Sending prescription meds UK>US
May 22nd 2024, 3:57 am
#1
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 20
Sending prescription meds UK>US
Hi folks
Does anyone have any experience shipping medication from the UK to the US?
I take a medication that is FDA approved but more cost effective to source in the UK. I have a UK prescription and a family member can mail it to me. I'm seeing conflicting info; FedEx states you can ship 90 days' supply providing you include the original prescription in the name of the recipient (this is all fine), but then on their list of prohibited items is 'medication'.
Annoyingly, I was just back in the UK and missed my delivery by a day!
Appreciate any insight!
Does anyone have any experience shipping medication from the UK to the US?
I take a medication that is FDA approved but more cost effective to source in the UK. I have a UK prescription and a family member can mail it to me. I'm seeing conflicting info; FedEx states you can ship 90 days' supply providing you include the original prescription in the name of the recipient (this is all fine), but then on their list of prohibited items is 'medication'.
Annoyingly, I was just back in the UK and missed my delivery by a day!
Appreciate any insight!
May 24th 2024, 6:03 am
#3
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,558
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
The "90 days supply" rule is for visitors to the US bringing prescription medications with them, not for US residents to ship medication from overseas.
You could try mailing the medication covertly/ undisclosed, but if US customs find it, the contents would likely be destroyed before you even heard that your mail had been "opened for inspection", and if the contents had not been destroyed it would be because they were needed as evidence in a prosecution, which could turn ugly for the recipient named on the package!
In short, trying to circumvent the rules is almost certainly more trouble, and more risky, than it is worth.
You could try mailing the medication covertly/ undisclosed, but if US customs find it, the contents would likely be destroyed before you even heard that your mail had been "opened for inspection", and if the contents had not been destroyed it would be because they were needed as evidence in a prosecution, which could turn ugly for the recipient named on the package!
In short, trying to circumvent the rules is almost certainly more trouble, and more risky, than it is worth.
May 24th 2024, 8:50 am
#4
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,097
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
The "90 days supply" rule is for visitors to the US bringing prescription medications with them, not for US residents to ship medication from overseas.
You could try mailing the medication covertly/ undisclosed, but if US customs find it, the contents would likely be destroyed before you even heard that your mail had been "opened for inspection", and if the contents had not been destroyed it would be because they were needed as evidence in a prosecution, which could turn ugly for the recipient named on the package!
In short, trying to circumvent the rules is almost certainly more trouble, and more risky, than it is worth.
You could try mailing the medication covertly/ undisclosed, but if US customs find it, the contents would likely be destroyed before you even heard that your mail had been "opened for inspection", and if the contents had not been destroyed it would be because they were needed as evidence in a prosecution, which could turn ugly for the recipient named on the package!
In short, trying to circumvent the rules is almost certainly more trouble, and more risky, than it is worth.
May 24th 2024, 9:32 am
#5
SUPER MODERATOR
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 88,097
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
Hi folks
Does anyone have any experience shipping medication from the UK to the US?
I take a medication that is FDA approved but more cost effective to source in the UK. I have a UK prescription and a family member can mail it to me. I'm seeing conflicting info; FedEx states you can ship 90 days' supply providing you include the original prescription in the name of the recipient (this is all fine), but then on their list of prohibited items is 'medication'.
Annoyingly, I was just back in the UK and missed my delivery by a day!
Appreciate any insight!
Does anyone have any experience shipping medication from the UK to the US?
I take a medication that is FDA approved but more cost effective to source in the UK. I have a UK prescription and a family member can mail it to me. I'm seeing conflicting info; FedEx states you can ship 90 days' supply providing you include the original prescription in the name of the recipient (this is all fine), but then on their list of prohibited items is 'medication'.
Annoyingly, I was just back in the UK and missed my delivery by a day!
Appreciate any insight!
May 25th 2024, 7:06 am
#6
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 46,462
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
Since you are living in the US, I'm assuming you have healthcare insurance. If so, see if your meds can be Canadian sourced. They are slowly allowing some meds to be shipped to patients with proper prescription from Canada to the US.
Frankly, is it really worth all the trouble and potential legal ramifications to save a few dollars?
Frankly, is it really worth all the trouble and potential legal ramifications to save a few dollars?
May 27th 2024, 6:18 am
#8
Joined: Dec 2001
Location: Dixie, ex UK
Posts: 52,558
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
Sorry, not I .... I don't know how long it's been running, but maybe 2-3 episodes 12-15 years ago. 
In fact I don't watch any TV show regularly, and the last time I watched any sort of regular TV production, was when I, over several years, watched the entire Breaking Bad series, but I probably finished watching that around 2018 give or take a year. I started watching Ozarks after that, but only made it through the first 3-4 episodes.
In fact I don't watch any TV show regularly, and the last time I watched any sort of regular TV production, was when I, over several years, watched the entire Breaking Bad series, but I probably finished watching that around 2018 give or take a year. I started watching Ozarks after that, but only made it through the first 3-4 episodes.
Jun 10th 2024, 11:03 pm
#9
Just Joined
Joined: Jan 2024
Location: Bath, UK
Posts: 5
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
The NHS is a residency-based service, and if you are living abroad and still claiming a prescription from the UK, you are I am afraid causing the issuing doctor to commit fraud, as they receive Govt money based on the people they have on their books - you need to advise your GP that you are away.
Jun 11th 2024, 2:36 am
#10
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,849
Re: Sending prescription meds UK>US
The NHS is a residency-based service, and if you are living abroad and still claiming a prescription from the UK, you are I am afraid causing the issuing doctor to commit fraud, as they receive Govt money based on the people they have on their books - you need to advise your GP that you are away.
Jun 12th 2024, 3:38 am
#13
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 671
Jun 12th 2024, 4:31 am
#15
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Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 671
