Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela

[ksam]

Ok...can't seem to locate this particular topic anywhere....My hubby, Raymond the Reluctant Pilgrim, takes about five (5) different prescriptions each day...Blood pressure, cholesterol etc...the usual stuff in the mid fifties!! Does anyone know about the labeling of these for transport across borders? Do they have to be in bottles/containers that came from the pharmacy??? It would be easier if not...but perhaps we can get small two week supply type containers as opposed to the usual ninety day ones! He'll wind up sounding like some sort of rythym instrument otherwise!!

Thanks for any advice on this one!! I'm just glad all I take is ibuprofen occasionally!

Karin

[WolverineDG]

I always carry my prescription meds in their containers with the script on it. I haven't been stopped, other than Australia, but it's one less thing to worry about. Ask the pharmacist if s/he can put a 30-day supply in marked containers.

Kelly

[vinotinto]

If you need to refill on the road (like if you lose your meds, or they are damaged somehow), then you should bring along the relevant perscription documentation, and possibly a letter from your doctor (if you can get this stuff in Spanish as well as English, it will help).

Towards the latter part of my Camino (in Sagahun, I believe), I visited a farmacia to get some ibuprofen (the Camino Wonder Drug). An English-speaking husband and wife were trying to get some perscription pain medication, and the farmacist was unable to help them because they had no documentation. The husband was apparently in a lot of pain due to an existing chronic condition. The farmacist spoke decent English and was very helpful to me, so I know he wasn't being obstinate towards them. They left unhappy, and I think their Camino was in doubt at that point.

With that in mind, I recommend researching what you'll need to get a perscription filled in Spain, and prepare accordingly. The Camino is the trip of a lifetime, and it would be a shame to blow it for lack of some routine paperwork. Buen Camino!

[Rose Louise]

Karin

My husband is in a similar position. As Vinotinto says get a letter from the doctor - this covers any concerns at customs and immigration and also provides a record for the pharmacist to work with. His medication is boxed so I just cut the label section off the box and affix it to the (internal) pill packaging. Makes it a little less bulky. Buen Camino Rose Louise

[Trudy]

Agree with others about getting a letter from your doctor, and keep all containers intact until you reach Europe.

I carry a letter, plus a copy of the prescriptions, and take a full supply of medications with me. All medications, including over-the-counter stuff such as Nurofen Plus, Immodium (just in case) etc are kept in their bottles or packets until I reach Europe. Then I pop the tablets into separate zip-lock bags and dispose of the containers (goodness knows what the hotel staff think!). This makes the medications much lighter, and more convenient, to carry.

There is no border crossing between France and Spain, so no problems.

[ksam]

Wow guys and gals! (Or should that be Guys & Dolls, or do I seriously date myself there !!) Thanks so much for your prompt replies!! I did have to make a stop at the pharmacy yesterday for drugs for another household member...and inquired about smaller pkging. Our wonderful pharmacist, immediately made up a set of containers (turns out the hubster is on 7 different ones now!) all appropriately labeled! They are considerably smaller than his usual size container and much easier to carry, even if we don't do as you suggested Trudy, and off load to smaller yet. I will make sure he gets a set of scrips from the Drs...(and probably his gout med's too, since like you Vinotinto...Red is his favorite "drug" of choice!)

Again thanks to all, Kelly, Rose Louse, Trudy and Vinotinot..

Mucho Gracias and Buen Camino!

Karin

[kubapigora]

takes about five (5) different prescriptions each day...Blood pressure, cholesterol etc...the usual stuff in the mid fifties!!

Karin

Maybe in the US ))) My mom, which is 50 this year is probably twice as fit as me. She could walk for years. Hope Raymond will be fine and his holesterol level will drop a bit during your journey! Have a great walk!