Canadian Exchange Student Inquiry on travelling with ADHD meds

Hi!

I'm a Canadian student who'll be attending an American university for the last year of my Bachelor's Degree. I suffer from ADHD, so I take medication (Concerta) to function and actually be able to attend classes and enjoy school. However, I've received a lot of contradictory information about how to proceed in order to have access to my meds once I'll be in the US...

I was wondering if anyone had a similar experience and could help me out, because I was hoping to be able to bring the necessary amount of medication with me (for about 9 months) when I depart and not have to worry about it for the rest of my exchange, but I don't want US borders to deny me this and then get in trouble... From what I've gathered from the US borders' website and my email exchanges with them, I think they're saying I need to have them shipped every 3 months? But some people told me I could bring the necessary amount with me, as long as I had a Doctor's note explaining the whole situation...

Does anyone have a definite answer or know where I could find one please, I'd be eternally grateful.

Thank you so much!

[Gettingittogether]

Don't have first hand experience, but here is a link to the FDA regulations in the U.S. It seems the most you can bring with you is 90 days worth and you need to bring a copy of the prescription. Meds beyond 90 days can be legally shipped to you.

But check out the site:

fda.gov/consumers/consumer-....

[Hidden in reply to Gettingittogether]

Thanks for the info! I was hoping not to have to go through the 90 days process, but I think I won't have a choice...

[Gettingittogether in reply to Hidden]

Yeah, that's basically the limit they put on us natives here. I can only get 90 days of a prescription--actually I get three 30-day scripts. Can have only 30 days of stimulant meds at one time.

I once had an online prescription delivery service that would send me 90 days worth of meds. But they had some special permission. Yeah, it's a hassle, but basically you're getting the same treatment as we get here! Don't know if that helps.

[Knitting20projects]

I don’t know the regulations. However, I’m a physician and would recommend not having more than 90 days’ worth on you only because here in the US patients can only fill Concerta 30 days’ worth at a time. It would not look good to have 9 months’ worth on you. I totally understand the nuisance factor. Definitely bring medical records on letterhead from your physician documenting your diagnosis. Just bringing a prescription bottle won’t be enough for most physicians to feel comfortable prescribing additional medication here in the US, because these medications are controlled substances and tightly regulated. Best wishes and I hope you have a great time!

[Hidden in reply to Knitting20projects]

Thanks for the advice! The only thing that worries me is that US Borders say that if there is an issue and there's an investigation of the shipment containing my medication, it can take up to a month before they decide whether they accept to ship it or not... So I just hope everything will go smoothly. Thanks again though, at least I know what to expect now

[Knitting20projects]

Ah. Will you have health insurance in US? I’m wondering if you can carry 3 months’ worth in your carry on bag on plane/in car across border, then establish care with a US physician to get remaining monthly prescriptions from then on?

[Hidden in reply to Knitting20projects]

I think I might do that, thank you! Because I know I can leave with 3 months' worth if I have a very detailed letter from my Dr. explaining it's for personal use and it's a necessity, but after I might have to find an American physician I guess?.. Is Concerta also prescribed in America? Like is it an American drug?

[BlessedLady]

What would you do if that medication was stolen ? Even with a prescription, that amount of medication would make you look like a drug dealer. Unfortunately, you cannot stop people from stealing something if they really want it. Even if you locked the medication up. You cannot control what other people do.

[Knitting20projects]

Yes, Concerta is prescribed here, too. Without insurance, the brand name medication is very expensive (hundreds of US dollars a month). The generic is less expensive. FYI not sure about Canada, but here there are shortages of some stimulants which have been frustrating and unpredictable. You might check if your university has a student health service or call before arriving to see if whatever staff are helping you arrange everything can recommend a nearby medical practice or clinic. Maybe you could have some information before you arrive.