Moving to other countries for short bursts of time, issues with meds abroad?

[Rsheepy]

- travelling worldwide up to sixth months at a time, can I get loads of meds to cover me?

[Beth58]

Hi, I doubt it.

My doctor will not give me more than a months supply because they're quite strong potent drugs. But just because mine won't doesn't mean your's won't.

I guess under the circumstances he'll have to weigh up the risks, but if I'm honest I can't see him doing it.

But good luck. x

[Rsheepy]

Thanks Beth - indeed I was on MTX for a year but now I'm only on nap and hydroxychlo so I'm hoping that I'll be able to spread my meds out. Or even

get supplied meds while I'm overseas from Dr's there. Obviously that does depend on where I go but surely arthritis exists in other countries too??

Here's hoping!

[helixhelix]

If only hydroxy then worth asking your doc, but don't be surprised if he/she says no. For getting them while you're away it depends where you are - if in europe then can probably get meds without much problem, and without having to pay much, if you have your E111. And can then claim the money back but is hugely bureaucratic and just takes ages. Outside Europe could be more of a problem, and could get more expensive as may have to pay full price and since a permanent condition unlikely that travel insurance will pay - it would be sensible to get something from your Doc that's translated into language of where you'll be to speed process.

And be careful about getting someone to send meds to you, I did that recently just between UK & France and although well wrapped so not obvious they were pills they never arrived. Luckily only Omepradazole, so not to bad for me or for the postperson who may have tried them. Polly.

[helixhelix]

Oh, and if you do get the meds from the doctor make sure you also get paperwork to go with it as you could have problems with customs in some countries if you are carrying that amount of strong drugs. I've had stuff essentially nicked by customs in some countries - and mainly those with poor healthcare where hard to get replacements.

[Custard]

Hi Sheepy,

I get my meds direct from the Consultant and am always prescribed more than a months supply (3mts as I work away). 6mths might be pushing it as your consultant wont be able to track your bloods whilst you are out of the country.

My guess is if you know where you are going ahead of time and can prearrange frequent Blood testing your consultant might be able to arrange something for you. regarding your medication. But if you are country hopping im not too sure what pre arrangements you are able to make with local medical services.

It will take quite a bit of arranging, what medical insurance are you using as perhaps they could help with the arrangements.

Take care

Jx

[Hidden]

Have letter from your Dr with you with list of meds carried for customs purposes etc,

[HarleySue]

Summer & J are right. I travel abroad frequently but can only get 3 months supply to take with me providing I email monthly bloods back to my GP. I carry letter from RA consultant & customs letter and register with local doctors for blood tests. Europe have similar drugs but you need to see local consultants to get prescribed & my experience is they don't always agree on same treatment. It does take a lot of planning and an understanding GP & RA nurse.

Good luck

Sue x

[helixhelix in reply to HarleySue]

Hi HarleySue

From your profile sounds as if you might be in France a lot (same as me -we're renovating house over there, so RA big upheaval too). How have you got on with the costs of RA there? I've found trying to claim back for tests or prescriptions has been tortuous. Currently have given up so travel backwards & forwards according to blood test cycle. Any advice appreciated... Polly

[patty]

Diagnosed in 2008, on sulfasalazine (09), methotrexate (since dec 09), and humira (since sept 11). I am just about to travel to spain for 3 months - my third trip of this kind since 2008. Government travel advice says you should take with you the required amount of medication for the planned trip. I had to agree to have my bloods done monthly (about 100 e for initial consultation and 30 e for blood tests) then ring the GP with the results - only to communicate whether results are normal or not. Docs in spain/portugal are familiar with all the RA meds and can tell you how the blood tests appear. Also with the humira this has to be kept between 2-8 degrees and I had to speak to the pharmacist at 'healthcare at home' to let them know how I was going to achieve this (we are traveling in a motorhome and have a cool box for backup). They have now provided me with 4 months supply of humira. You need documentation for carrying humira (provided by healthcare at home) and information from the GP for the docs at your destination - this can be in letter form or the information from the EMIS record your doctor holds about you. The declared conditions for my travel insurance only increased it by £9.70. However, you may come up against some opposition if your trip is to be for as long as 6 months. Healthcare costs and prescription charges cannot be claimed back for routine healthcare only for emergenicies and anything included by your health insurance. The health insurance costs increase dramatically the longer your trip is and may not cover you for a trip over 91 days, but you would need to consider it when organising your cover. RA meds are available if you run out in europe. I was 5 methotrexate short and the prescription I was able to get in Portugal cost me £5.51 for 100 (yes, 100). Apparently they dont split the packs over there and pills are provided in the packs supplied by the manufacturer. Good luck, if there is anything I can help with please let me know.