Meds In Dubai

[foodluva]

I'm travelling to Dubai soon. I keep reading conflicting info re what I can and can't take through Dubai in terms of medications - and some horror stories too! I take Omeprazole, Fluticasone nasal spray, HRT and Tramadol. I just wondered if anyone knew if these would all be ok with a doctor's letter? I am aware that the Tramadol is classed as a semi controlled drug (though not as bad as codeine) but just can't seem to get any definitive info on this subject? Ive even read that sometimes a copy of doctor's script/letter is not necessarily foolproof! Aaaargh! P.s I've also posted this in travel but know how the guys in Body and Soul can be really helpful! I'm starting to feel scared about the whole thing!!!!

[Sqad]

Omeprazole, HRT and your steroid nasal spray would certainly be available in the UAE.

Tramadol is a different ball game. I would get a note from your doctor and a repeat prescription concerning the drug and it's indication and i would take enough in for my holiday.

[foodluva]

Thanks sqad! I'm only passing through Dubai on way to Bangkok and my return leg gives me an overnight stay in Dubai! The tramadol is for severe endometriosis but I am currently in the early stages of treatment with Decapeptyl which should keep me in a menopause (hence HRT - which ive not taken yet as ive no menopausal symptoms) The drug initially caused exacerbation of symptoms and it was hell! I think my ovaries have shut down now (I get the next jag on Monday which should last 3 months) but I have a terrible fear of leaving my tramadol at home and my body suddenly coming out of menopause and I'm stranded without the analgesia I need. I'm led to believe that wont happen! If it did happen and I was in Thailand I don't think if be too worried as I think you can buy all sorts over the counter there! But Dubai is a different matter! I've even read that you can be detained for OTC meds and meds that can be bought in their own pharmacies! Apparently I need a doctor's letter for the HRT! The whole thing is just stressing me out! Wish I wasn't going via Dubai!!!!!

[meglet]

Tramadol is classed as a controlled substance in the UAE. This from the embassy website:


Medication

Individuals may bring medicine into the country for their personal use. Up to three months’ supply of a prescription item can be brought into the country by a visitor and 12 months’ supply by a resident if they can produce a doctor’s letter or a copy of the original prescription. Narcotic items can only be brought into the UAE in exceptional cases with prior permission from the director of medicine and pharmacy control. These guidelines relate to medicines brought in by an individual through an airport or border crossing and medicines arriving by post.

Visitors must take care to ensure that medicines and medications prescribed in their home countries are not restricted before travelling to the UAE. The UAE Ministry of Health’s Drug Control Department publishes a list of controlled medicines and medications. Visitors should contact the Ministry of Health drug control department to check whether their medication is on the controlled list, and needs prior permission for importation. The Customer Service Centre of the drug control department can be contacted by emailing [email protected], by telephone on [phone] or by fax [phone].

Is there any way of changing your route?

[Sqad]

meglet....interesting.

[meglet]

The embassy is always a good place to start. I'll be moving to Abu Dhabi (from Saudi Arabia) in a few months so tend to check these things out in advance.

Personally I'd risk it foodluva If you are stopped and searched, my reckoning is that customs will take it off you and won't detain you. Especially as you're passing through. Unless you look like a dodgy character!!

I took some controlled drugs into Saudi when I got here 3 months ago.

[Sqad]

foodluva.......good advice from meglet.........I would risk it too.

[Grandma_Yiddo]

I rang the UAE embassy and asked them as I am on high doses of co-codamol. They advised me to get a letter from my gp saying what I was on and what for. We are off to live in Abu Dhabi next week.

[237SJ]

No problem with a doctor's note/prescription.

[foodluva]

Thanks everyone for your replies! Will get a doctor's note and hope for the best!