How do I get a doctors letter for OTC medication?

[talkwithmybestfriend]

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!

Get some before you go…?

the physio recommended it, ask the physio to put that in writing

It depends on the strength surely? And you can buy it there I guess?
I doubt it's illegal to bring a packet of nurofen plus to Norway. Maybe ME would be that strict.

Just buy it before you go. Each person is allowed to take two packs of any OTC medication for your own use, a couple of days is absolutely nothing. Not sure why you'd need a GP letter for that because when/where anyone attempt to test you for drugs? If they check bags at the airport they are looking for illegal drugs and definitely not reading the fine print on some tablets that were clearly bought OTC from Boots.

This isn’t true.

codeine is a controlled substance across most of Europe so you have to carry a prescription with you

I have taken adhd medication abroad many times and never been questioned about it. I took a med review letter once because the label was on the box not the bottle (I chucked the box) but still wasnt asked about it so I would think you will be ok! I have flown from NW airports only

I've always got some strong painkillers in my case and travel constantly. I've never been questioned anywhere in the world, even when having my luggage emptied out, but I'm told that being able to show even a note on the NHS app would suffice. As long as it's a quantity that's clearly for nothing more than personal use, you'll be fine.

If you're super paranoid your GP or a private service will usually write you a letter, but they may charge. If you're taking a lot, ask them to include the recommended dose.

I once got through security at Gatwick - including a bag search - with a surprise baggy of MDMA in my carry on.

I reckon you'll be fine 😅

If you buy it from a pharmacist they should be able to put a pharmacist prescription on it.

It's not worth the risk and you can't get it otc in Norway, I'd ask the physio to email the Dr and arrange a prescription.

im thinking I’m going to have to bite the bullet and go for a private GP in order to get it in time

I’ve packed it every time I have traveled over the years and absolutely never had an issue. Usually a pack on my person and a pack in luggage.
It might technically be in the rules @talkwithmybestfriend but they don’t have sniffer dogs looking for it.

Is it referenced anywhere on the notes in your NHS app? I wouldn’t be paying for a doctors letter. The chances are absolutely miniscule.

I really think that's overkill, and an unnecessary expense for you.
Just take a few wrapped up in a box in the middle of your suitcase. Honestly there will be no issues!

Co-codamol 8/500 is not much more use for pain relief than paracetamol. If you're in real pain you would benefit from 30/500 (which there's currently a shortage of). Why not make an NHS GP appointment for review and see if they will prescribe you codeine 30mg or something else more appropriate?

It's actually also a controlled drug in the UK. Just a low schedule.

Co-Codamol is a schedule 5 controlled drug in the UK. I take much stronger and higher classed controlled drugs in multiple forms. Last year I holidayed abroad 10 times and was not once asked about my medication.
There are many meds that are class 5 that not many people would realise and therefore would not ask for documentation to take them abroad.

Because private letters for that type of purpose are not classed as NHS work .
Also- because of that- there's usually a 28 day turnaround for letters, reports etc.

you might have to go without co-codymol

I think so. I think I’ll do the private GP appt just to see if they can give me anything for some relief, but for my trip I don’t know what I’ll do.

I'd just take one blister pack strip and put it in the middle of my suitcase.

Is the recommendation from the physio on the nhs app? That would be sufficient i suspect. They won’t be worrying anyway as long as its only sufficient for your trip and it’s in original packaging.

I always take OtC cocodamol on holiday with me. Just in case of emergencies and for the odd handover, I’ve taken it to Germany, Italy, Spain, canaries, France, Poland, Holland. I’ve never once been stopped or questioned about it. Didn’t even occur to me tbh.

I tried to arrange a doctor’s letter for my son to take on an overseas school trip re: his prescription meds, and they said it would take 6 weeks to do… which we didn’t have time for.
In the end, I photographed the prescription, and the boxes of meds were intact and labelled, and the gp receptionist agreed to print out some of the medical notes showing what was prescribed and what for.

If it were me, I would try to get a gp appointment before you go, and get the to prescribe stronger co-codamol, and keep a copy of the prescription to show at the airport.

Or, if you want to stick to OTC, can’t you buy it from the airport, and keep the receipt to show them?

No, my NHS app only shows doctors info, nothing from the hospital.

My GP receptionist said it’s 6-8 weeks for a letter and £96!!! They can bugger off!

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.

So can your GP fit you in quickly to prescribe you some proper co-codamol? You can keep a copy of the prescription to show at the airport. I have to take prescription co-codamol, and they really help..