Take enough of your everyday prescription medications plus a weeks worth in case of unexpected delays or diversions. Bottles must be properly and professionally labeled with the name of pharmacy, the med, your name and your doctor’s name. Hand carry the doctor’s written prescription which can be beneficial in the case of certain medications which could be confiscated in any country without identification. Especially true with controlled substances. If you require insulin, protect the vaccine potency by properly storing it. Take enough syringes for your journey, never assume you will be able to buy sterile or even legitimate diabetic supplies overseas. If you have questions about taking injectable medications on a plane, the size containers and contents allowed, contact TSA via their web page www.tsa.gov   Don’t put all of your medication in one place. Split them up so you’ll have some in case a bag is temporarily lost. Pack an extra Epi-pen. Carry other prescription medications from your doctor such as anti-malaria tablets, travelers’ diarrhea antibiotics or altitude meds. Be extremely careful of purchasing medicine overseas. Standard prescription medication in the US may be over the counter in other countries but its difficult to know counterfeit from legitimate. Contents and strength may not be appropriate so its best to carry you own. 

Depending on your destination and planned itinerary, you may need to pack a basic medical kit in your checked baggage.  This may include a variety of bandaids, gauze rolls, tape, pair of scissors, tweezers for removing splinters, a few disposable gloves, antiseptic for wound cleaning, “ace”wraps for sprains, saline eye drops, and a thermometer (especially if you travel with children). Over the counter medicines may include those for reducing a fever, pain relief, antacids, anti-diarrheals, stool softeners, motion-sickness medicine, sleep aids, oral re-hydration packets, hand sanitizer, decongestants/antihistamines, foot powder or anti-fungal cream, topical anti-itch preparation with 1% hydrocortisone for bites and stings, swimmers” ear drops, sunburn relief lotion just to name a few. Travel health supplies can be purchases in pharmacies, on-line or customized based on your destination, length of stay, access to medical assistance and plans for adventure! Travel healthy, travel smart!