Good evening, I don't know if there are any experts on travelling out there, but I need help on travel to France please. I have terminal gall bladder cancer and am on a syringe pump to dispense morphine throughout the day. I'm currently trying to get through to a doctor at a private oncology hospital in Lille where we want to stay, but do the French authorities need to be informed, and if so how?
Many thanks in advance for any knowledge you can pass on
Yvonne
Dear Yvonne,
My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.
Thank you for reaching out for information about travelling to France with a syringe driver in place dispensing morphine.
You may find our information on taking medicines abroad useful also you should think about who will support you if your syringe pump stops working or needs replenishing during the trip.
The government’s website advises: -
“If you’re leaving the UK with medicine that contains a controlled drug you should be able to prove it’s yours with either a prescription or letter from your clinician.
Other countries have their own import laws for prescription medicine and controlled drugs.
You could get a fine or go to prison if you travel with medicine that is illegal in another country. Check with the embassy of the country you’re going to before you travel.
Email dflu.ie@homeoffice.gov.uk for more advice on leaving the UK with controlled drugs.”
It might also be worth speaking to your travel insurance company and make them aware of your plans.
I wonder if you might benefit from giving our support line a call. We often find we can explain our answers in a bit more detail over the phone, giving you the opportunity to ask more questions if needed.
Take care.
Liz
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Ref LZD/AMc
