bringing b12 back from Germany ?

[Lowblow]

hi everyone

my friend is travelling to Germany to a Xmas market , is it legal for her to bring b12 back in her hand luggage ?

[wedgewood]

I have often brought B12 ampoules back from Germany in the HOLD luggage, without any problem . But HAND luggage would be problematic , All liquids must be in a transparent plastic bag measuring 20 x 20 . . In theory , I suppose you could decant some ampoules into that bag , and put their cardboard boxes in separately . . That all sounds a bit tricky !

Maybe you could request to have your and luggage put in the hold to get round that problem ? Perhaps make enquiries now before you fly .

I hope you will get a better answer than mine Best wishes ,

[WhyAmISoTired]

I can't guarantee about legal but I do this regularly. If I have a few boxes I take them out of the box to fit them into the liquid bag, and put that in a dark bag. Never had any issue. People at security are generally very nice.

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Strictly speaking it is illegal to supply injectable B12 for medical use in the UK without a prescription. You are allowed to obtain medications for personal use from outside the UK under humanitarian exemptions but note, this is personal use or someone in your household.

However, if injectable B12 is being used as a health supplement it wouldn't be an issue, other than requirements around import duties.

As others say, there may be problems because it is a fluid around airport and flight security.

[rodneyrose in reply to Gambit62]

where is the cheapest place to get 1mg vials sent to the uk please?

[wedgewood in reply to rodneyrose]

It’s very difficult at the monent . Everybody’s favourite , namely Panpharma B12 depot ( Hydroxocobalamin ) is in very short supply . I’m using Pascoe 1.5 mg x-1ml . as Panpharma 1mg x 1ml is unobtainable.

iSo expensive for a single packet of 10 ampoules , but reasonable if you buy 100

From versandapo.de

[deniseinmilden]

Thank you for asking the question - I've often wondered!

[redbobbie5]

Hi. I've never had any problems travelling to and from UK and Spain with B12 and syringes/needles in hand luggage. I carry a note from my gp, saying I need to have this for medicinal purposes but I've never been asked for it so far. I always put my ampules (in the rigid plastic holders) etc in a separate liquids bag (in clear view), in the tray. Don't keep it in your bag, or you'll get pulled over and have to have it tested. I carry the ampules in bubble wrap, in a cosmetic purse or something before and after security. It is a risk but should be ok. How many is she planning to bring?

[wedgewood]

It’s certainly OK if you have a doctors letter .

[Lowblow]

thank you so much to everyone for your answers.. I ordered online from apohealth in Germany instead as don’t want to cause my friend any issues at the airport if it’s not straightforward.. anyone used apohealth ?

For any of you that have helped me in the past you’ll notice I’ve got brave and opted for self injection as still can’t get help from doctors

[wedgewood in reply to Lowblow]

Well done . It’s scary at first , but now, 8 years down the line, it’s just routine for me . Really great that you have overcome that fear. 🏅!