Methadone Maintenance - Travel

Travel

In the UK, persons on MMT who wish to go overseas are subject to certain legal requirements surrounding the exportation of and importation of Methadone. Those wishing to go overseas must provide the prescriber with checkable details of travel, after which the prescriber will arrange for a Home Office Export Licence to be provided so that it is then legal to remove the Methadone from the country. This licence is only required if the total amount being exported exceeds 500 mg. The granting of the licence does not provide for the importation of the Methadone into any overseas jurisdiction. For importation, the prescribed individual should contact the Embassy of the country of destination and request permission to import Methadone onto their shores, and it should be noted that not all countries allow the importation of controlled drugs and that some countries only allow certain drugs to be imported. The licence also allows for the re-importation of any remaining Methadone back into the UK, but this amount should only be minimal as the mediction should have been used by the time of return, otherwise questions may be raised as to why there is a large amount remaining. When travelling, it is normal for Methadone tablets to be dispensed, as the tablets make for easier transportation, even more so now that quantities of liquids are no longer allowed into the cabins of commercial airlines. Prescribers will normally also issue a "To whom it may concern" letter stating that the individual is currently in treatment and is legally entitled to be in possession of the Methadone. For those who are going to be overseas for a prolonged period of time, "courtesey" dosing arrangements should be made with a local clinc who will arrange for the prescription of the necessary medication in accordance with the patients treatment plan.