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Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e.g. malaria, vaccinations, travel medical tips, medical insurance, where to find a doctor.
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  #1  
Old 30 May 2017
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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.
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  #2  
Old 31 May 2017
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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.
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  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2017
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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.
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  #4  
Old 1 Jun 2017
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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.
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  #5  
Old 1 Jun 2017
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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.
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  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2017
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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?
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  #7  
Old 16 Jun 2017
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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.
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  #8  
Old 17 Jun 2017
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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.
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  #9  
Old 17 Jun 2017
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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?
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  #10  
Old 19 Jun 2017
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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.
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