Buying Prescription Medicine Abroad

thebuzz

Can anyone tell me what the law is on buying prescription medicine abroad, for personal use? (Within the EU if that matters) Is it legal? If so, what are the limits on how much can be brought in? Also, can you purchase it for a family member or does the person they're for have to be travelling too?

Been trying to find out online but most things I find seems to relate to people buying the medicine online, which is illegal. Anyone know where I could get an answer to this?

Dunford

I bought a single piece of medicine on line years ago to try it. it was a fraction of the price that was being charged in Ireland. customs stopped it and wouldn't hand it over.


a lot of people stock up here in Spain and go back as its a lot cheaper.

There is something serious sick and wrong about the Irish medical services.

thebuzz

No one any idea of legality of this/limits?

plodder

Buying medicines over the internet and getting them delivered by post, is definitely illegal here. Buying abroad in person couldn't be though. I've bought some regular medication we needed in Spain and brought it back here. I have also got prescriptions filled up North. I imagine you just have to comply with local regulations wherever you want to purchase. That's more based on experience rather than knowledge of laws/regulations.

arthur daly

Importing any prescription medication on the net will be illegal regardless of it been over the counter in the country of origin.
If it were ok to do the junkies would have a field day.

Victor

Buying normal quantities of controlled medicines with a prescription and importing them personally usually isn't a problem.

Importing them for someone else, in large quantities or importing them via a third party (post, courier, friend, etc.) without a licence would be problematic.

If it isn't a controlled medicine, it shouldn't a be problem at all.

NUTLEY BOY

Check it out with the Health Products Regulatory Authority - formerly the Irish Medicines Board.

Link https://www.hpra.ie/

Better to find out from them than having an awkward conversation with Customs at the airport.

If you are concerned about some particular intended medication and quantity get the confirmation advice in writing from HPRA and keep that in your pocket for Customs if you meet them

ganmo

While the eu does have free trade control and regulation of medicines is still done by governments meaning there are huge variations in regulations resulting in customs stopping the packages of online purchases of medicines.

thebuzz

Hi, has anyone here got prescription medicine from Portugal and brought it back? Any problems?