What do we do about prescription medications? ( Especially controlled substances)

[TeMahAbuela2023]

Although I am not on a great amount of medications. I do have a few I take and one that is for just in case. Are there restrictions or do we need to make sure we have the original prescription bottles?

 

[Bradypus]

This official Spanish government website states that you should bring a copy of your doctor's prescription for the medications you wish to bring with you. And there are additional rules concerning the importation of certain drugs which may include your "controlled substances".

Frequently Asked Questions

 

[TeMahAbuela2023]

That's the answer I was looking for. Mucha Gracias.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola, whilst @Bradypus has provided an acceptable answer, may I suggest that you bring "an original"(rather than a copy) of the doctor's prescription. May I also suggest/recommend that the prescription include both the official (latin) name of the drugs as well as the common trade names they are sold under. You might even consider a translation of the document into Spanish. Best wishes.

 

[Donna Sch]

Also consider any countries you may pass through on your way to Spain. Many need permits for controlled substances eg stimulants, opioids and benzodiazepines. Just give your doc at least 4-6 weeks time to organise the paperwork as dealing with embassies can be exasperating.

 

[TeMahAbuela2023]

Good points. I will definitely check into that. Thanks for all of the input

 

[lovelyshell]

I bring my prescriptions in the actual prescription bottles but once I’m Europe I then ditch the bottles and put the pills in ziploc baggies I have already pre-labeled.

 

[dougfitz]

My approach is similar to @lovelyshell's. I bring prescription medications into Spain, etc, in their original packaging, and I have the scripts and a letter from my doctor listing these medications and why they are prescribed. For controlled substances, I retain the original packaging, but for the others, I remove a section of the packaging with the label, and place that in the ziploc bag with the associated medication. As a precaution, for controlled medications, I only carry the amount that I will require for the duration of my journey plus a few days, even if that means retaining the container from when it was dispensed previously, and carefully count out the required amount if it is in tablet form.

For complementary medications, I package these in labelled ziploc bags before departure. Sometimes I bring enough for the whole journey, but not always. Those that I use are generally available in pharmacies, albeit at a somewhat higher price than I can obtain them at home.

Fortunately, I have not had to seek specific permission to import any of my medications. But that is certainly a prospect with differences in different jurisdictions about what can be provided across the counter, what requires a doctors script, and what are controlled substances. Having found that I couldn't obtain a medication I regularly use that is available over the counter in Australia, but has been withdrawn from the UK and EU markets, I now bring this from home.

 

[Donna Sch]

If you are going through another EU country as well and you have restricted meds, you need to check if a Schengen medicine declation certificate is needed and each certificate lasts one month. Otherwise you can take up to 3 months worth.

 

[t2andreo]

This official Spanish government website states that you should bring a copy of your doctor's prescription for the medications you wish to bring with you. And there are additional rules concerning the importation of certain drugs which may include your "controlled substances".

Frequently Asked Questions

I carry my prescription drugs in a convenient container, suitable to purpose. However, I also bring a copy of the prescription label from the most recent, refill bottle. I reaffix all these labels to a piece of paper, so it can be easily faxed or photocopied. The folded paper rides in a ziplock bag with my important documents.

I have, on more than one occasion over the years, been able to get an adequate resupply, in a pinch, from Spanish farmacias. That taught me to always, ALWAYS bring an extra week or two supply in a separate container - stored in a different place in my gear. You never can tell when your travel plans might be altered. There are things out there that we cannot control.

If this is prescription medication that you cannot miss doses on, plan ahead. If Customs or the police want to know about your pills, they will ask. Then, you can show them the labels on the piece of paper. Of course, they prefer that you carry your prescription pills in the original bottle. But, that is not always convenient to a pilgrim or other traveler.

Hope this helps,

Tom

 

[Thyme_Is_Running_Out]

I left them in the original pharmacy bottles in my waist pack until I got to SJPdP. Then I moved them into a pill box and tossed the bottles. Nobody at JFK or Paris looked at them.

