Managing Prescriptions While Living Overseas

Introduction

Access to prescription medications is a significant concern for expats, particularly those with chronic conditions. Medications may be unavailable, named differently, require different prescriptions, or cost significantly more or less than in the US.

Planning ahead—including working with your US doctors before departure—helps ensure continuity of care. This guide covers strategies for managing prescriptions while living abroad.

Before You Move

Consult Your Doctors

1. **Explain your plans** to all prescribing physicians
2. **Request extended prescriptions** (90-day or 6-month supplies where possible)
3. **Get written documentation** including:

Stock Up

• Fill maximum allowable supply before departure
• Check destination country's import limits
• Most countries allow 90-day personal supply

Research Destination

• Verify your medications are legal in destination country
• Some common US medications are controlled or banned elsewhere
• Stimulants (Adderall, Ritalin) often highly restricted
• Opioids may require special permits
• CBD products illegal in many countries

Importing Medications

US to Foreign Country

• Personal use quantities only (typically 90-day supply)
• Keep medications in original containers
• Carry copy of prescription
• Declare at customs if asked

• Check destination country's drug schedules
• May need advance permits
• Consider whether medication is available locally

Foreign to US (Returning)

• 90-day supply maximum
• Must be for personal use
• Not available in US (with exceptions)
• No commercialization

**Note:** This is technically not permitted for most medications but rarely enforced for personal supplies.

Finding Medications Abroad

Generic Names

Brand names differ by country. Use generic (INN) names:

| US Brand | Generic Name | |----------|-------------| | Tylenol | Acetaminophen/Paracetamol | | Advil | Ibuprofen | | Prilosec | Omeprazole | | Lipitor | Atorvastatin | | Zoloft | Sertraline |

Carry a list of your medications with generic names.

Local Equivalents

• Paracetamol (outside US) = Acetaminophen (US)
• Adrenaline (outside US) = Epinephrine (US)
• Salbutamol (outside US) = Albuterol (US)

Pharmacists can usually identify equivalents.

Prescription Requirements

• Some US prescription drugs are OTC abroad (and vice versa)
• Antibiotics OTC in some countries
• Birth control OTC in many countries

• Visit local doctor for new prescription
• Some countries accept foreign prescriptions
• Online consultations available in some countries

Cost Differences

Medication costs vary dramatically:

| Medication | US Price (30 days) | Mexico | Spain | |------------|-------------------|--------|-------| | Lipitor 20mg | $400+ | $15-30 | $20-40 | | Humira | $6,000+ | $800-1,200 | $500-700 | | Lantus Insulin | $300+ | $50-80 | $40-60 |

• Research prices before moving
• Consider medical tourism for expensive medications
• Check if international insurance covers prescriptions

Specific Conditions

Diabetes

• Insulin available in most countries
• Test strips and monitors may differ
• Verify insulin types available (some discontinued outside US)
• Stock pump supplies if using insulin pump

Mental Health Medications

• Antidepressants widely available globally
• ADHD medications (stimulants) often restricted
• May need local psychiatric evaluation for prescriptions
• Bring ample supply during transition

Birth Control

• Pills often OTC abroad
• Specific formulations may differ
• IUDs and implants available from local providers
• Stock preferred brand before moving

Blood Thinners

• Warfarin requires regular INR monitoring
• Newer anticoagulants (Eliquis, Xarelto) may cost less abroad
• Ensure monitoring available in destination

Online Pharmacies

Legitimate Options

• PharmacyChecker.com verifies accreditation
• Canadian and UK pharmacies often reliable
• Require valid prescription

Risks

• Counterfeit medications are significant risk
• Unverified sources may sell fake or contaminated drugs
• Avoid pharmacies that don't require prescriptions

Key Takeaways

• Get 90-day supplies and documentation before moving
• Use generic drug names—brand names differ globally
• Some US medications are restricted or banned abroad
• Many medications cost 50-90% less outside the US
• Establish care with local doctor for ongoing prescriptions

Next Steps

1. List all current medications with generic names
2. Research availability and legality in destination country
3. Request extended prescriptions and documentation from US doctors
4. Stock up on maximum supply before departure
5. Identify local doctors and pharmacies in destination