# What is the proper procedure for traveling with prescription meds, etcetera? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 25, 2004, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424 "2004-08-25T12:14:29Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Garfield226](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Garfield226](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garfield226)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2004, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/21 "2004-08-25T17:09:25Z")
> [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > Argue with the legislators, I can see why they made the regulations, but that doesn’t mean I don’t sigh at the extra trouble I have to take to stay within the concievable bounds of the law. Except that the legislators haven’t made the ridiculous assertion that you’re required to carry prescription medicine in the bottle that it originally came in at all times under penalty of jail or death or whatever. Your “cite” is: A) _proposed_ changes in drug laws and B) non-applicable to the subject at hand. > [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > Yeah, my thoughts were that it is just the best thing to do, to avoid the hassle. No, your thoughts were that it was illegal. Don’t backpedal. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2004, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/22 "2004-08-25T17:53:59Z")
> [@cazzle](#): > > They may be intended for home use, but I thought of them because my Grandparents used to use them whenever they went on a trip (theirs was only a seven compartment version rather than the 27 compartment version in my link). They thought it was better to only have what they need rather than carrying boxes and bottles of extra pills. Besides, if it’s not legal to keep pills in any packaging other than what they originally come in, then how is it of consequence that these are designed to mainly be used in the home? It would still be against the law if there was such a law, wouldn’t it? I just e-mailed my father to get his answer. I’ll post it when it comes. Robin ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [August 25, 2004, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/23 "2004-08-25T18:50:10Z")
> [@MsRobyn](#): > > I just e-mailed my father to get his answer. I’ll post it when it comes. > > Robin > [@My Dad the Pharmacist](#): > > they should be in an Rx, labeled container. It’s OK to keep them in a personal container as long as you don’t act or look like a druggie or junkie. If you are stopped by the cops and they question this you have to come up with prescriptions or else. There you have it. It’s just easier to have the labelled container. Robin ---
**Author:** ![aruvqan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aruvqan/32/2891_2.png) [@aruvqan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aruvqan)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/24 "2004-08-26T00:06:45Z")
FWIW, I have a zippy pouch in my backpack/laptop case that has my glucometer, test strips, lancets, docs note, cd of scanned medical records, when i was on meds the right meds, yuckky glucose tabs - for the diabetes. If i am on any other meds, I get a docs letter, the meds in the original bottles, and the little msds sheets that the navy pharmacy hands out with the meds. I also have another glucometer, bulk lancets, bulk test strips, additional docs notes, cd of medical records and meds in bottles in my main suitcase. Being a military dependant [ok, now retired military dependent =)] I can actually just go to any american military establisment and get taken care of, and just in case I have the scanned copy of my medical records=) [but then again, I also have a compete change of clothing in my backpack in case my suitcase goes astray=) I love microfiber, it packs so well!] ---
**Author:** ![Sam\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecccb3/32.png) [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/25 "2004-08-26T00:26:18Z")
Most pharmacies, given a reasonable heads-up, can supply the customer with a “blister pack” of meds: each dosage time is then sealed in its own compartment, and the seal is easily broken by the consumer when needed. Blister packs carried in luggage are readily accepted when traveling internationally, and they are convenient to boot. ---
**Author:** ![Antigen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/848f3c/32.png) [@Antigen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antigen)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/26 "2004-08-26T00:51:34Z")
> [@Una Persson](#): > > where a security guard said he was going to **take my insulin and syringes and even my glucometer away from me and throw it in the trash** , unless I _immediately_ produced a doctor’s note - not a prescription, but a letter stating I had to have these items. That’s crazy! You _need_ that medication, and taking it from you would endanger your life! He could actually do something like that? Why the heck wouldn’t a prescription be enough? I could see it happening for just syringes, but with the whole kit right there, I think he was overreacting a bit. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/27 "2004-08-26T11:24:49Z")
> [@Garfield226](#): > > Except that the legislators haven’t made the ridiculous assertion that you’re required to carry prescription medicine in the bottle that it originally came in at all times under penalty of jail or death or whatever. > > Your “cite” is: > A) _proposed_ changes in drug laws > and > B) non-applicable to the subject at hand. > > No, your thoughts were that it was illegal. Don’t backpedal. Actually my questions were about legalities yes, but we all know there are “Barney Fife” cops who will enforce the letter of the law, not the spirit. This is why I was asking, for a “worst case scenario” so I know how to pack should I ever leave the state someday on vacation. **MsRobyn** ’s dad points out you could get hassled by cops if you don’t have the prescription with you, which is the impression I had been under. In fact, her dad said, “you have to have the form **or else** ”. Note, that I pointed out the label on the medicine bottle is in fact a legal document, and counts as the prescription when presented to the police. ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 11:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/28 "2004-08-26T11:56:39Z")
