Prescriptions for Travel
Our pharmacy team can collaborate with prescribers to obtain prescriptions for common, preventable travel-related illnesses, including malaria, altitude sickness, traveller's diarrhea, and more.
Travelling with Prescription Drugs?
Rexall Pharmacists
Can Help
Common Travel Prescription
Medications.
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Before you travel, it’s important to check that your prescriptions are legal in the county you’re visiting, or if they need prior approval from local authorities. It’s also recommended that you do not buy medications outside of Canada, as they may not meet the same safety and quality standards or could even be counterfeit.
To confirm the status of your prescriptions in your destination(s), and find effective alternatives, book a travel health consultation with our travel-knowledgeable pharmacists.
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Malaria is a mosquito-borne parasitic infection common in Asia, the Middle East, Central South America, Hispaniola, and Oceania. According to the World Health Organization, there are five parasite species that affect humans, two of which pose the greatest threat: Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Additionally, in certain geographical locations, the parasite is resistant to some anti-malarial medications.
If you're travelling to an area where malaria is present, it is recommended to take anti-malarial medication before, during, and after your trip. Rexall Pharmacists can work with your healthcare provider to help you obtain international travel prescription drugs for malaria, so be sure to speak with yours before your trip!
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Altitude sickness, also known as mountain sickness, is a result of a decrease in oxygen with the higher your elevation, including symptoms such nausea and tiredness starting as low as 2,500 meters (8,000 feet). Altitude sickness is common when travelling by plane, especially among children.
To prevent altitude sickness during flights or if your travel plans involve climbing to high altitudes, talk to your pharmacist. We can work with your healthcare provider to get you medications like acetazolamide, which you can take before or after symptoms appear.
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According to Health Canada, travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness among travellers. It can be caused by several different bacteria, parasites, or viruses, and is easily spread through contact with others or contaminated food and water.
Traveller’s diarrhea is particularly common in developing countries such as those in Central and South America, Mexico, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. If you’re travelling to a high-risk destination, talk to your pharmacist about preventative antidiarrheal options, including vaccines, antibiotics, and over-the- counter medications, which you can take before your trip and during if it strikes.
Expert Tips for Travelling with Prescription Medication
Book a travel health consultation before you go
Book a travel health consultation before you go to ensure your prescriptions are legal in your destination(s), refill prescriptions, and get travel prescription medications recommended for your trip.
Keep prescriptions in their original, labelled packaging
Keep prescriptions in their original, labelled packaging to help during security checks and to ensure you don’t mix up your prescriptions with other ones you may be taking or another traveller's.
Bring copies of your original prescription
Bring copies of your original prescription to prepare for security checks and customs inspections, and to easily replace lost or stolen medications while you’re away.
Pack extra medication in multiple bags
Pack extra medication in multiple bags in case of unexpected delays and lost or stolen baggage during your trip.
Find All Your Travel Essentials at Rexall
Travel Health Consultations
Health Canada recommends visiting a travel health provider four to six weeks before you travel. Get a personalized pre-travel health assessment from a Rexall Pharmacist online or in-person at one of our Pharmacist Care Walk-in Clinics.
Travel Vaccines
Depending on your destination, Health Canada recommends travel vaccines to protect you from preventable illnesses. We offer essential travel vaccinations, like yellow fever vaccines, and can issue an International Certificate of Vaccination.
Over-The-Counter Travel Medications
Discover essential medications for travel and build your travel health kit with the help of our pharmacists.
Travel Essentials
Visit Rexall to shop travel essentials, including travel-sized toiletries, first aid products, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can travel with prescription medication on a plane. It’s best practice to bring your prescriptions in your carry-on, keep it in its original, labelled packaging, and bring a copy of your original prescription. Health Canada also highly recommends bringing a doctor’s note stating the reasons why you’re taking it.
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If your prescription is illegal in your travel destination(s), book a travel health consultation online to talk with a pharmacist. They can review your prescription medication, and work with your physician to help you obtain the appropriate medication you need before your trip.
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According to Health Canada, you can travel in and out of Canada with someone else’s prescription containing a narcotic, controlled drug, or targeted substance, if they are travelling with you and you are responsible for them. However, this rule may not apply in other countries you plan to visit. It’s important to contact foreign representatives in Canada for the country, or countries, you plan to visit to verify their travel requirements before you leave.
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To get a copy of your prescription for travel, talk to your Rexall Pharmacist. If you filled your prescription at a Rexall Pharmacy, then your pharmacist can get you a copy. Alternatively, you can ask your family doctor or healthcare provider who originally wrote the prescription.
Questions about medications for travel?
Book a travel health consultation.
Get vaccines and medications recommended for your destination.
Book Your Consultation