Extended prescription supply through UK customs

I tried looking around and couldn't seem to find quite the information I was looking for.

I'm wondering if there is anything I need to bring with me since I am bringing 9 months worth of my prescription (birth control) as I will be there for 9 months. Should I get a letter from my doctor? I have made sure that my packages all have proper labels from the pharmacy, but I don't have a copy of the original prescription.

Any information from past experiences or links to appropriate procedures would be very helpful! I don't even know how/if I should declare it upon entry, etc etc. My knowledge on this is very vague and I have tried surfing the web (and googling it) and I am not sure what I am looking for.

Thanks!

I took a 10-month supply of birth control pills through US customs (going the other way) when I studied in the US and didn't mention it at all. The pills were in with my toiletries in my suitcase and I didn't see any reason to mention them, nor did I have any proof of prescription with me.

I'm not sure if I should have declared them or not, but I had no problems at all getting into the country.

i brought 6 months of thryoid & BCP with me when i first moved here.  they were in my checked-in luggage.  i *think* if they are perscriped in your name, you won't have a problem.

i remember seeing something about this on the show "declared," about Australian customs. The only time they had a problem with this was when a guy tried to bring years worth of prescription.

You shouldnt have a problem,if they see you are here for that long, they wont care

I brought over sixteen months worth of my prescription, three in my carry-on baggage and the rest was in checked luggage.  The only thing they advise you is to make sure everything is in the original packaging.  My prescription was all stuffed into one perscription bag, with all the pharmacist directions and bill attached.  The bottles also have my name etc on them.  You shouldn't have any issues, especially with birth control.

Yep.  I brought a year's worth of bc  at one point to the UK.  I packed most of it, and it cleared customs with no problems!   

Yep, I brought over some meds as well and nothing was said about them.

That's great! One less thing I have to chase after for papers and such. Thanks everyone!!

That's great! One less thing I have to chase after for papers and such. Thanks everyone!!

Hi, sorry I'm late to this thread...but...

You DO know you can get BC for free here, don't you? FREEEE! It's like contraceptive mana from heaven!!

Hi, sorry I'm late to this thread...but...

You DO know you can get BC for free here, don't you? FREEEE! It's like contraceptive mana from heaven!!

I was told that you'd have to be examined by a UK doctor before you could get BC for free in the UK. I have always had a very very painful time of GYN exams, and just had one in May. I didn't really want to repeat the experience again until next year, so I just figured I would get mine over here. Also, I wasn't sure if they have Desogen there (though I suppose I could have checked). Desogen has been the first BC I've taken so far (been through 4 now) that hasn't made me crazy. Even the generic of Desogen made me a bit weird, because that is what I took first. Oh well

I was told that you'd have to be examined by a UK doctor before you could get BC for free in the UK. I have always had a very very painful time of GYN exams, and just had one in May. I didn't really want to repeat the experience again until next year, so I just figured I would get mine over here. Also, I wasn't sure if they have Desogen there (though I suppose I could have checked). Desogen has been the first BC I've taken so far (been through 4 now) that hasn't made me crazy. Even the generic of Desogen made me a bit weird, because that is what I took first. Oh well

The only exam I have ever had in the UK for BC was a blood pressure check. They do usually ask if you are due a smear test when you go the first time, but it isn't a requirement as far as I know.  I most certainly have never been poked or prodded beyond having my blood pressure taken! If your BP checks out ok, they usually give you 6 months supply, or 3 months if it is a new pill. For refills you can usually just visit the nurse for a BP check. It's so easy! And did I mention it's FREEEEEEEE?! 

MTA: There are also free and anonymous family planning type clinics that specialise in "that sort of thing". In my experience, if you have 'special needs' when it comes to birth control, they are the ones to go to. They know what they're talking about and can offer informed advice about different types of BC. And...it's free!!

Thank you darksquid! I will be sure to look into that!

I can verify what darksquid has said about BC exams. I've never had a smear test or any kind of internal exam when getting a prescription for BC  - my doctor's appointments for repeat prescriptions last for less than 5 minutes and go something like this:

Me: Hi, I'm here for a repeat prescription of BC
Dr: Okay, then. Right, do you smoke?
Me: No
Dr: Okay, good. I'll just take your blood pressure
Me: Okay
Dr: (Takes blood pressure) Okay, blood pressure is fine. Here's a new prescription. I'll see you in a year.
Me: Thanks.
End of appointment

I'll then take the prescription to a pharmacy and 10 minutes later, I have a year's supply of BC that has cost me nothing.

My doctor has even said that he'll give me another prescription just before I leave for the states so that I can take 18 month's worth of (free) pills with me to start with and can then get further repeat prescriptions when I come home for a visit - that way I don't have the hassle of trying to get them in the US and having to pay for prescriptions there.

Desogen is available here but it's called Mercilon.

Well unfortunately I had already had my prescription filled and paid for before this new information, but if I happen to stay in the UK longer, I will definitely take advantage of it. I have one other question though.. Don't you have to have an NIN to take advantage of this? Or is it free to anyone, no matter if they have an NIN or not? Since I will be a year long student, I think I do have the option of getting an NIN, but I know a lot of other study abroad-ers are only there for a semester and will only be on visit with no visa at all (so they can't get an NIN). This is really good info though!