they will do what's best.

If you are from the UK can a relative get the repeat prescription and send it on?
Met one lady who did it this way but she had to get an address and await delivery.
__________________
julian
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Long term medication Matt999 Staying Healthy on the Road 6 31 May 2016 11:25
Taking prescription medication into the Stans - Specific information required John_UK Staying Healthy on the Road 8 13 Aug 2015 19:20
Shipping prescription Insulin RTW. lamble Staying Healthy on the Road 0 21 Nov 2014 13:49
Medication in New Zealand build Staying Healthy on the Road 2 20 Sep 2013 17:36
Taking prescription and over the counter medication into Mexico and Central America Rainbow66 Central America and Mexico 23 10 Sep 2012 06:55

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 18:44.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top