coachuk

Been searching the web for an answer and all I have found is scary information. Decided to ask those who may know and have 1st hand experience.

I am coming to Dubai for the first time next week to run a training programme. It's my first ever visit and I'm in and out in 3 days.

I suffer from the occasional headache especially when tired (which I will be on this intense trip). I would usually carry around some TESCO branded Paracetamol (500mg) and Ibuprofen (200mg) but am concerned this wouldn't be allowed through customs (at least not without a stay in a local cell )

I also carry an inhaler for Asthma.

Can anyone give advise on whether I should leave headache stuff behind (it's not doctor prescribed so have no note)

Thanks

lionheart

They do have pharmacies and even clinics here in Dubai. It's not exactly the Third World...except in certain districts, perhaps. Leave your meds at home.

Bahtatboy

Bring the prescription for the inhaler.

I doubt there's any risk in bringing in paracetamol or ibrupro, but I suppose just in case leave them behind and buy them here. There are pharmacies on every street corner, and in most instances you can get stuff over the counter which you'd need a prescription for in UK (although they are stiffening the laws).

coachuk

Thanks for the info. I wasn't sure if they were available. I guess it seems odd from my perspective that I can buy them there but can't bring them in.

I know Dubai has pharmacies but not sure my schedule will allow me time to get to one. I will have to factor that in or ask my local rep to get some.

Thanks re the inhaler, I'll bring my prescription for that.

I guess that brings up another question.

I use OTC eyedrops, just for tired eyes and reducing red eye. Should I leave those behind too. Yikes it can be complicated...

flares

Paracetemol and Ibuprofen freely available in UAE although they do have issues with Codine IIRC.

Shove em in a condom and swallow a day before travelling to be on the safe side.

Madam Medusa

don't think there's any issue with those - the inhaler is defo fine, i know a few people who carry them with them when they travel...

there was a thread on this a few years ago, don't know how up to date the list is, but have a look: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showt...ne#post4760810

MM, xx

coachuk

Are there any pharmacies at the airport after clearing customs and all checks?

ctfc

Not a problem.

The one you need to make sure you don't bring with you is called Nurofen+ in the UK as it contains codeine which is illegal and could, potentially, in theory, get you into trouble, so not worth bringing.

If in any doubt leave everything behind and buy here. You can easily buy paracetamol, which is also known by American name here -acetaminophen - almost everywhere eg. in supermarkets and corner shops (your hotel shop will have it) and ibuprofen in any pharmacy here.

The Dean

An 'intense' trip?? Three days??

Good grief............

[PS - codeine, as others have said, is a narcotic here........ if you bring it, you'll find your three-day intense trip turns into a four-year uncomfortable trip....]

coachuk

Intense as in, I'm in then off again around the globe on an intensive training delivery session. Only 3 days in Dubai but a whole lot more before and after

No worries re codeine. That has been well documented in pretty much every article I could find. The others I wasn't so sure of.

I will leave it all behind (except asthma stuff) and buy when there.

Thanks for all you help I appreciate it.

Right back to my rather intense trip

csdf

Panadol (a brand of paracetamol) is ubiquitous throughout the Gulf countries. I haven't seen ibuprofen but that's probably because I don't know what the local branded version is called.

Hello.Kitty

you can usually get the pharmacies to deliver too...

Meow

I think you just ask for 'Brufen' and no prescription is required.

Millsyisland

That's correct.

You can also buy the asthma inhalers (ventolin) over the counter in pharmacies and I generally travel in and out of the country frequently with one in my hand luggage with no issues (so far......)

OriginalSunshine

me too