taking prescriptions out of the country?

Question

i'm visiting Canada later this summer and was wondering what i need to have prescriptions in my luggage. do i need copies of the RXs? i also have some prescription medications that were given to me as samples from the doctor and i have not yet gotten an RX for it....are these okay to take in luggage?

to clarify, i live in the US

Answer 1

Wherever you go, if you have prescription drugs, or freely available ones you have to take, ask your own doctor to write the name, reason you need them and chemical make on an official document. (Mostly they just have to punch one button on the computer nowadays and sign it.)

Take your meds in your hand luggage, if allowed.
That way, if your big luggage gets lost or send wrong you will not have to do without.
If you need to take part of the drugs in your check-in luggage, make sure that each is packed in an official medicine box, with a sticker with your name, the doctor that did prescribe them for you and the official name, by preference the box they were packed in at the factory.
Put a copy of the official document of the doctor (see above) with them.
If you travel surface travel (bus, train or car) you still need the official documentation.

(I do not know what an RX is, but if it is an official document signed by your doctor you better get one for all your meds.)

Also take copies of each prescription that you can not do without, and leave a copy at home so if in need they can be faxed to the doctor or hospital you are at. (This is only needed for real emergencies, but better safe than sorry.)