Saga Travel Insurance spoke to GP Doctor Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who revealed that there are some surprising medications you won’t want to pack
Some medications are banned from flights(Image: Jackyenjoyphotography via Getty Images)
Certain medications have been prohibited from being carried on flights, putting holidaymakers who take six specific drugs at risk. Saga Travel Insurance consulted GP Doctor Deborah Lee from Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, who disclosed that there are some unexpected medications you might not want to pack.
Dr Lee states: “The vast majority of commonly prescribed medicines are completely safe to travel with. But some are more strictly regulated.” The list comprises codeine, sleeping tablets, ADHD pills, CBD oil, vapes and decongestants.
Lee commented: “Despite being available over the counter in the UK in the form of co-codamol (codeine with paracetamol), this opioid painkiller is banned without proof of prescription in some countries, being classed as a narcotic.
“Japan has very strict rules and restrictions on narcotics and will require you to apply to import and export your medication as well as have a medical certificate for them from Japan’s Narcotics Control Department.”, reports Birmingham Live.
The doctor reveals that the UK has a “large variety of prescription and over-the-counter sleeping pills available. “However, many sleeping pills require a prescription in popular European travel destinations (such as France, Germany, and Spain) and are banned in several Middle Eastern and Asian countries, including Japan and the UAE.”
Regarding ADHDH, Lee stated: “You need a prescription to access this type of medication in most of the world, and you may be required to present your prescription on entry to other countries.”
On the topic of CBD oil, Dr Lee explained: “CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical derived from cannabis. In recent years it has become an incredibly popular remedy for pain relief and relaxation and is available over the counter in the UK, though there is limited medical research to show their benefits.
“Some countries have incredibly strict anti-cannabis laws which also extend to CBD oils. Singapore, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China, all have bans on CBD oils. In Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Denmark, and Brazil, the only legal CBD oils are those for medical purposes and these require a prescription”.