> [@Antigen](#): > > That’s crazy! You _need_ that medication, and taking it from you would endanger your life! > > He could actually do something like that? Why the heck wouldn’t a prescription be enough? For the same reason other airline “security” abuses exist. He either didn’t like me, had a shitty day, or just had a raging phallocentric urge to show me that He was Da Man. Give most people any sense of “power” at all and they corrupt under its influence. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/29 "2004-08-26T12:32:28Z")
Didn’t add, I realize that the cite I provided was a legislative proposal. However, it does illustrate what the mindset of the legeislators in at least one state (probably more) is regarding this topic. And, after digging, it seems that in fact any drug that is dispensed by a pharmacy is considered a controlled substance. Here are excerpts that can be read to mean just that. Does anyone know firsthand if this is how they are interpreted? In any case, they could be, and you could wind up in trouble because of it. > [@](#): > > TITLE 21–FOOD AND DRUGS > Subpart A – General Provisions > Sec. 290.1 Controlled substances. > Any drug that is a controlled substance listed in schedule II, III, IV, or V of the Federal Controlled Substances Act **or implementing regulations must be dispensed by prescription only as required by section 503(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act** unless specifically exempted in § 290.2. > > 67 FR 4906, Feb. 1, 2002] from [here](http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=290&showFR=1). and > [@](#): > > SEC. 503 > b)(1) A drug intended for use by man which - > > (A) because of its toxicity or other potentiality for harmful effect, or the method of its use, or the collateral measures necessary to its use, is not safe for use except under the supervision of a practitioner licensed by law to administer such drug; or > (B) is limited by an approved application under section 505 to use under the professional supervision of a practitioner licensed by law to administer such drug; **shall be dispensed only (i) upon a written prescription of a practitioner licensed by law to administer such drug, or (ii) upon an oral prescription of such practitioner which is reduced promptly to writing and filed by the pharmacist, or (iii) by refilling any such written or oral prescription if such refilling is authorized by the prescriber either in the original prescription or by oral order which is reduced promptly to writing and filed by the pharmacist.** The act of dispensing a drug contrary to the provisions of this paragraph shall be deemed to be an act which results in the drug being misbranded while held for sale. Bolding mine. Section 502 covers misbranding of drugs. from [this site](http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/fdcact/fdcact5a.htm). Here is a link to the[FDA site.](http://www.fda.gov/default.htm) **MsRobyn** would you please verify that this is how the law is enforced with your dad? ---
**Author:** ![Nametag](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/nametag/32/406_2.png) [@Nametag](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nametag)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/30 "2004-08-26T14:26:30Z")
**ZC** , you just can’t stand being wrong, can you? > [@](#): > > Didn’t add, I realize that the cite I provided was a legislative proposal. However, it does illustrate what the mindset of the legeislators in at least one state (probably more) is regarding this topic. No, it reveals the mindset of ONE legislator, specifically the one who sponsored the bill, and the PA board of Pharmacy. And it > [@](#): > > And, after digging, it seems that in fact any drug that is dispensed by a pharmacy is considered a controlled substance. Here are excerpts that can be read to mean just that. Does anyone know firsthand if this is how they are interpreted? In any case, they could be, and you could wind up in trouble because of it. No, they state that controlled substances must only be dispensed by prescription. We knew that. You’ve got it backwards. I expected that. > [@](#): > > Actually my questions were about legalities yes, but we all know there are “Barney Fife” cops who will enforce the letter of the law, not the spirit. And there are cops who will exercise authority that they don’t have at all. For the nth time THERE IS NO SUCH LAW! THERE IS NOTHING LIKE ANY SUCH LAW! THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT VAGUELY RESEMBLING SUCH A LAW! YOU’RE WRONG! WRONG! WRONG! And while we’re at it, “Controlled Substance” has a specific meaning in U.S. drug law, and it isn’t “prescription drug.” There is a specific legal term for “prescription drug” – it’s “prescription drug.” (Why am I bothering? “…the gods themselves…” ---
**Author:** ![The\_Mermaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@The\_Mermaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Mermaid)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/31 "2004-08-26T14:44:24Z")
> [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > Didn’t add, I realize that the cite I provided was a legislative proposal. However, it does illustrate what the mindset of the legeislators in at least one state (probably more) is regarding this topic. And, after digging, it seems that in fact any drug that is dispensed by a pharmacy is considered a controlled substance. Here are excerpts that can be read to mean just that. Does anyone know firsthand if this is how they are interpreted? In any case, they could be, and you could wind up in trouble because of it. > > from [here](http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRSearch.cfm?CFRPart=290&showFR=1). > > and > > Bolding mine. > > Section 