Your health: Travel medicine
|
Your health: Travel medicine
|
|
Popular links:
| Winter in Australia means that many people pack their bags and head off to warmer climates. If you are planning a trip overseas and you take a prescription medicine regularly, it's important that you take this medicine with you to ensure that you remain in good health while you're away. This fact sheet was written by Dr Narelle Shadbolt, a Staff Specialist with Hornsby Ku-ring-gai GP Unit. It is part of our Health Hotline series. Unless the medicine is for your use, or the use of someone traveling with you, taking medicine overseas that has been subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is illegal and may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and/or two years imprisonment. You need to contact the embassy of the country you are visiting to ensure the medicine you are taking is legal in that country. If it is, you will still need a letter from your doctor detailing what the medicine is including its chemical or generic name, your dose and a statement saying that it is for your personal use. Customs may detain any medicine it suspects is being illegally exported so it is in your best interest to carry the letter with your medicine. Leave medicines in their original packaging so they are clearly labeled with your name and dosage. It is also a good idea to carry them in your hand luggage for easy access and if your luggage is lost you still have your medicines with you. You will need to get advice about liquids which can no longer be carried in hand luggage. Only take the amount you need for the trip. It is important to remember that a prescription from your doctor here cannot be filled overseas. Familiar over-the-counter medicines also may not be available in foreign countries, so make sure you carry an adequate supply of medication for the entire trip. Make sure you have a check up with your doctor before you go. Your doctor needs enough time to produce documents and ensure that you are fully vaccinated to protect you from diseases such as malaria. Leave enough time to get your prescriptions filled and your medications in order. Talk to your doctor about ways to stay healthy whilst overseas including minimizing the risk of blood clots while flying. Finally, whatever your destination, do not travel without health insurance. The cost of medical care overseas can be very high, as can rearranging flights and accommodation. For more information call Pharmaceutical Benefits Information Line on 1800 500 147 or visit www.hic.gov.au. |
Related links:
|
|
© Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Health Service | |||
