[tyhapus]

Hi all
I have a repeat prescription in the UK for Frovatriptan and am trying to stockpile some to bring over to NZ so that I know I'll be covered for a couple of months. Does anyone know if these are available in NZ? I know some triptans are, but not sure about these?
Also I have heard that it is best to get a note from your doctor just to explain why you might have meds in your hand luggage - is that right? I'll probably have about 12-18 on me, as I don't want them lost in a misplaced suitcase (for those who do suffer migraines, you'll appreciate how much these help!). Does anyone think this could be a problem or am I worrying about nothing? :confused:

[dusk]

I don't know but try having a look round this site:
http://migraine.co.nz/
:)

[dusk]

oh and as for the meds in your luggage it depends where you will be flying through

[Sam B]

The only meds that are funded in the triptan range are immigran and Maxalt wafers. When we moved here I used Naratriptan (Naramig), and I could still get them here but I had to pay a fortune for them. So I changed to Maxalt wafers (same group of meds) and I now pay hardly anything and they are just as good - not too many side effects, unlike Immigran.

[nippa&pippa]

If you are bring stockpile via shipping container, then you WILL need letter from your UK(?) GP, then once you in NZ, register with your NZ Dr and bring a UK letter to get NZ dr to write his/her own letter to confirm that you are taking this medication for yourself for Customs/Medsafe, that is for if it is not available in NZ as it is "High Risk". (they won't take letter from UK dr!!!!!!!:mad:) Best place to check for availability is www.medsafe.co.nz. I had huge problems with my migraine tablets in shipping container :o


Sam B, is wafers is for preventer (taking daily) or reliefer (during attacks)? I am using immigran at the moment for reliefer but no preventer yet. Thanks

[Sam B]

Maxalt wafers are basically the same as immigran - same group of drugs and are used at start of attack to stop the migraine. I prefer them to Immigran, which had severe side effects for me.

I have taken a variety of prevention medication for migraines throughout my adult life. Sanomigran was ineffective for me, as were beta blockers. Epilim was a good prevention drug but made me put on weight and somewhat lethargic. I am currently taking verapamil for prevention medicine every day. This worked well at first, but no longer seems very effective as I have had 5 migraines in the past month.

[tyhapus]

Thanks all, that's really helpful. Not so worried now - phew!

[nippa&pippa]

Maxalt wafers are basically the same as immigran - same group of drugs and are used at start of attack to stop the migraine. I prefer them to Immigran, which had severe side effects for me.

I have taken a variety of prevention medication for migraines throughout my adult life. Sanomigran was ineffective for me, as were beta blockers. Epilim was a good prevention drug but made me put on weight and somewhat lethargic. I am currently taking verapamil for prevention medicine every day. This worked well at first, but no longer seems very effective as I have had 5 migraines in the past month.

Thanks SamB for your info :nice1 I used to take Proprandol (Also have tried many prevention meds too) in UK before I came to NZ (it was this tablets caused nightmare with Custom and Medsafe :mad:) and it is not available in NZ. Since I stopped bf my youngest last november, my migraine have came back for first time since left UK 2years ago, GP have gave me new stock of Immigran as UK's is now out of date but never got around to sort out prevention's yet.

[seattle]

If you are bring stockpile via shipping container, then you WILL need letter from your UK(?) GP, then once you in NZ, register with your NZ Dr and bring a UK letter to get NZ dr to write his/her own letter to confirm that you are taking this medication for yourself for Customs/Medsafe, that is for if it is not available in NZ as it is "High Risk". (they won't take letter from UK dr!!!!!!!:mad:) Best place to check for availability is www.medsafe.co.nz. I had huge problems with my migraine tablets in shipping container :o


Sam B, is wafers is for preventer (taking daily) or reliefer (during attacks)? I am using immigran at the moment for reliefer but no preventer yet. Thanks

What if you bring a "stockpile" on your container of other over the counter meds- such as Tylenol, benadryl, claritin, etc. We stocked up on these things from Costco and packed them in one box. Will MAF have a problem with these? Theses meds do not require a doctor's prescription in the U.S.

[nippa&pippa]

What if you bring a "stockpile" on your container of other over the counter meds- such as Tylenol, benadryl, claritin, etc. We stocked up on these things from Costco and packed them in one box. Will MAF have a problem with these? Theses meds do not require a doctor's prescription in the U.S.

I have no experiences with "over-the-counter" stockpiles, why not check with medsafe to see what is the limit. I think they are more interesting (IMHO) in prescription meds.

[Questor]

What if you bring a "stockpile" on your container of other over the counter meds- such as Tylenol, benadryl, claritin, etc. We stocked up on these things from Costco and packed them in one box. Will MAF have a problem with these? Theses meds do not require a doctor's prescription in the U.S.

Depends whether they're available Over the counter over here or not - anything that's prescription only or restricted here will certainly attract more attention regardless of whether it's available anywhere else