Bringing 6-month supply of medication into China

[xiaoya]

Hi all,

I'm leaving next week to take up my two year CSC scholarship at Zhejiang Normal University. Everything is sorted but my chief concern right now is getting my medications safely into the country. I take Prozac, Lithium, Seroquel and I have Xanax for emergencies--I'm off to pick up a 6 month supply later today.

Does anyone have any advice on how to get this into the country with a minimum of fuss? I have two letters from two different doctors advising I need to take it, will take it all on my carry-on and keep it all in the individual packaging. Is there anything else I need to do?

I just had a nightmare where I was detained and then executed by Chinese visa staff because I ate at the wrong restaurants, so I'm posting this at 5AM out of great paranoia. Forgive me. =P

Cheers,

Sarah

[abcdefg]

Does anyone have any advice on how to get this into the country with a minimum of fuss? I have two letters from two different doctors advising I need to take it, will take it all on my carry-on and keep it all in the individual packaging. Is there anything else I need to do?

It's not a problem. I've brought in personal supplies of prescription medications several times for extended stays.

[knadolny]

I imagine getting into the US is much scarier for non-Americans. The border guards in the US could really use some better training or respect or something. I'm always shocked when I return home.

Last time I went to China, they were professional and polite. I wouldn't worry about it. You sound like you have all the documents needed.

Cheers,

[HedgePig]

I think it's unlikely you'll even be checked and if you are I agree that a polite explanation that you need these medications for an extended stay will almost certainly sort things out. Customs are pretty reasonable. Definitely not something to worry about. (Now the giant bats that have been ravaging the Zhejiang population, carrying of scores each night, that really is something to have nightmares about ..... :-)

[gato]

Yeah, those bats. Almost got me last time....

[yonitabonita]

I've brought in a year's supply of prescription medicine before - in fact I've done it a couple of times and I've never had a problem.

Last year I came in and out of China about 20 times. I don't recall anyone ever going through my luggage. Not even once. Most I could say is that I needed to put my bags through the X-ray machine on my way out of Beijing International.

Things change quickly around here and there are no guarantees but my hunch is that you are going to be fine.

Travel well.

Y

[crisgee]

Yup, i just want to concur that there is no problem. I brought a 4-month supply of medications . Customs looked in my bag but i showed them my doctor's prescriptions (in English). They read it and let me go. It was 12 noon. The second time, i arrived at 1030pm with a 3 month supply. There were barely any customs officers and i exited without delay.

[Gareth Dream]

would it make any difference if the meds are adderall, since this is a controlled substance in China? Just wondering if there would be any restrictions or rules on bringing it in. It is prescribed of course.

[WinnipesaukeeGal]

I want to know how you were able to fill a 6-month prescription for those drugs in the US! I am moving to China soon, and am worried about not being able to fill my prescriptions there. I got a 3-month vacation override for some of my medications, but only 2 for the medications that are considered controlled substances. From what I understand, these will be even harder to find there. Any advice? I see lots of people asking about this topic here, but very few answers from people who've figured it out.

[abcdefg]

Any advice? I see lots of people asking about this topic here, but very few answers from people who've figured it out.

This is going to be between you and your doctor and your pharmacy. Someone else's solution won't necessarily work for you, especially if different insurance plans are involved.

[WinnipesaukeeGal]

If you have your prescriptions and a doctor's note, it shouldn't be a problem to bring in. Anyone have advice on finding a doctor in Beijing to prescribe refills?

[Cat Jones]

There are plenty of hosptials with "international/foreigner" departments where I'm sure you can get these prescriptions in Beijing. International SOS is a private international hospital in Beijing, but I'm not sure if you need an insurance policy with them. I'm not sure if you can just walk in.

[zhouhaochen]

Yes, I agree. At least in Beijing (I assume Shanghai too, though I do not live there) you should have no trouble getting the same medication as you do in the US. In addition to SOS, you could check out United Family Hopsital here.