Non-prescription medicines in India and USA
It would be very helpful if I could carry motion sickness pills, fever and cold antibiotic pills with me. I do not have fever or cold at the moment, but will very likely catch one due to sudden temperature changes. These medications are obtained over the counter here in India. Will these fall under restricted items by the US customs? I don't know their names, but these pills are usually non-sedating in nature.
Best Answer
I am in NZ and do not know the specific of US law, but I have little doubt that you are putting yourself at risk.
A number of medicines that can be obtained 'over the counter' in India would be illegal in NZ without a prescription, or at all. There is every reason to think that the same applies in the US. There is no reason not to check explicitly what applies re anything that you intend to carry. There are an ongoing number of foreigners spending time in foreign prisons or, in a few cases, waiting excecution, who claim complete innocence re what they were carrying. The US is not as draconian as India, but there are some things that can be freely bought in India that carry the death penalty in Singapore. In the US you may only face imprisonment.
While you say "cold antibiotic pills", the fact that there is no such thing demonstrates that your terminology and knowledge are inexact and that you run the risk of carrying "harmless" products that could cause you problems.
Pseudoephedrine based products, commonly used for "a runny nose" are used as precursors for methamphetamine production and can get you in major trouble with some administrations. Carry those undeclared into NZ and you would face instant eviction or prosecution.
Codeine based medicines can be problematic.
Unprescribed antibiotics are illegal in NZ - I do not know what applies in the US.
There is no reason not to investigate the specific rules applying in the US, and every reason to do so.
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What drugs are over-the-counter in India?
The DTAB has approved a list of OTC drugs which includes medicines like antifungal infections, analgesics (pain killers), cough syrups, decongestants, laxatives, antiseptics and medicines for gum infections.Can I send non prescription medicine to USA?
Warning: The FDA prohibits the importation, by mail or in person, of fraudulent prescription and nonprescription drugs and medical devices.Which medicines do not need prescription?
OTC drugs are:- Drugs that do NOT require a doctor's prescription.
- Bought off-the-shelf in stores.
- Regulated by FDA through OTC Drug monographs. OTC drug monographs are a kind of "recipe book" covering acceptable ingredients, doses, formulations, and labeling.
Can I buy medicine in USA with Indian prescription?
Q: Can a foreign traveler get a prescription filled when visiting the U.S.? A: If you're traveling to the United States from another country and need a prescription filled, you should visit a health care provider. Very few pharmacies can fill a foreign prescription, and this is determined on a state-by-state basis.Medical Store in USA | Doctor Fees? Indian in America
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Answer 2
Probably the pills will face no objection, if they are few in quantity and preferably in their original packaging. However, there is no reason to bring most of them (apart from the motion sickness pills perhaps), as they are readily available in the US at low cost.
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