Mailing prescription drugs and medication - X Shipping options
Mailing prescription drugs and medication is a totally different process when compared to mailing other normal packages. First, you can only do it via entities (shipping agencies) that are officially registered with the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration).
If this criterion isn’t followed, you could be sent to prison and charged with a huge fine for attempting to break the official rules.
So if you are a business owner who also happens to have prescription medication and drugs under your area of business, then this guide is all you need to understand how to ship the drug prescriptions the legal way.
How to mail the medications using FedEx
If you want to mail the prescription drugs via FedEx, then it has to be via an entity that is registered with the DEA, and the amount of medication is limited to a 90-day supply.
If you are importing the medication via FedEx, then know that unless the drug is FDA-approved, the shipment is illegal. Further, the commercial invoice should detail the following things:
- Complete details, including the address and number of the receipt’s official Physician.
- Details of the drug manufacturer
- Amount of the prescription drug (state how long the medication can be taken as per the physician’s consultation)
- Type of packaging adopted for packaging the medicines
- For what medical condition is the drug prescribed for
- Details regarding the medicine, including the strength of the dosage
- An extra copy of passport (only those of non-resident consignees)
How to mail medications via UPS
The procedure to follow when mailing medications via UPS is somewhat similar to that of FedEx. You will still have to send it via a registered DEA entity and abide by the quantity constraints set by the US. But the number of details you have to gather for this process is comparatively less.
- Details of the drug manufacturer (Name, official contact info, and address)
- Copy of original prescription sheet by doctor
- Statement of intent (for what is the medicine intended for, benefits of using it)
- If its an international shipment, then a complete list of the ingredients that are present in the medication, along with its scientific name and composition, should be shown
How to mail your medications through USPS
When it comes to USPS, you can only mail prescription drugs domestically if you are a legally certified practitioner or an authorized dispenser such as a pharmacist.
The documents required are the same as that of UPS, and the person is in charge of ensuring that the shipment of the drugs doesn’t violate any rules and is in compliance with all regulations set by the concerned authorities.
Further, the packaging should clearly mention if the drug is toxic or inflammable in nature.
Regulations for mailing the Over-the-counter drugs
Any type of medications or drugs that don't require any prescription from medical practitioners and are easily available in pharmacies are termed as Over-the-counter medications.
Any individual or agency can send these medications via any courier service. But they should make sure that the drugs are FDA-approved and it doesn’t violate any state and federal laws that include the Poison Prevention Packaging Act of 1970 and the Consumer Protection Safety Commission Requirements.
Final words
Mailing prescription drugs can be tricky, and you can get into a lot of trouble if you were to miss any of the vital documents mentioned above. Therefore, before sending or importing it, make sure all the contents of the medications are approved by the FDA and concerned authorities. Further, keep a close tab on the amount of the medication and ensure the dosage is accurate and certified by the physician.
If all these requirements are met, you can safely transport the medications through any of the above-mentioned agencies.
So even if you are in the country for a few weeks and forget to take your medications, your near or dear ones can easily mail them to you. No worries there!
