Bringing b12 into Britian.

[doityourself]

Can anyone tell me if there are any restriction on bringing B12 in injectable form into the country? Or the amount you can bring.

I currently live in Munich where you can buy it over the counter.

I have been diagnosed with PA but it is the usual story with my English GP , so looking to start supplementing with self administered shots on my return.

[Hidden]

No restrictions; its a vitamin, no restrictions at all its just like no restrictions on how much vit C you bring in etc as long as you put it into the hold suitcase, other wise in hand bag if travelling on plane restrictions apply on liquids quantities..

[Gambit62 Administrator]

The restrictions are on supplying injectible B12 without a prescription as anything that is injectible is automatically covered by Prescription Only Legislation - no problem with actually having it etc.

[doityourself in reply to Gambit62]

Ah thanks for that people, shame I can't be of help to others though. Makes sence though I guess.

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to doityourself]

Not sure how police-able it is - sure a lot of people swap prescription only medications within the family - know years ago that I used to use my mothers ergotomine to treat migraines ... though difficult to get that with prescription these days - pretty sure it isn't available any more

[helvella in reply to Gambit62]

So far as I have read, the law says it is OK within a household - but fails to define "household". So probably OK for the people who live with you permanently but not the rest of your family who live in other properties.

[helvella in reply to helvella]

13 Exemptions for imports.

(1)The restriction imposed by section 7(3) of this Act does not apply to the importation of a medicinal product by any person for administration to himself or to any person or persons who are members of his household, and does not apply to the importation of a medicinal product where it is specially imported by or to the order of a doctor or dentist for administration to a particular patient of his.

legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/19...

[Sewnsew in reply to Gambit62]

Hi Gambit, I was suprised that ergotamine was not available so I looked it up. You're right most preparations have been discontinued but there is one listed as available

Migril tablets

Ergotamine tartrate 2.0mg, cyclizine hydrochloride 50.0mg and caffeine equivalent to caffeine hydrate 100mg

medicines.org.uk/emcmobile/...

[Gambit62 Administrator in reply to Sewnsew]

most pharmacists in the UK are reluctant to stock these days - it isn't a problem as generally the migraines respond well to small doses of triptan. Most GPs are probably reluctant to prescribe it these days as it can cause some severe circulatory problems - but thanks for the info.

[Sleepybunny]

An interesting thread, doityourself.

Do people who import injectable B12 have to prove they have a B12 deficiency?

I would like to bring B12 back from Europe but I do not have a confirmed diagnosis of B12 deficiency and would not be able to get a doctor's letter.

[Hidden in reply to Sleepybunny]

I have been bringing back injectable B12 from Spain for over 9 years now, its usually 2 boxes of 5 ampoules B12 and folic acid tabs, no problems at all. No need for a prescription in EU. Many people buy their prescription drugs abroad as it can be a lot cheaper. I off soon to fill up.

[Chocolate41]

Hi Marre

We are gong to Grand Canarie in a couple of weeks.Will I be able to buy B12 over the counter there?

Should I put them in my hand luggage or hold luggage?What do you do?

I don't want to be searched if I can help it.

A big thank you for all the information you give on this site.

[Calise in reply to Chocolate41]

I bought 3 boxes of cyanocobalamin last time I was in tenerife. They wouldn't let me have anymore without a prescription.

[Calise]

I would put them in the hold to be on the safe side.