Prescription Medications

You should bring an adequate supply of basic health and first-aid needs, including prescription drugs and an extra pair of prescription glasses or sufficient supply of contact lenses and contact solutions for your trip. Do not assume that you will be able to renew any particular prescription while in Taiwan.

If you are taking any prescription medications, you should bring a full supply for the semester/year with you in your carry-on luggage and bring copies of all the appropriate prescriptions with you. Mailing medicines across borders is extremely difficult, time consuming and expensive, due to international drug trafficking laws, and we do NOT recommend it. Prescription medicines should be left in the original containers.  You should carry a note from your doctor, to avoid questioning.

Most people underestimate the amount of medicine they will need. Remember to take into consideration that change of time, climate, the pace of life in Taiwan, and a diet lower in nutrients can result in an illness lasting longer or recurring after it has been “cured.” Plan the amount carefully with your doctor.

If you are allergic to any commonly prescribed medicine such as penicillin, be sure to notify your Resident Staff and any doctors you see while abroad, and ask your personal doctor to suggest some alternatives to the medications before leaving the U.S.  If you regularly take or are allergic to any medicines, it is very important that you write down the generic name of that medicine.  Ask your doctor to help you with this.

Please also note that in the event that a prescription must be replaced in Taiwan, you must have the GENERIC NAME of your medication on the prescription, in addition to the American ‘brand’ name. Local doctors will not be able to assist you in filling a prescription unless you know the generic/Latin name of the drug that you need.