I'm trying to pack light for a trip, and am wondering if there is any reason why I shouldn't just open a few single-serve OTC medicines (like Lactaid and Sudafed), and throw them loose in a pill container, rather than dealing with all the extra packaging. The labels don't mention anything about the drug's efficacy degrading once removed from the packaging, but if that's the case, why even bother with those annoying blister packs in the first place? Has anyone asked their pharmacist whether it's ok to remove single-serve medications from their packaging and store like regular pills?
Answers (1)
silmarien8 Sep 2011
I'd recommend you NOT do this, as it may look very suspicious to Airport Security people.
I always take my medication bottles with me for travel (OTC and rx only), especially for international travel (some medications are illegal in other countries, or are prescription only).
Better safe than sorry.
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.
Similar questions
Hi, I will like to ask whether the Medicine side effect includes Drying lips or even cracking lips?
After consuming Sudafed PE for my blocked nose, My lips started drying up. I feel that my lips sting whenever my tougue touches my lip. It contains ...
1 answer • 28 Aug 2009 • 
Can OTC Sudafed cause my urine drug screen to test positive for methamphetamines?
it would be the sudafed that is behind the pharmacy counter. this sudafed is one of the many ingredients used to manufacture meth.
1 answer • 1 Apr 2010 •
At what age can children take Lactaid tablets?
1 answer • 27 Aug 2010 •
Can lactaid help in preventing pancreatitis?
Can the enzymes in lactaid help by breaking down dairy or occasional fatty foods, if I'm in the early stages of pancreatitis? Had it twice in 3 ...
1 answer • 27 Nov 2011 •
Rite, I have faced problems at customs trying to clear my meds for personal use, better carry them in the original pack.
Thanks for the responses. I always carry any rx pills in their original bottles, but as I'm not traveling abroad/going through customs, I can't imagine having any problems with clearly identifiable OTC medications (the names are stamped on each pill). Even putting the travel issue aside, I like to keep a single pill bottle of "in case of emergency" OTC meds (Lactaid, antacids, Sudafed, Advil) in my purse, and just want to make sure that I'm not rendering any of it ineffective by taking them out of the blister packs several days/weeks in advance of using them. Any thoughts?
Ussualy pills are not recommened to be taken out of blister packs, as the blisters are meant to be used as protection of the pills against light, dust, maybe heat etc... or cross contamination with other meds/articles.
Ah, that makes sense. Thanks Rajive.
Thanks, you take care, best wishes!