 

[J Willhaus]

We ask our pharmacist at home for prescription labels to place directly on a ziplock bag. Place the medications inside the correct bags. Then roll all the bags up together into a bundle and secure with a rubber band. Easier to carry. Phil also has little snack bags he labels for each day of the week am and pm and uses that to keep everything sorted for daily administration. Once a week he finds a semi-private place to sit down and refill all the weekly bags just as he would his weekly pill minder at home. I just bring my pill minder with a rubber band on it for the weekly thing as I have fewer pills to take and only in the am. Honestly between the two of us with 2 CPAP machines and and various prescription pills and potions, we're pretty loaded down with health preserving items.

 

[Loman]

Although I am not on a great amount of medications. I do have a few I take and one that is for just in case. Are there restrictions or do we need to make sure we have the original prescription bottles?

On a recent tourist visit to Seville, I tried to use an Irish prescription to buy a medication that is very difficult to get at home. The pharmacist wanted the script ‘traded in’ for a local version, not just a translation. I was directed to a medical center next door who wanted €230 to see a doctor who might or might not agree to issue the script. Needless to say, I declined and continue to take my chances at home.

I am concerned about what this means for my planned 2024 Camino. I need 6 different meds, all but one of which are quite common. I am wondering will I have to go through this process in order to get my prescription filled and can I be sure of getting it.

 

[williamlittig]

Although I am not on a great amount of medications. I do have a few I take and one that is for just in case. Are there restrictions or do we need to make sure we have the original prescription bottles?

I put individual (daily) medications in small 2"X2" ziplock bags. I have a photo of my medications on my phone and e-mail if questioned (never have been) This cuts down on all the pill bottles (7) and I am double protected. I have all medications with me while flying, not all together when walking. It is difficult to translate most medicines.

[Edit by moderator: photo containing personal information removed, as these posts are public. If people want to see the photo, contact williamlittig by PM.]

 

[Bradypus]

I am wondering will I have to go through this process in order to get my prescription filled and can I be sure of getting it.

If I was reliant on any particular prescription medication - especially one which is difficult to obtain even in my own home country - then I would bring an adequate supply with me along with copies of the prescriptions as evidence of their legal status. I would not rely on finding resupplies of prescription medicines from a Spanish farmacia. Farmacias in Spain are usually very well stocked and are staffed by competent professional pharmacists but the complications associated with obtaining prescription drugs across different medical systems with different regulations and languages make it far simpler just to bring medicines from home.

 

[williamlittig]

I put individual (daily) medications in small 2"X2" ziplock bags. I have a photo of my medications on my phone and e-mail if questioned (never have been) This cuts down on all the pill bottles (7) and I am double protected. I have all medications with me while flying, not all together when walking. It is difficult to translate most medicines.

[Edit by moderator: photo containing personal information removed, as these posts are public. If people want to see the photo, contact williamlittig by PM.]

Thank you for your vigilance

 

[SilentNight]

Although I am not on a great amount of medications. I do have a few I take and one that is for just in case. Are there restrictions or do we need to make sure we have the original prescription bottles?

I must bring a lot, a lot of prescription medications for my autoimmune diseases and related conditions, some of which need refrigeration. In all my 60 years of travel, and though I had my many different doctors’ paperwork ready, no one asked for them. Ever. I even had a card from my knee orthopedist about my TKR, since I always set off the metal detectors and airport security always checks me out personally. Nearly every one of my specialists said that I do not need the paperwork. I stopping bringing the prescription bottles long ago after my first overseas trip as an adult. I have not yet experienced a problem with airport security nor Customs. Nowadays, I travel with my medications stored in nifty, compact pillboxes, while my syringes are in a case with a frozen gel pack that keeps my syringes chilled for 48 hours. I use a bluetooth temperature sensor to monitor the chilled case.

I will say that the frozen gel pack meds and my syringes are often searched by the airport security. One look at the syringes, and the airport security politely zip up my medical bag.

For a recent 6-week trip, this is the pillbox that I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BZPKRV4G?tag=casaivar02-20.
I had one for my prescription meds, and another for the many supplements that my rheumatologist bade me take. I liked them so much that I now use them daily at home.

 

[Donna Sch]

In Australia we have the pbs.gov.au website which gives you the government subsidised meds, indications and quantities and an idea of price. I also use the online pharmacy websites for private off-label prescriptions to see the cost and availability.
Are there equivalent Spanish websites? Would be nice to be able to check if some meds are available or to work out suitable alternatives in advance.

