Bringing medications to Canada

[shariq123]

Hi.

I will be making my first landing in April and wanted to understand, firstly, whether I can bring medicines in my checked baggage? I would only be bringing over-the-counter medicines (at least they are OTC in Saudi Arabia).

Secondly, how do I get to know which medicines are prohibited to bring and which aren't? Is there an official list posted by Canada? And if a medicine in Saudi Arabia that can be acquired OTC but requires prescription in Canada, are there consequences for bringing that medicine to Canada without a prescription? Again how would I know which medicines require prescription in Canada while I'm sitting in Saudi Arabia?

Thirdly, do medicines have to be in their original packing with leaflets indicating the contents of the medicine? If I bring Augmentin and Panadol that have been partially used, is that an issue?

I may be overthinking and worrying too much but I don't want to break any law, even unknowingly.

Would greatly appreciate if someone can guide me on this. Thanks.

 

[Bs65]

Start here https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/medication

and here section 6

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/compliance-enforcement/importation-exportation/guidance-document-import-requirements-health-products-under-food-drugs-act-regulations-0084.html

Basic rule is not more than 90 day supply for any one drug

 

[canuck78]

Also they should have pharmacist label if they are prescription drugs.

 

[bdroid89]

Do I have to declare over-the-counter/prescription medication in BSF186 form? I'm landing for the first time as a PR.

 

[canuck78]

Do I have to declare over-the-counter/prescription medication in BSF186 form? I'm landing for the first time as a PR.

You need to make sure the medications are legal in Canada and can only bring a 90 day supply of any prescription medication. No you don’t need to declare them.

 

[bdroid89]

You need to make sure the medications are legal in Canada and can only bring a 90 day supply of any prescription medication. No you don’t need to declare them.

They are fairly typical hypertension medication, flu/headache (over the counter) meds, and some eye drops. I will make sure to include a proper prescription for them.

 

[visatest]

They are fairly typical hypertension medication, flu/headache (over the counter) meds, and some eye drops. I will make sure to include a proper prescription for them.

Just curious, why do you have to import parity products. The CBSA has an interest in drug importation. It is an area you best leave alone. Buy at Rexall and get a generic for your blood pressure meds.

 

[bdroid89]

Just curious, why do you have to import parity products. The CBSA has an interest in drug importation. It is an area you best leave alone. Buy at Rexall and get a generic for your blood pressure meds.

Don't want to go shopping for meds the next day and because they are cheaper in my home country.

 

[visatest]

Don't want to go shopping for meds the next day and because they are cheaper in my home country.

Try getting them on Amazon.ca. They are much cheaper there.

 

[bdroid89]

Try getting them on Amazon.ca. They are much cheaper there.

I'll look into it.

 

[canuck78]

I'll look into it.

Would disagree that medication is cheaper on amazon. Just buy generic at a drugstore or grocery store. They often have sales as well.

 

[canuck78]

They are fairly typical hypertension medication, flu/headache (over the counter) meds, and some eye drops. I will make sure to include a proper prescription for them.

Would google if they are legal in Canada. Some things available abroad are not legal in Canada.

 

[visatest]

Would disagree that medication is cheaper on amazon. Just buy generic at a drugstore or grocery store. They often have sales as well.

Take a good look at Amazon they do have reduced cost brands.

 

[canuck78]

Take a good look at Amazon they do have reduced cost brands.

In general amazon in Canada often doesn’t have the greatest deals compared to places like the US. There is really no need to argue about this.