Our medical expert on whether you need a doctors note to fly with prescription medicines.
We are off to Lanzarote and the travel agent has advised getting a letter from our GP to prove the heart and blood pressure pills are mine.
I have never heard of this before.
In a word, no. The only exception to this rule is if you need or want to take liquid medicines in your hand baggage that are bigger than the 100ml allowance, or if you are carrying special medical equipment, such as oxygen or needles and syringes. If any of these apply, double check with the airline directly.
That said, I do always advise my patients to carry a copy of their repeat prescription as proof the medicines are theirs just in case.
And, while this doesn’t apply to you on this trip, be aware that some countries have stricter entry requirements regarding bringing in drugs like strong painkillers, so do check these too before flying.
So, in summary, pack all your pills in your carry-on baggage (to reduce the risk of losing them if your suitcase goes missing).
eave them in their original packaging and carry a copy of your prescription. Have a lovely holiday.
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