Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: AlwaysLauren on November 07, 2007, 10:19:11 PM

Title: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: AlwaysLauren on November 07, 2007, 10:19:11 PM
I'm traveling (on business) to Japan, and am wondering how my HRT meds are going to be going through Japanese customs. Does anyone else have experience with prescription medication (HRT or otherwise) and international travel? I suppose I could go four days without the pills, but I just started and I'd really rather not miss any.

Ideas?
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: Steph on November 07, 2007, 10:23:48 PM
I had no problems with my HRT traveling to the US and the UK.  They were in their prescription bottles and I had a copy of the prescriptions with me.

Steph
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: AlwaysLauren on November 07, 2007, 10:31:22 PM
How did you manage to have a copy of the prescription? I gave mine to the pharmacist in order to get the pills.
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: shanetastic on November 07, 2007, 10:35:32 PM
If your really worried could always just put them in your pockets or something.  I don't think pills are going to set off the metal detector.
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: AlwaysLauren on November 07, 2007, 10:38:35 PM
Quote from: shanetastic on November 07, 2007, 10:35:32 PM
If your really worried could always just put them in your pockets or something.  I don't think pills are going to set off the metal detector.

They rattle... and it'd be really gross if I were caught trying to sneak drugs into Japan. Especially estrogen. Especially in front of my boss.
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: shanetastic on November 07, 2007, 10:43:51 PM
This is true hehe.  Well, I've taken stuff to other countries, and was never even asked what it was.  I just threw it in my suitcase, not my carry on.  So I don't know.  I'm not certain that the airlines/international countries care if you bring like your perscriptions into their country.
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: Wing Walker on November 08, 2007, 02:42:55 AM
I've gone between Canada and the U.S. numerous times with my meds.  I take prescriptions besides estrogen.

All of the prescription vials had labels on them with my name and the doctor's name.  I carried them in a small tote bag.  Customs going both directions looked at them and never said a word.

I hope that this helps.

Wing Walker
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: SocalledLife on November 08, 2007, 09:50:17 AM
Just watch out for the estrogen sniffing dogs...

J/K I have flown all over north and south america and several places in europe, not once even asked what they were. I toss them in the bag with my OTC meds in their pharmacy bottles and i would imagine as long as the pills match the description on the lable that most countries wouldnt give a ding dong what you were bringing in prescription wise as long as it was not a banned substance in their country and you had not too much more than the required dosage for the duration of your visa.

DANA
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: Lisbeth on November 08, 2007, 10:02:23 AM
Quote from: AlwaysLauren on November 07, 2007, 10:31:22 PM
How did you manage to have a copy of the prescription? I gave mine to the pharmacist in order to get the pills.
My pharmacy provides a printed sheet with each med that includes the prescription description and contact information including the doctor's name.  I carry them in my purse.
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: BCL on November 08, 2007, 10:11:37 AM
I worked in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand and in recent years travelled to China, Korea and many other far flung countries.

I have never had a problem taking prescription medicine into any country, often had it looked at, but never confiscated.

On short trips, I have a pill box (plastic) which I carry in my handbag.

Rebecca
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: Steph on November 08, 2007, 12:05:13 PM
Quote from: AlwaysLauren on November 07, 2007, 10:31:22 PM
How did you manage to have a copy of the prescription? I gave mine to the pharmacist in order to get the pills.

In Ontario, Canada we are always given a copy of our prescriptions, and the prescription is afixed to the pill container.  I would ask your doctor to provide you with a list of medications that you take with you.

Steph
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: tinkerbell on November 08, 2007, 07:32:09 PM
You shouldn't have any problems as long as the name on the prescription bottle matches your passport.  If I were you, I'd also take a letter from my therapist just in case.

tink :icon_chick:
Title: Re: Traveling Internationally on HRT
Post by: AlwaysLauren on November 19, 2007, 07:39:35 PM
Well, I came and went and it turns out I was worried about nothing. I left the pills in my bag and they didn't even look at the bottles, it was just x-rayed with everything else and I went on through.

Thank you all for your help!