Traveling to the US with Medicines

[tayurshu 37]

I have travelled many times to the USA. I'm also a type 1 diabetic.

On all occasions I have brought blood testing strips, blood testing machine, syringes, insulin, insulin pens, pen needles, and plenty of spares.

Since 2009 I had an insulin pump, so I've worn that and had the spares for that, too.

At no time has customs ever kicked up a stink. I also carry syringes and needles onto the plane with my insulin (as it cannot freeze in the hold) and nothing has every been said by TSA.

In fact, I find TSA agents are some of the kindest and most polite agents in the world. I am unable to go through a body scanner due to my insulin pump and it cannot go through X-ray. So I tell them i'm opting for a body pat-down as I have an insulin pump. They are always so very polite and get the process done extremely professionally but personable (lol). Never a question raised.

EDIT: Always have: a letter from your prescribing doctor outlining what you have and (if needed) why. The guidelines provided by CBP is that a maximum of 90 days supply is allowed. Always carry a spare prescription for the medicines you are carrying and always ensure those medicines labels are in your name only.

Edited August 7, 2015 by tayurshu

[Soup Dragon 104]

I brought contact lenses, lens solutions and four months worth of thyroid meds (no prescriptions) in my hand baggage and nothing was said or confiscated

[madtownguy 164]

My wife or I bring back as many drugs as we have room for when leaving the country. Health care in the US is horrible, I always stock up on all the cillin's, doxycycline, pretty much anything that might be needed someday. I second advice going to dentist there before you come here also. If you're worried about things being taken get a prescription there, I can't imagine it would be that hard. In Mexico they will write you it right at the pharmacy. Safe travels!

[Jawaree 717]

I have travelled many times to the USA. I'm also a type 1 diabetic.

On all occasions I have brought blood testing strips, blood testing machine, syringes, insulin, insulin pens, pen needles, and plenty of spares.

Since 2009 I had an insulin pump, so I've worn that and had the spares for that, too.

At no time has customs ever kicked up a stink. I also carry syringes and needles onto the plane with my insulin (as it cannot freeze in the hold) and nothing has every been said by TSA.

In fact, I find TSA agents are some of the kindest and most polite agents in the world. I am unable to go through a body scanner due to my insulin pump and it cannot go through X-ray. So I tell them i'm opting for a body pat-down as I have an insulin pump. They are always so very polite and get the process done extremely professionally but personable (lol). Never a question raised.

EDIT: Always have: a letter from your prescribing doctor outlining what you have and (if needed) why. The guidelines provided by CBP is that a maximum of 90 days supply is allowed. Always carry a spare prescription for the medicines you are carrying and always ensure those medicines labels are in your name only.

American Diabetes Assn. Got your back trust me and you are correct TSA is very accommodating,

there have been a few agents that was not familiar with the pump but others enlighten them...You

are Medtronic huh?