Getting Prescriptions While Traveling: What You Need to Know

Traveling can be exciting, but if you take prescription medications, it’s important to plan ahead. Whether you're heading across the country or overseas, making sure you have access to your medications should be at the top of your checklist.

At Central Pharmacy, we help patients prepare for travel with confidence. In this post, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about getting prescriptions while traveling, including how to pack, refill, and stay on schedule no matter where you go.

Plan Ahead Before You Travel

The best way to avoid problems is to plan in advance. Start by reviewing your current medications and:

• Make sure you have enough to last the entire trip

• Identify any refills you may need while away

• Talk to your pharmacist about storage or time zone adjustments

If you’re traveling internationally, also check for:

• Medication restrictions in your destination country

• Whether you’ll need a doctor’s note or prescription copy

• Local names for your medications, which may differ

How to Pack Your Medications

Here are a few tips for safely packing medications:

1. Keep Medications in Their Original Containers

This helps avoid confusion and ensures customs officials can identify them if needed.

2. Pack Medications in Your Carry-On Bag

If your checked luggage is delayed or lost, you’ll still have your essentials with you.

3. Bring a Copy of Your Prescription

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a printed prescription or note listing your medications and dosages.

4. Use a Pill Organizer (Optional)

Once you arrive at your destination, a pill organizer can make it easier to stick to your schedule—just keep the original bottles on hand as backup.

What If You Run Out While Traveling?

Running out of medication while away from home can be stressful—but it’s not the end of the world. Here’s what you can do:

1. Contact Central Pharmacy

If you’re a patient with us, give us a call. We may be able to:

• Transfer your prescription to a nearby pharmacy

• Send your prescription electronically (within the U.S.)

• Help locate a pharmacy that can fill your needs

2. Call Your Doctor

If a new prescription is needed or your destination doesn’t accept out-of-state refills, your doctor may be able to send one directly.

3. Visit a Local Pharmacy or Clinic

Many retail pharmacies can provide short-term refills for maintenance medications, especially if you have proof of an active prescription.

Tip: Always bring your insurance card and photo ID, just in case.

Traveling Internationally? Take These Extra Steps

International travel requires more preparation:

• Check medication laws in your destination country. Some medications legal in the U.S. are restricted or banned elsewhere.

• Bring a detailed medication list with generic names. Brand names vary internationally.

• Travel with a doctor’s letter explaining your condition and why each medication is necessary.

• Research local pharmacies and healthcare options at your destination.

If you're unsure about the rules, contact your airline or the country’s embassy before you go.

Consider Time Zone Changes

If your medications must be taken at the same time daily, consider how time zones will affect your schedule.

Here’s how to adjust:

• Speak to your pharmacist about the best plan for adjusting timing slowly

• Use your phone or a time zone app to track when you last took your dose

• If unsure, stick to your home time zone schedule until you settle in

Medications like insulin, birth control, or heart medications may require special attention when changing time zones.

Tips for a Smooth Experience

• Refill Early: Ask for early refills if you're traveling longer than your usual supply

• Know Emergency Options: Ask your pharmacist what to do if you lose or damage your medications

• Use Medication Sync Services: Central Pharmacy offers med sync to help you refill all prescriptions at once, making pre-travel prep easier

How Central Pharmacy Can Help

At Central Pharmacy, we’re here to help you travel with confidence. Our services include:

• Travel medication consultations

• Prescription transfers and refills

• Home delivery (before departure)

• Travel-size medication packaging (upon request)

• Printed prescription summaries and emergency info sheets

Before your trip, stop by or give us a call—we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared.

Final Thoughts

Don’t let a missing prescription ruin your trip. With a little planning and support from Central Pharmacy, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing your medications are covered.

From packing tips to emergency support, we’ve got you every step of the way.

Heading out of town soon? Call or visit Central Pharmacy to get your travel medications ready—we’re here to help make your trip worry-free.