 

[Janade]

I also put my meds (prescription and over the counter) into tiny zip bags (you can find them at craft stores). I peel the label carefully off the bottle and stick it on the bags (and tape over it to make sure it stays put). I’ve done this on trips to several European countries and have never had a problem.

 

[Ruffy2791]

For the 6 months I was in the Schengen and non-Schengen I took 4,000+ prescription tablets (9 different medications) with me in various containers and packaging. Not once in any of the 18 countries I visited was my baggage inspected. I had cut-out the various labels from the prescription boxes (9 of them) as a form of proof just in case. If you look like a normal respectable type of person and not some drug-soaked hippie then you should be fine. Try not to over-think it. Buon Camino and enjoy the journey as I did.

 

[peregrina2000]

On a recent tourist visit to Seville, I tried to use an Irish prescription to buy a medication that is very difficult to get at home. The pharmacist wanted the script ‘traded in’ for a local version, not just a translation. I was directed to a medical center next door who wanted €230 to see a doctor who might or might not agree to issue the script. Needless to say, I declined and continue to take my chances at home.

In my experience, the response you describe is becoming increasingly common. Years ago, Spanish farmacias were, shall we say, loose about prescriptions. On several occasions I got prescription medication without any prescription, just based on my notes about what I had taken previously for the same issue. I don’t think any of the meds would qualify as a controlled substance, but they were “prescription only” drugs. (The National Institutes of Health in the US define controlled substances as: “These are drugs or medications that possess the potential for being misused and are considered to be substances that have a substantially high risk of resulting in substance use disorder.”)

It makes sense to me that if the Spanish farmacias are going to require a prescription, they will require a Spanish prescription, which requires a visit to a doctor.

In all my 60 years of travel, and though I had my many different doctors’ paperwork ready, no one asked for them. Ever.

Same experience — my husband takes some significant medication and over many years of travel to Europe, no one has ever asked for anything. But that is also true about the International Drivers license, which seems to be required in Europe for US drivers and I have never had. What I mean to suggest is that whether you bring all the corroborating information for your prescriptions is probably dependent on how precisely you want to follow rules that seem to be forgotten by those in charge. That depends on how risk averse you are, I guess.

 

[J Willhaus]

But that is also true about the International Drivers license, which seems to be required in Europe for US drivers and I have never had.

Yes, we were told at the car rental agency that it was only if you got stopped by the GC that you would need an IDL.

 

[Former member 104756]

In my experience, the response you describe is becoming increasingly common. Years ago, Spanish farmacias were, shall we say, loose about prescriptions. On several occasions I got prescription medication without any prescription, just based on my notes about what I had taken previously for the same issue.

I can confirm on very recent experience with an anti inflammatory drug. In Australia, you can buy up to 25 mg voltaren tablets over the counter but no higher. In the past, I’ve been able to get 50mg Voltaren over the counter in Spain on the rare occasions when I needed same. One of those occasions arose a few weeks ago - in Spain. I could not buy any level of voltaren tablets without a prescription. I was fortunate to be able to visit a doctor and she prescribed a high dosage and explained that dispensing potential harmful drugs is now much more tightly regulated. Fair enough.

It does remind me of a funny experience many years ago on the Mozarabe. My husband ended up with a foot infection, which he had downplayed until he could do so no longer. We were in the small town of Castro del Rio and there was no doctor available. He hobbled to the small farmacia where we threw ourselves on their mercy. The lady pharmacist was very kind but confirmed she could not give antibiotics without a prescription. I said to my husband - I think you need to take off your shoes and socks and show them. Everyone recoiled in horror and the pharmacist kindly made an exception. . It was also a good reminder as we usually carry a broad spectrum antibiotic when walking, but had forgotten that time.

 

[peregrina2000]

Yes, we were told at the car rental agency that it was only if you got stopped by the GC that you would need an IDL.

