Anyone had trouble taking their medication to Greece?

[taar]

Hi. I am soon to be taking a 2 week holiday to Corfu Greece, post transplant. Can't wait, desperate!

Have checked with consultants, they are happy with me taking a break, and I have good travel insurance (I think!)

Have just been reading on the Gov.uk Travel Advice website, and it says Greece doesn't permit someone taking more than 5 medications to Greece. I'll be taking 6 (- but including aspirin and ferrous fumerate- which I guess I could leave out.) Not including my insulin and injection devices. The advice also says the medication should be taken packaged, which will be a bit of a nightmare.

I was planning to take my meds-- two weeks worth-- in 2 of those 7 day hinged 4x a day pill boxes, as the regime is quite complicated.

I could take the packaging with me, and the prescriptions to show they are in fact prescribed medication--(though from two different medical providers, QE Birmingham and GP provided, South Wales.)

Has anyone experienced any problems taking their medication to Greece? Would be very glad if others could pass on their experiences, thoughts or advice? Thanks friends.

[AyrshireK]

No experience but to avoid all doubt why don't you take all your meds in original packaging plus prescription information and your easy dispensing boxes separate and then do your daily dispensing organization once over there. I imagine you'd be able to buy aspirin over there and reduce one of your carried meds.

Enjoy your holiday.

Katie x

[taar in reply to AyrshireK]

As always, good reassuring advice Katie. Much love.

[BumbleCat]

This is a good question because I'm off to Greece this year and my husband told me what you've read regarding medicines. I was going to take all packaging (prefer the pill boxes too) and seek a letter from my consultant to back them up, and also take my last few letters of my consultants that show the list of medicines you take. I take 17 tablets a day so really can't miss any. The thought of Greece being difficult gives me anxiety !

[taar in reply to BumbleCat]

Thanks for the reply, I'm also trying to get letters from consultant and GP as back up. I think I will take the pills and set up the medication (in the little boxes) once I get there, as Katie suggested. Oh Happy Day!

[Cascade35]

I go to Corfu several times a year, taking all my medication with me and have never even been stopped at the airport. But I know you have to take it in original boxes with the label showing your name on it. You have to have a printed prescription showing all your medication, your name, date of birth and Drs surgery details etc. That’s it. I can look up the name of a brilliant medical centre we have been to there for Covid tests etc with English speaking Drs, nurses, receptionist etc. They were thorough and efficient and for me, it was reassuring knowing if I felt unwell for any reason I knew where to go to be looked after. But don’t be worried or anxious about travelling with your medication, just be prepared. It has to be shown it is your medication in your name, prescription stickers on boxes in your name and the original prescription you can get printed off. Obviously keep it in your hand luggage, but Corfu is a small airport and they are friendly and we have never had to show anything ever. Enjoy your holiday, we love Corfu and I’ll look up the medical centre details for you.

[Rshc]

just a suggestion, pack the aspirin in your case, it’s unlikely to be checked and if you are travelling with someone else maybe get them to carry aspirin too. I have never had any issues taking medication into Greece although not post transplant medication and I can understand why you are anxious

[taar in reply to Rshc]

Thanks for your help!

[Cascade35]

You can definitely buy over the counter aspirin there but just give it to someone else travelling with you to take for you as it is a non prescription medication.

There’s a massive hospital on the same road as the medical centre we have been to but the medical centre was great and efficient. This is their website link with details :-

medhallcorfu.gr/

[taar in reply to Cascade35]

Thanks so much.