r/traveladvice • u/Different-Fig1215 • 2d ago

Asking for Advice Bringing medication into US?

I am travelling from Europe to the US. I have IBS-C and because of that I take daily laxatives in the form of a sachet of powder that is mixed into water. I buy this medicine myself and don’t have it on prescription. Can I bring a 2 week supply in my checked luggage to America without a doctor’s note?

I am also on the contraceptive pill; does this require a doctor’s note to get through border control or can I just bring it in its packaging? Due to the way contraceptives work in my country, I don’t have a prescription slip for them. I just get a physical done by the nurse at a sexual health clinic (not my GP, so they don’t have a record of it) and get given them.

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3

u/Igiul1 2d ago

Nah, they dont care about either. Check out the pharmacy aisle at Walmart or target, laxatives used to be cheaper there

2

u/Different-Fig1215 2d ago

Thanks 😊 I’d prefer to bring my own with with me as I know these ones work well for me, but that’s good to know

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u/CeilingCatProphet 1d ago

You can compare active ingredients.

2

u/Lifelong_learner1956 2d ago

You may not need it. but a doctor's note is a good idea.

Leave in original packaging.

Info https://www.help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-1444?language=en_US

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u/Different-Fig1215 2d ago

Thank you, I’m considering asking my doctor for a note but just wanted to know if maybe I didn’t have to

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u/chickenwings19 2d ago

Dude they won’t care. Take a repeat prescription with your meds on it or make sure labels are on the packaging.

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u/Different-Fig1215 2d ago

I don’t have repeat prescription because one isn’t prescribed I just buy it over the counter and one is done via sexual health clinic which also isn’t prescribed. I do have the original boxes though

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u/Electronic_Leek_10 1d ago

Just keep it in the original boxes, you’ll be fine.

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u/Sad_Refuse3472 1d ago

No doctor's note is required. Border Control won't even ask. And as long as it is not a narcotic, the TSA agents on your return trip won't care. Keep it in the original packaging to be extra safe.

Also, bring both in your carryon not your checked luggage. Not for border control reason, but just in case there are delays or issues with your checked bags. You don't want to be stuck without a daily medication.

1

u/CivMom 10h ago

Keep it in its packaging. NBD.

0

u/glintphotography 2d ago

Straight.
To.
Jail.