Travel to Italy?: Hi. Everyone has... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

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Travel to Italy?

MountainWanderer profile image
16 Replies

Hi.

Everyone has been so helpful. I have a question about travel.

I am currently taking pregabalin and clonazepan and am traveling to Italy. Has anyone had any experience traveling to Italy with controlled substances?

Thank you in advance.

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MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer
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16 Replies
SueJohnson profile image
SueJohnson

International travelers entering Italy and carrying medical preparations containing internationally controlled drugs must hold a certificate as evidence that the medications were lawfully obtained in their country of departure.

The certificate should be issued by a general practitioner (GP) or a pediatrician and must include the following information:

Country and place of issue

Prescribing physician’s details (name, address, license number)

Patient’s details (name, sex, date of birth, passport or identity card number, intended country of destination)

Details of the prescribed medical preparation (trade name, active substance, dosage, quantity, duration of prescription)

Issuing authority’s information (official designation, address, seal, signature)

This certificate, based on a valid medical prescription, should be in your possession during your stay in Italy and available for presentation to authorities.

If you’re leaving Italy and carrying small quantities of preparations containing controlled substances, you’ll need a document as evidence that the medications were lawfully obtained in your country of departure.

Always carry duplicate copies of this document, and keep one in your hand luggage along with your passport.

Make a list of the medications you’re carrying (including syringes, lancets, and insulin) and present them along with your passport and medical certificate. This will facilitate your passage through customs.

Remember to check your airline’s regulations regarding carrying medications in your hand luggage. Additionally, ensure that the expiry dates of your medicines are valid for the duration of your visit abroad

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toSueJohnson

Thank you, Sue, for your detailed response. I'm going to request a letter with this information from my doctor.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg

I have visited Italy in 2017 and 2019 when taking Oxycontin and pregabalin. I asked my GP for a letter confirming I had been prescribed the medication. I carried the meds in my hand luggage.I had no issues whatsover.

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toJoolsg

Thank you, Joolsg. That's reassuring!

ziggypiggy profile image
ziggypiggy in reply toJoolsg

Maybe it's just my paranoia and anxiety talking. But i would also have a 2 to 3 day supply of my must needs meds in my luggage as well and let them know i do. If for some reason my carry on is stolen or misplaced I at least have a fighting chance to figure out what to do next.

Joolsg profile image
Joolsg in reply toziggypiggy

Actually, I do the same. Emergency supply in my hold luggage, just in case of theft.

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toziggypiggy

Smart. The one thing you don’t want to be without.

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toziggypiggy

Good advice. Not paranoia!

Bramble2000 profile image
Bramble2000

You should be fine. Take a copy of your repeat meds list and a letter from your GP. I travelled to and from Italy many times with Oramorph without any problem.

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toBramble2000

Thanks!

Simkin profile image
Simkin

I go to Italy every year & have never had a problem.As Joolsg says always carry drugs in hand luggage with your prescription.

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toSimkin

Thank you!

Simkin profile image
Simkin in reply toMountainWanderer

More scary than Italy is flying to the States with buprenorphine alongside gabapentin in my hand luggage.I always have my prescription with me and so far so good ..........!!!

I will report back in May!

Strike26 profile image
Strike26

hi - travelled to Italy many times with all my meds in my carry on bag. Was checked once, had my script list with the meds and made sure to take each one in their sealed pack- no problem at all with security. Enjoy your trip.

Strike26 profile image
Strike26 in reply toStrike26

Meant to add- I forgot one of my heart meds on a holiday in Italy. The hotel gave me a doctor’s name, I made an appointment 2 hours later and had a prescription filled an hour after that.

My wife had an allergic reaction to mosquito bites - the pharmacist diagnosed and prescribed antibiotic cream. No need for a doctor, no hassle, just excellent healthcare (and the same on our trips to Ireland).

MountainWanderer profile image
MountainWanderer in reply toStrike26

Good to know. Thanks!

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