502 covers misbranding of drugs. > > from [this site](http://www.fda.gov/opacom/laws/fdcact/fdcact5a.htm). Here is a link to the[FDA site.](http://www.fda.gov/default.htm) > > **MsRobyn** would you please verify that this is how the law is enforced with your dad? I am an RN so I do some point of reference in regards to prescription meds. Forget about proposed legislations, worst possible scenerios and “what would be nice”. Although I am having a hard time following your train of thought, I assume you are proposing that Indygrrl did something illegal by carrying several prescription medications combined in one pill container. She did not. Your embolded quote refers to dispensing medications (which she is not doing) and refilling prescriptions (not applicable). Although SOME PEOPLE (myself not included) may feel it is politically incorrect for her to derive some satisfaction in the fact that the thief may suffer some discomfort due to THEIR poor judgment and illegal behavior, it is not ILLEGAL for her to feel this way. This is a very common sentiment, it’s called being hoisted by your own petard. ---
**Author:** ![peri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/67e7ee/32.png) [@peri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peri)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/32 "2004-08-26T15:34:16Z")
**Zabali\_Clawbane** , all your exerpts deal with drug handling and dispensing in pharmacy and have nothing to do with the handling of such drugs after dispensing. They are from the Pennsylvania and DEA codes that regulate pharmacists and other licensed dispensers of drugs. Not one has any bearing on how a patient carries their duly prescribed and dispensed medication. > [@](#): > > TITLE 21–FOOD AND DRUGS Subpart A – General Provisions > Sec. 290.1 Controlled substances. > Any drug that is a controlled substance listed in schedule II, III, IV, or V of the Federal Controlled Substances Act or implementing regulations **must be dispensed by prescription only** as required by section 503(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act unless specifically exempted in § 290.2. > > 67 FR 4906, Feb. 1, 2002] Bolded part refers to dispensing by a licensed practitioner, _not_ carrying or transporting of the drugs by the patient. “Implementing regulations” are those detailing procedures regarding controlled substances listed in schedule II, III, IV, or V of the Federal Controlled Substances Act and other portions of the Act. Section 503 specifically applies to packaging and labeling prior to the patient receiving the drug. Again, the term controlled substances is very narrowly defined to be those named in the above act: > [@](#): > > 21 USCS Section 802 (1996) (6) The term “controlled substance” means a drug or other substance, or immediate precursor, included in schedule I, II, III, IV, or V of part B of this title [21 USCS Section 812]. The term does not include distilled spirits, wine, malt beverages, or tobacco, as those terms are defined or used in subtitle E of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 [26 USCS Sections 5001 et seq.]. _You_ may interpret the statutes whatever way you choose. That does determine whether a patient’s handling of their own medications is done in a legal manner. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/33 "2004-08-26T15:39:46Z")
Am I the only person to whom it seems obvious that laws and regulations that apply to flying over international waters are not necessarly applicable to walking two blocks to your office in the morning? Really - I can’t be the only person, can I? I mean, I’m not allowed to take fruit accross the boarder in the US, but I’ve never once been busted by a produce cop for having a banana in my purse enroute to my office. ---
**Author:** ![MsRobyn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/90ced4/32.png) [@MsRobyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MsRobyn)\ **Post date:** [August 26, 2004, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/34 "2004-08-26T18:46:42Z")
**Zabali** , I’m not sure what you’re asking. What my dad said was, “You need _either_ the original bottle with prescription label _or_ a doctor’s written prescription.” Period. No interpretation required. As long as you have one or the other in your possession while travelling, you basically are safe. Even if you don’t happen to have one on you and you get hassled or busted by the police, as long as you have a valid prescription, your doctor can fax it to the police, who will have to release you. That said, there are so few occasions where security guards or cops give a damn anyway. My mother and Una were hassled because they were carrying syringes. Junkies use syringes, therefore, my mom and Una are junkies. I’ve known people who have legitimate uses for narcotics for pain management. They’re used to having police attention focused on them; they carry a doctor’s letter. I’d be hard-pressed to think of any cop who would willingly waste his time pursuing a case he can’t win. Those are what cops and security are interested in. They don’t care about Grandpa’s heart pills unless they can’t be identified. Robin ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/35 "2004-08-27T06:59:27Z")
**MsRobyn** Thank you, that is the impression I was under. That while it’s not “legal” to carry prescription medicines without having some form of prescription on you, it’s not likely you will be hassled over it. Also that, it’s better to carry the prescriptions with you when traveling inside the U. S., (of course you likely need them when going abroad for extended periods) than to go through the potential hassling. I was wondering this because I myself have done this thing before, but was told by my dad’s friend (a retired cop, a mild “Barney Fife”) that it wasn’t strictly legal, and that you could get hassled over it. He did it in a paternal manner, not wanting me to get hassled unecessarily. The other threads made me wonder, and finally ask what the letter of the law was so I could piece together what the best way to travel interstate with the least potential