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Original poster

How do I get a doctors letter for OTC medication?

128 replies

talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 12:37

I’m travelling to Norway at the weekend. I have a knee injury and I’ve been recommended to take cocodamol with me just in case it flares up. I have done a google search and it says that because it’s a controlled drug in most of Europe, I’ll need a prescription for it.

The only issue is, it’s OTC here! Do I just need to contact my GP, explain that I’ve been recommended to take cocodamol with me, and that because of the rules in Europe I need a prescription? Or am I best off doing a private GP’s appointment? I feel a bit confused now!

OP posts:
BrendaSmall · 23/02/2026 20:24

Jellybunny56 · 23/02/2026 12:50

Have a chat with your GP about it. You don’t need a prescription, a doctor’s letter would be enough- essentially its just to prove its for personal use.

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Unfortunately at my surgery you get charged £50 minimum for a letter from the doctor, where a prescription is £9 + , sorry don’t know how much a prescription is now a days but it’s a lot less than a letter

OP posts:
fossiltherapist · 23/02/2026 20:22

Contrarymary30 · 23/02/2026 20:19

I take cocodamol and oromorph to Europe every year since my cancer diagnosis and it's never been a problem . I take it in hand luggage so they do see it .

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Presumably you have a prescription for that though?

HotChocCreamAndMarshmallows · 23/02/2026 20:19

Oops. I took a blister pack of mine to Norway last year in my wash bag. Nothing happened. I was on a cruise though, not sure if airport security makes a difference

Contrarymary30 · 23/02/2026 20:19

talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 12:57

I’m worried about taking it in without the necessary paperwork.

I have insurance and they’re aware, but I don’t fancy a trip to the doctor while I’m there!

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I take cocodamol and oromorph to Europe every year since my cancer diagnosis and it's never been a problem . I take it in hand luggage so they do see it .

fossiltherapist · 23/02/2026 20:17

BIossomtoes · 23/02/2026 20:03

This. Stop being such a drama queen @talkwithmybestfriend. Stick it in your handbag and forget about it. We buy industrial quantities of strong painkillers in Malta because they’re OTC there and prescription only here. Nobody gives a shit.

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Multiple people have ended up in prison for doing dumb stuff like that.

missbish · 23/02/2026 20:16

fossiltherapist · 23/02/2026 20:13

Bloody hell there's a lot of people giving the op advice that could get her arrested.

😆😆

Lifestooshort71 · 23/02/2026 20:15

As your GP (presumably) knows what's wrong with you, can you do an online request for a script for the stronger dose? No need to say anything about a holiday, just say you need something stronger.

Twinklewonderkins · 23/02/2026 20:14

Ask your GP if they will prescribe you some.

fossiltherapist · 23/02/2026 20:13

Bloody hell there's a lot of people giving the op advice that could get her arrested.

SecretSquirrelLoo · 23/02/2026 20:10

No one in any country I’ve ever travelled to has ever asked to see my prescription for any of the medications I take.

missbish · 23/02/2026 20:06

BIossomtoes · 23/02/2026 20:03

This. Stop being such a drama queen @talkwithmybestfriend. Stick it in your handbag and forget about it. We buy industrial quantities of strong painkillers in Malta because they’re OTC there and prescription only here. Nobody gives a shit.

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Out of interest what painkillers are these ? 😆 I used to be able to get the prescription strength cocodamol in benidorm but they’ve tightened it all up now

missbish · 23/02/2026 20:05

FeelingALittleWoozyHere · 23/02/2026 20:04

I've never realsied this is an issue. I travel to Europe alot with otc cocodamol in my bag

It’s not an issue. Op has taken it quite literally. If you’re going on holiday they’re not going to bat an eyelid unless it’s copious amounts

FeelingALittleWoozyHere · 23/02/2026 20:04

I've never realsied this is an issue. I travel to Europe alot with otc cocodamol in my bag

BIossomtoes · 23/02/2026 20:03

missbish · 23/02/2026 19:39

Sorry but who the hell is going to ask to see your prescription for 8mg cocodamol? I think airport staff have bigger things to worry about.
It’s not like you’re taking a suitcase full of tramadol/morphine, it’s a packet or 2 of personal use painkillers for your stay. Massively overthinking this.

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This. Stop being such a drama queen @talkwithmybestfriend. Stick it in your handbag and forget about it. We buy industrial quantities of strong painkillers in Malta because they’re OTC there and prescription only here. Nobody gives a shit.

plumclafoutis · 23/02/2026 19:54

Datgal · 23/02/2026 19:46

I read that post and took it to mean alternative paracetamol and ibuprofen every 2 hours.
So, 10am take paracetamol. 12pm take ibuprofen. Para at 2pm and so on. Presumably so nothing wears off.
And this is what I'd do op, if you don't want to risk it (although I do!).

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I’m glad you did but I didn’t.

ForLoveNotMoney · 23/02/2026 19:48

OP, of you aren’t willing to just take a box in your luggage then get a private doctors note. This thread is just lots of people saying it will be fine and you stamping your feet saying it won’t. So pay for a private letter and move on.

Datgal · 23/02/2026 19:46

plumclafoutis · 23/02/2026 16:32

It is both irresponsible and dangerous to suggest people take paracetamol every two hours. They can be taken every 4-6 hours. The risk of damage to your body is not insignificant f you don’t spread the doses out.

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I read that post and took it to mean alternative paracetamol and ibuprofen every 2 hours.
So, 10am take paracetamol. 12pm take ibuprofen. Para at 2pm and so on. Presumably so nothing wears off.
And this is what I'd do op, if you don't want to risk it (although I do!).

missbish · 23/02/2026 19:41

talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 19:37

No the rules say to bring it in, you need a prescription

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Well myself along with loads on this thread have never been asked for proof of our prescription medication, so you won’t either. Relax

missbish · 23/02/2026 19:39

talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 15:12

The issue is you have to show it’s a prescription item. Even if bringing it from a place where it’s OTC, because it’s a controlled drug you have to show the prescription.

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Sorry but who the hell is going to ask to see your prescription for 8mg cocodamol? I think airport staff have bigger things to worry about.
It’s not like you’re taking a suitcase full of tramadol/morphine, it’s a packet or 2 of personal use painkillers for your stay. Massively overthinking this.

Original poster
talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 19:37

missbish · 23/02/2026 19:35

Isn’t that to buy it over there ? I’ve took diazepam and codeine plenty of times on holiday

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No the rules say to bring it in, you need a prescription

OP posts:
missbish · 23/02/2026 19:35

talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 13:03

Nope, it’s a controlled drug in most of Europe so you need a prescription

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Isn’t that to buy it over there ? I’ve took diazepam and codeine plenty of times on holiday

Songlines · 23/02/2026 19:33

I regularly take 2 boxes of 32 co-codamol to Spain and it's never been an issue. Equally I took the same amount to Norway last October without any problem. Only you can decide what you are comfortable doing but this is my experience.

Original poster
talkwithmybestfriend · 23/02/2026 19:23

RawBloomers · 23/02/2026 19:16

Why wouldn't you pay for everything that's not covered for anyone else either?

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If it was £20 I’d see your point, but £96 for less than five minutes of work is insanity.

OP posts: