Travelling overseas with T3 and Armour

[Aurealis]

Does anyone know how to find out if it’s legal to take T3 and Armour into other countries for personal use. Going to New Zealand Australia and Dubai.

[EbonyEvans]

Both fine. But keep your meds in their original packages. Don’t take more than you need. Dubai may want to see your prescription - details from your doctor.

[EbonyEvans]

I’m not sure if I’m allowed to post this hence the separate message, but when I’m in certain predominately Muslim countries. I take my T3 in an American pill bottle and mix them in with similar looking pain killers. I’ve never been pulled over but take on board what I’ve been advised as NDT is not halal and not allowed as it might be classified as a meat / diary derivative. Maybe call the embassy’s here.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK in reply to EbonyEvans]

EbonyEvans,

If you search, you will find some perhaps surprising cases of devout Muslims who take desiccated porcine thyroid medicines. It would appear that, just as in most religions, the interpretation and application does vary. If it is thought to be necessary (rather than just a foible or fad), then it might be allowed.

However, I absolutely endorse seeking information from the embassies of every country to be visited. Most have quite a bit of information on their websites.

[Airmed]

I went to all three countries this year with a two month supply in my hand luggage with no problems at all. To be honest I didn’t even think about it. You can get T3 in both NZ and Australia not sure about Dubai.

[KIRM]

I have lived in Dubai for many years. You can buy you T4 meds’ at most pharmacy’s OTC and is cheap. T3 you need a prescription and is just as costly as anywhere else.

Like Helvella mentioned plenty on NDT in the UAE, you just need medical documention to support the fact.

[Treepie]

Check the UK government advice on Dubai.

[Fruitandnutcase]

My instinct is not to try and fool anyone by mixing T3 with something that looks similar, but I’m a bit of a wimp at times. I would worry that if you do that and look anxious and customs or whoever decide for any reason to test what you are carrying then things could go badly wrong.

I’d do what EbonyEvans says in her first reply to you and KIRM says take your medicines in their original packaging along with copies of your prescriptions / documentation and if you are in any doubt before you travel get in writing from someone in authority that you are allowed to take what you need to take into the countries you are visiting.

[SilverAvocado]

Although I've never haddany trouble, I always take double the amount of medicine, 1 in my hand luggage and 1 in hold luggage. I suppose I'm more thinking about a bag getting lost or stolen.

The advice is often to take a prescription. But not so easy for those who self medicate

[Aurealis in reply to SilverAvocado]

Yes I’ve always travelled with twice as much in case of lost luggage too. But it seems that’s risky too.

[spongecat]

Hi Aurealis Many countries do not allow more than 3 months worth of personal medication. Always have the meds in the box that they came in. If you need more medication you will need to register with a local doctor and carry a letter from your own GP naming the medication, the dose and the condition being treated.

There is a long list of meds that are not allowed in the UAE (even if in transit), most of these drugs are painkillers, cold remedies, sleeping tablets, narcotics and psychotropic drugs. What is an OTC here and found in every bathroom cabinet can be a no-no in Dubai. Here is a list of banned pharmocological products:......

uaeinteract.com/travel/drug...

Also, whatever you do, do not have any bread on you or eat any bread at the airport cafe on your trip to Dubai that has poppy seeds on it ie. bagels. If the seeds are discovered and may have got lost in folds of your clothing you will end up in jail or at the very least a very unpleasant interrogation.

Australia......do not bring in any foodstuffs, even sandwiches and snacks for consumption on the 'plane or many Duty Free foods, it will be confiscated.

Not sure about New Zealand.

As others have said each country's embassies will have information or maybe a helpline.

[Aurealis in reply to spongecat]

Thank you for the useful link x

[spongecat in reply to Aurealis]

You are welcome!

Have a safe trip.

[Tyna20]

I have travelled to Australia and Dubai many times. I always take my meds in hand luggage (in case luggage gets lost) and have never had a problem anywhere. Just take enough for your trip.

[helvella Administrator Thyroid UK]

Aurealis,

So far, the responses seem to be concentrating on the issues of carrying medicines, or religious issues.

I'd point out another possible problem - animal health. In years past, the UK had many restrictions on carrying any plant or animal products as they could carry diseases. Other countries may still have severe restrictions. For example, New Zealand is trying to control Mycoplasma bovis. They might, therefore, absolutely ban any bovine products. Of course, most thyroid products are porcine, but some are bovine. Of those, most do seem to originate in New Zealand but at least some come from Argentina.

So my advice would be to check - at least online to embassy websites.

[Aurealis in reply to helvella]

Thanks Helvella, it seems a minefield.

[Aurealis]

Thanks everyone. Very helpful replies.