for hassle would be. To recap, just to be certain all the points are clarified. While it’s not strictly legal to carry prescription medicines on your person without the prescription, you aren’t likely to be hassled over it, and if you are, all that needs to be done is have your physician fax over the prescription proving you were in legal possion of the drugs to obtain your release. So, you can be detained over it, until you prove your innocence. If you cannot prove the medicines were lawfully prescribed, you will be prosecuted for illegal possession of a controlled substance, however the state may word it. That is what I had thought. That said, why risk such a hassle at all? I think I’ll carry the bottles with me from now on, to be safe if I travel interstate. On a side note, this thread pertains to **Indygrrl** ’s situation because she can now point out to her boss that the thief is illegally possessing a controlled substance, which is a serious crime. This ought to persuade the boss to take action to catch the perpertrator. If she informs her boss of this problem, and the boss does nothing, I’d think she could go through other legal channels to get help. This is a serious matter that needs police intervention. ---
**Author:** ![Garfield226](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Garfield226](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garfield226)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 7:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/36 "2004-08-27T07:08:37Z")
> [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > While it’s not strictly legal to carry prescription medicines on your person without the prescription, you aren’t likely to be hassled over it, and if you are, all that needs to be done is have your physician fax over the prescription proving you were in legal possion of the drugs to obtain your release. . . .That is what I had thought. > [@Zabali\_Clawbane](#): > > I thought that you had to carry them in a bottle with the correct prescription label, with your name on it, and varios other information to be legal? Gee, those sound the same to me… :rolleyes: To recap, according to **MsRobyn** ’s father, you must have a prescription for any prescription medicine you posess (gee, who’da thunk it?). If you don’t have the prescription or the original bottle on your person, you might be hassled by the police until such time as you can produce one, though it doesn’t appear as if it’s illegal to not carry the prescription or bottle on you (else the police would not “have to release you” once the prescription is produced as **MsRobyn** ’s father said). ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 7:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/37 "2004-08-27T07:50:11Z")
> [@Garfield226](#): > > Gee, those sound the same to me… :rolleyes: \ (gee, who’da thunk it?) Look, I get the feeling you don’t like me much **Garfield226**. That is your right. Do you think you could be more adult, and less petty though? Was I incorrect in my summation? No. It seems to me a big purpose behind your post, was to be rude and sneer at me. That’s not the best debating technique. The reason I posted the OP, is because many people, including me have traveled interstate with all of their medicines for the trip in one container, with no prescriptions. This can lead to getting hassled by the police and detained until you can prove you have been prescribed each one of the medicines. It’s more wise in the end to just pack all of the pill bottles instead of risk such a hassle. The cops aren’t likely going to know what each medicine is by look, so they could think it was some form of drug that is popularily abused. ---
**Author:** ![peri](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/67e7ee/32.png) [@peri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/peri)\ **Post date:** [August 27, 2004, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/38 "2004-08-27T16:16:39Z")
No, it is not illegal to carry prescription drugs in a container other than that in which they were dispensed. The faxing of a prescription to show you have legal possesion of such drugs would not absolve you if your stipulation were true; you would still be subject to fine or other sanction. While having the bottle or written copy can certainly make your life easier if questioned regarding the drugs, you are only required to prove legal possession. I would like some cites, please, supporting your continued assertion that carrying prescription drugs without the prescribing information is not legal. Or “legal,” as you put it. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/39 "2004-08-28T13:08:54Z")
I think the laws were put into place to help catch people like Courtney Love who had pain pills, but apparently wasn’t prescribed them. I think it depends on the type of drugs, and whether or not the person can prove they were in legal possession of them. I don’t think they’d bother fining you after you prove you were in legal possesion. Again, why risk the bother of being detained until you can prove you had the medicine legally? In other words, I don’t think they enfoce the law much, and once you prove you have been prescribed the medicines I think they back off. The fact that people who posted here have been hassled has caused me to decide to just pack all the pill bottles if I’m going to travel far enough away that I’ll need more than a day’s worth of medicine. ---
**Author:** ![Lamia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Lamia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamia)\ **Post date:** [August 28, 2004, 1:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424/40 "2004-08-28T13:45:36Z")
**Zabali** , I think that all the info posted in this thread already makes it pretty clear that the only law is that you can’t take prescription drugs without a prescription. Keeping the pills in the original bottle isn’t a legal requirement, it’s just a practical suggestion. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-procedure-for-traveling-with-prescription-meds-etcetera/261424.md?page=3)