The latest travel hack being shared on TikTok involves transferring medication into smaller containers, such as empty Tic Tac boxes, to save space. One TikToker suggested: “It’s a lot smaller than the pill bottles.”
and even recommended asking your pharmacist for an extra label to wrap around it.
While this may seem like a clever way to maximise packing space, experts are warning that it could lead to serious issues, potentially preventing travellers from flying due to certain countries’ restrictions on travelling with medication. Safety concerns have also been raised.
Steve Brownett-Gale, from pharmaceutical packaging firm Origin, explained the rules around travelling with medication: “While the smaller container might marginally take up less space in your luggage, most countries require you to keep your medication in its original packaging when travelling overseas.”
He added: “Airport security may not be able to identify the medication if it is not in its original packaging or if the label is not clear or legible. This lack of identification could raise concerns and they may ask for additional information or documentation, delaying or even preventing you from boarding the flight.”, reports Wales Online.
George Sandhu, the deputy superintendent pharmacist at Well Pharmacy, strikes a chord of caution when it comes to travelling with medication. “Be aware of restrictions regarding controlled drugs you may be required to obtain an export licence prior to transporting set quantities (usually three months or more supply) into or out of the UK,” he warns.
Highlighting some substances that can trigger red flags, Sandhu elaborates, “Some examples of controlled drugs include diamorphine, diazepam, codeine, morphine and fentanyl. Customers should check with individual embassies or [check] Government advice on bringing medicine containing a controlled drug into the UK.”
He also offers practical advice for those carrying prescription medicines: “For prescription medicines, a letter from healthcare practitioners may be helpful. Additionally, be aware of airline regulations regarding liquid medication.”
Sandhu’s safety alert extends to the dangers of transporting medication inappropriately, putting particular emphasis on children’s wellbeing and the preservation of the medication’s integrity. Echoing these sentiments, Mitesh Desai, the director at Landys Chemist, cautions against repackaging medications due to potential risks.
“In addition to the hassle of making it through the airport, you could also run the risk of diminishing the effectiveness of your medication by putting it into a different container.”
“Medical packaging is designed to protect medication from interacting with elements such as light, heat, moisture, and air, which can degrade the potency of medicine over time. When you remove your medication’s original packaging, exposure to external elements can reduce the stability of the medication’s formulation and contribute to a potential loss of therapeutic benefits.”
Moreover, it’s crucial not to overlook child safety concerns.
“Medical packaging often incorporates child-resistant features such as anti-twist child locks, to prevent accidental ingestion by curious young children, who may mistake medicine for a sweet treat,” Desai added. “When you remove medicine from its child-resistant packaging, you increase the risk of accidental poisoning or the ingestion of harmful substances by children.”