Sorry to derail the thread. I was just making a comparison between what strikes me as two similar issues. I’ve been through at least four drunk driver and routine document checks on Spanish roads, all conducted by the Guardia Civil. I’ve never been asked for an international drivers license, but I did have to show my US license and the rental papers. Maybe I’m just lucky, but that experience has led me to stop giving $$$ to the American Automobile Assoc. for an international license, just like I’ve stopped bringing along a list of our prescriptions. I don’t think I’m a wild and crazy risk-taker, but of course it’s up to each individual to decide what you want to do. I think the different perspectives and experiences helps forum members make up their own minds. @J Wilhaus is right that the law allows the GC to impose a fine of 250€ (or 500 € for a vehicle larger than a regular car), so the cost of the international license is really trivial in comparison. I just don’t want to give my money to an automobile industry lobbyist.

Anyway, back to medications,

the pharmacist kindly made an exception.

I have also been lucky in that way, but like you, I think the better course is to bring what we need with us.

 

[Tincatinker]

This is the advice offered by my government https://www.gov.uk/guidance/healthcare-for-uk-nationals-visiting-spain#:~:text=Bringing medicine with you,is longer than 3 months I’ll make the, to me, reasonable supposition that your own government offers similar and specific advice to it’s citizens. I’d always be inclined to follow that rather than the random opinions of people on the internet.

My experience matches that of others above: the less, over the years, I’ve looked like a drug- crazed hippie the less attention I’ve garnered. The years when I bore some resemblance to a Basque gentleman whose photo was blue-tacked to the interior window frame of Bilbao border control are gone. Nonetheless, with an exciting collection of multi-coloured tablets and capsules in my luggage at every border I cross - I carry the paperwork. 10gms of paper seems less of a burden than memories of that gloved and lightly lubricated finger up the bum

 

[dougfitz]

I’ll make the, to me, reasonable supposition that your own government offers similar and specific advice to it’s citizens.

Certainly the Australian Government does, here: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/before-you-go/health/medications. There is also advice on the country specific pages on the Smartraveller site.

 

[TeMahAbuela2023]

I must bring a lot, a lot of prescription medications for my autoimmune diseases and related conditions, some of which need refrigeration. In all my 60 years of travel, and though I had my many different doctors’ paperwork ready, no one asked for them. Ever. I even had a card from my knee orthopedist about my TKR, since I always set off the metal detectors and airport security always checks me out personally. Nearly every one of my specialists said that I do not need the paperwork. I stopping bringing the prescription bottles long ago after my first overseas trip as an adult. I have not yet experienced a problem with airport security nor Customs. Nowadays, I travel with my medications stored in nifty, compact pillboxes, while my syringes are in a case with a frozen gel pack that keeps my syringes chilled for 48 hours. I use a bluetooth temperature sensor to monitor the chilled case.

I will say that the frozen gel pack meds and my syringes are often searched by the airport security. One look at the syringes, and the airport security politely zip up my medical bag.

For a recent 6-week trip, this is the pillbox that I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BZPKRV4G?tag=casaivar02-20.
I had one for my prescription meds, and another for the many supplements that my rheumatologist bade me take. I liked them so much that I now use them daily at home.

Awesome. I didn't think there would be a problem. But being that I have nor been out of country besides being on a cruise. I wanted to make sure. Thank you.

 

[Lisa HS]

On a recent tourist visit to Seville, I tried to use an Irish prescription to buy a medication that is very difficult to get at home. The pharmacist wanted the script ‘traded in’ for a local version, not just a translation. I was directed to a medical center next door who wanted €230 to see a doctor who might or might not agree to issue the script. Needless to say, I declined and continue to take my chances at home.

I am concerned about what this means for my planned 2024 Camino. I need 6 different meds, all but one of which are quite common. I am wondering will I have to go through this process in order to get my prescription filled and can I be sure of getting it.

Most doctors are willing to tell the pharmacy to dispense extra meds, if you explain that you'll be on a trip and need more that the normal amount, to cover the time you'll be gone.

 

[trecile]

Most doctors are willing to tell the pharmacy to dispense extra meds, if you explain that you'll be on a trip and need more that the normal amount, to cover the time you'll be gone.

A problem is that the insurance companies may not pay for the extra meds.

