Nurofen Plus (Codeine) a No No?

[prodigal]

I've been lurking here a long time and first want to thank everyone for this site.  I did a search on the following question but couldn't find any recent posts.

I am leaving tomorrow for my first trip there, 3 weeks there and I'm ecstatic; I will be mostly in El Nido, Cebu area and then Baguio mostly.  I occasionally use Nurofen Plus (extra strength tylenol with a low dose of codeine).  Is it safe to bring a small supply for personal use, or is it better to leave them at home?  

Many thanks!

[Old55]

Personally I would not travel with Nurofen Plus without a prescription. Used to be American citizens could return from Canada with 200 tablets but that is no longer allowed.

I do travel with prescription narcotic pain meds but always in the prescription bottles never had any issues Korea Hong Kong Japan or Philippines.

Edit; Enjoy your trip and please share your experiences as a first time visiter! Palawan should be lovely.

Edited January 7, 2018 by Old55

[Kuya John]

Prodigal

Firstly thanks for your comments and welcome to the forum.

After recent events elsewhere it would be better not to carry any drugs that are available over the counter in Philippines.

I'm sure there are members who can answer your question, however you have waited a little late if travelling tomorrow!

Better to be safe than sorry......leave them at home.

Or an after thought bring a empty carton with detail of contents which would/could be prescribed or matched in Phil;

Edited January 7, 2018 by Kuya John

[Lou49]

I travel with prescription narcotic pain meds too. Always in prescription bottles.  Never had a problem anywhere in the world.

[Jollygoodfellow]

3 hours ago, prodigal said:

I've been lurking here a long time and first want to thank everyone for this site.  I did a search on the following question but couldn't find any recent posts.

I am leaving tomorrow for my first trip there, 3 weeks there and I'm ecstatic; I will be mostly in El Nido, Cebu area and then Baguio mostly.  I occasionally use Nurofen Plus (extra strength tylenol with a low dose of codeine).  Is it safe to bring a small supply for personal use, or is it better to leave them at home?  

Many thanks!

I brought in the equivalent without problems. Place in clear plastic bag. If its a prescription medication in your country bring the prescription. Also these medications or equivalent are available here so if in doubt or no time leave at home. 

From a Philippines embassy site.

BRINGING MEDICINE INTO THE PHILIPPINES
Over the counter drugs are available in pharmacies or drug stores in the country. However, if visitors insist on bringing their own prescriptive drugs, they may do so but only in quantities sufficient for the duration of their stay in the country.

Visitors taking prescription drugs (tablets and ampoules) should bring a letter from their physician stating the condition for which they are receiving treatment and the dosage with English translation. The amount of drugs brought into the country should also be sufficient for the duration of the visit. For those who are travelling onward to another country, they are advised that separate quantity of drugs should be sealed and declared again before exiting the country.

Edited January 7, 2018 by Jollygoodfellow

[Dave Hounddriver]

I do not know if codeine is permitted in Philippines, but I do know I have been in and out of the country, many countries in fact, and never had anyone ask about my medicines.  I carry a small pouch with vitamins, OTC medicines, and prescription meds and no one has ever asked about them.  Not anywhere, not ever.  So that leads me to inquire:  Has anyone else ever been queried about legitimate meds?  (Not talking about sneaking in quantities of Viagra but just normal amounts of legitimate meds.)

[Tukaram (Tim)]

  If you need it you better bring it. You will almost certainly not get codeine here.  I had some dental work done and asked the dentist for a scrip and he freaked out like I asked for shabu.  They have very little here for pain management.  The best I have found is Tramadol, over the counter, but it is hardly better than a bag of M&Ms.  I brought Vicodin with me. In the prescription bottle.  No one has ever asked about it (I have not had a bag searched by customs since 1987).

[prodigal]

Many thanks to all!

[PaulB]

If your plane stops over in the UAE do NOT bring them as illegal here.

Paul

[AlwaysRt]

I also doubt very much Tylenol 3 (with Codeine) is available here over the counter. I suspect only one of the very few specialty doctors could prescribe it and then the problem would be finding a pharmacy that stocked it.

As far as flying with meds. I have been to a few dozen countries with never one question about them (4 separate prescriptions). In fact the one time I was stopped at security for a ransacking of my carry-on (in China), they were only interested in the electronics I had.