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CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
All medication that you take with you when travelling outside Canada must be in its original
pharmacy-issued packaging with dispensary label intact that shows your name and other pertinent
information such as the drug’s name, dosage and DIN (drug identification number). Do not
consolidate medication in larger single containers to save space or likewise transfer medication into
store-purchased “week at a glance” pill dispensers before you travel.
If flying, always carry your medication in your carry-on luggage in the event your checked luggage is
temporarily lost by the airline.
It is important to remember that some medication that can be purchased over-the-counter in
Canada is in fact restricted to prescription-only status in the United States or other countries. For this
reason, it is advisable to carry a physician’s note explaining your medical condition(s) and your daily
medication routine (prescription and non-prescription), as over-the-counter medication will not have
a pharmacy dispensary label attached that is issued in your name.
In the case of injectable medication – such as insulin for diabetes – it is important to have a
physician’s note explaining your condition and the reason for you to be legitimately carrying syringes.
Without a note, there could be a misunderstanding that they are for illegal drug use. If flying to your
destination, check with the airline in advance of travelling as to any security restriction with regard to
carrying syringes (in any quantity) on board an aircraft.
Some medication (e.g. pain killers or cough syrups containing codeine), even though legally
prescribed in Canada, are limited by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), to 50 dosage units
regardless of your medical condition or the time you will be in the United States.
With respect to having your Canadian pharmacy ship a top-up supply of medication to you, it is
important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not approve a particular
form or format for information to accompany the personal use shipment of Canadian medication into
the United States, or likewise approve any specific protocol scheme to help facilitate the importation
of unapproved drugs, because to do so would imply that such importation meets the FDA’s personal
importation guidance and is legally permitted.
The best recommendation as to accompanying documentation with your medication, when shipping
it from Canada to you U.S.-based vacation home is:
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Photocopy of your passport
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Photocopy of your Canadian physician’s note that clearly shows his/her name and address of
practice along with your name and full Canadian address.
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Your doctor’s note should specifically mention your medical condition, including the date of
first diagnosis; the most recent date(s) of office visits and/or treatments; the list of medications
including dosage; and that “the medication is for the continuation of a treatment which began
back in Canada”.
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Ensure that any documentation or pharmacy labels and instructions, not originally issued in
English are accompanied with a proper English translation.
While these steps may not stop the package from being intercepted and officially opened for
inspection, they may help increase the likelihood of your medication being safely delivered to you in
the United States.
If you have any questions as to whether a specific medication may be brought into the United States,
please contact the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at 1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-263-6332).