Medical Treatment and Round-the-World Trip

Hi everyone,

I’m planning to set off on a "round-the-world" trip/long journey at the start of next year, lasting between 4.5 and 6 months. For now, the itinerary looks like this: South Korea (2 weeks) -> Japan (1 month) -> New Zealand (1 month) -> Argentina (1 month) -> United States (1 month).

I’m on medication (paroxetine 20 mg/day) and was hoping to bring enough for the entire trip so I wouldn’t have to find a doctor on the spot, deal with a molecule that might be slightly different from what’s available in France, or wonder if that’s even a possibility. Basically, it seemed simpler on paper...

But after looking into the regulations for each country, it’s suddenly way less simple . Many seem to only allow the amount corresponding to the length of your "stay" in the country... Which is a problem if I arrive in Korea with 4.5 months’ worth of medication, for example.

After all that, and even though I’ll obviously contact the relevant authorities in each country (fingers crossed for a response 😛), here’s my question: Has anyone here had any experience with this? (Even if it’s a different medication or different countries, any input would be helpful!)

Thanks in advance! 😉 Ananasas

I’m on medication (paroxetine 20 mg/day) and I’d like to take enough for the entire duration of my trip. Thanks in advance! 😉Ananasas

Hi there, first off—are you sure the pharmacy will give you 2 boxes times 5, meaning 10 boxes for the trip? Since each box of paroxetine contains 14 tablets, pharmacies are usually reluctant to dispense more than the standard amount.

Hi,

I know it can be a real hassle for those with ADHD medication, for example, to travel to South Korea since the molecule is classified as a drug there. You need an authorization and an officially translated explanation from your doctor. I really recommend getting in touch with the embassy for this.

Hello and kudos for choosing this itinerary! I do have a soft spot for Chile over Argentina, though :)

About your medication issue, I’m not exactly sure about the laws in each country, but I think I have an idea that might help. I’d suggest bringing only the amount of medication you need for the start of your trip, then consulting an online doctor to ask about equivalent treatments available in the country you’re visiting. You can even get an online prescription, though I’m not sure if it’s possible to receive it in English or if it’s valid in all countries.

Either way, I’m sure an online French-speaking doctor will be able to tell you what to do once you’re there.

Hello, 1/ In France, you can get a 6-month supply of your medication at once from a pharmacy with an appropriate prescription and prior approval from your French Social Security fund: The procedure is here: https://www.ameli.fr/pharmacien/exercice-professionnel/delivrance-produits-sante/regles-delivrance-prise-charge/delivrances-exceptionnelles/dispensation-traitement-1-mois 2/ Regarding customs in South Korea: I assume you’ll have your onward travel tickets (otherwise, entering South Korea could be difficult...), so you’ll be able to explain the situation. 3/ You’ll have no problem finding paroxetine in South Korea and the other countries you mentioned. It’s a widely prescribed medication. However, you’ll need a prescription from a local doctor. Bring a prescription from your doctor in France in INN (i.e., Paroxetine...) and a short letter from them (ideally in English, but it’s not a big deal if it’s not) explaining your condition and the reason for the treatment. You can show this to the local doctor you consult if needed to get the prescription. If you run into any issues while there, you can call your Assistance Company, and they’ll direct you to a medical center. Don’t stop your treatment abruptly.

Safe travels!