 

[klimmo]

I take medicine in gel form and on both legs of my flight, out of Geneva and out of Malaga, it got checked and verified against the prescription I had on me. On my way out of Malaga it almost got taken as the prescription (a yearly one) had run out by a few days. After discussion with a colleague I got it back. It wouldn't have been a problem as I was flying home, but still.
My mum, who has diabetes, brings her presciptions and small coolbox (as said above) and often gets checked too. I guess as soon as fluids are involved they look a bit further.

 

[CA_Pilgrim]

Although I am not on a great amount of medications. I do have a few I take and one that is for just in case. Are there restrictions or do we need to make sure we have the original prescription bottles?

I have a few prescriptions that I take regularly. One is a Schedule III controlled substance. I did not have any difficulty bringing my medications into Spain (actually France then Spain). I did not bring the original bottles (too bulky). Instead, I put the needed amount (plus a 7-day extra amount) into individually labeled ziplock bags and then put all the individually labeled bags into a larger gallon size ziplock bag which I called my medications bag. I always kept the medications bag with me (i.e., I did not include it when forwarding luggage).

I did take photos of the original containers and stored them on my phone and in the cloud for easy access and proof of prescription, but never needed to access those photos. Regarding the one Schedule III drug, which was an injectable drug, I loaded up a number of syringes with the required amount to get me through the Camino. For this one, I not only had the photos of the original labels but also an original (but empty) outer container of the drug as physical proof of prescription status. Again, I never had to produce proof of prescription.

My understanding of Spanish law is that even if you have a valid USA prescription, you still need a prescription from a Spanish doctor to get a refill (in case you lose them). I don't know if that applies to prescriptions from doctors in other EU member states.

One last thought. I did run into one snag with medications in Spain (and France too for that matter). I use a steroid nasal inhaler for my allergies (Nasacort), which is easily available OTC at all pharmacies and most supermarkets here in the USA. Not so the case in Spain (or France). Steroid medications require a prescription. I'm assuming this also applies to topical hydrocortisone too but I never investigated (or needed it). I mistakenly only brought one inhaler f Nasacort with me thinking that I could easily buy it. Big mistake! My allergies went wild as soon as I got off the plane. It's much greener there than in my native California and I ended up having to ration my nasal inhaler, but I somehow made it through.

 

[TeMahAbuela2023]

I am originally from California and totally understand what you mean. I moved to Allergy abundance, Louisiana and use some Rx nasal spray. But I have considered taking some OTC nasal spray just incase and some hydrocortisone and get some steroid cream. I usually do not have any reactions but As an ER Nurse I do not want to be under prepared. I will also be taking so.e cream for bedbugs. That os only an Rx medication as well.

 

[Damico Walking]

Most doctors are willing to tell the pharmacy to dispense extra meds, if you explain that you'll be on a trip and need more that the normal amount, to cover the time you'll be gone.

I simply go to my pharmacy the week before I leave and have them request a "Vacation Supply". They want to know day of departure/return. I have always been able to get a supply in advance. Even last year when I was gone for almost 4 months. Never a problem.

 

[Anna Cameron]

Although I am not on a great amount of medications. I do have a few I take and one that is for just in case. Are there restrictions or do we need to make sure we have the original prescription bottles?

On my 2 previous pilgrimages (and indeed, whenever I travel overseas), I take along an official list of my prescribed medications, signed by my doctor on the GP clinic letterhead. Never had any problems, in fact, last year in France, when I ran out of one medication, I enquired at a Pharmacie about how I might be able to access a small amount to get me through - the pharmacist treated my letter as a prescription and immediately issued me with a refill supply! I was only asked to pay the same cost than any Frenchwoman would have paid (less than I pay in Oz), and was issued with the "facture" that could have been used to get a full reimbursement, if I were a tax-paying French resident. It probably helped that I speak reasonably good French and that the script was only for reflux medication (not a controlled substance). I love France and I love universal health services!

 

[DoughnutANZ]

Something that is often forgotten in these discussions is that healthcare in Spain is devolved to the individual regions and differs in some areas from region to region.

In one region early on in my Camino Frances in 2019 I enquired about high strength Ibuprofen at one pharmacy and was handed 1000mg tablets without a prescription. Later, in a different region when I made the same request I was told that the maximum I could get without a prescription was 400mg.

I have also had different experiences with regards to costs in different regions.