As season gears up, 77% of Americans expect to pack a prescription medication for the trip — but nearly half don’t check to see whether it’s even legal to bring those meds into other countries.
Additionally, more than a quarter of Americans have had medications confiscated during international travel , according to a May 2024 survey of 1,048 respondents by SingleCare, a free prescription savings service.
" that are commonly prescribed in the United States might be illegal or strictly regulated in other countries," Dr. Jennifer Bourgeois, PharmD, a pharmacy and health expert based in Dallas-Fort Worth, told Fox News Digital.
Here are some important details on this topic.
"Generally, medications that have a high potential for are more likely to face strict regulations," Bourgeois warned. Airport passengers proceed through the TSA security checkpoint at Denver International Airport in Denver, Colorado. (Credit: Robert Alexander/Getty Images) These include controlled substances, which are tightly regulated because of their potential for addiction and misuse, she said.
Stimulants, which are used for conditions and are considered illegal in some countries, are also included in that category.
Bourgeois shared the following list of prescription drugs that may be illegal to transport across the border.
Medications such as oxycodone, hydrocodone and codeine are heavily regulated or banned in many countries due to their potential for abuse, according to Bourgeois.
Drugs for mental health conditions, such as amphetamines (Adderall), benzodiazepines (Xanax) and , may be restricted. Brittney Griner speaks publicly following Russian detainment WNBA star Brittney Griner spent nearly 10 months detained in Russia following her arrest at Moscow airport on drug charges. Griner spoke publicly for the first time on Thursday in Phoenix, answering questions from reporters about her experience."Even if they are legal in some U.S. states, cannabis and cannabis-derived products are illegal in many countries," Bourgeois cautioned.Some countries restrict , such as tramadol, which is an opioid sold under the brand names ConZip and Ultram, to treat moderate to severe pain."Bringing prohibited medications into a foreign country can have the potential for serious consequences, such as confiscation of medications, fines and possible arrest," Bourgeois warned."In severe cases, travelers may be detained, […]
Traveling internationally? It could be illegal to bring these medications
