Those traveling abroad for medical care or services may very likely already have prescriptions for a variety of medications; pain killers, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral meds or other pills for heart conditions, diabetes, anti-seizure drugs and so on. You may be heading for affordable orthopedic knee surgery in India or other medical care abroad on your medical tourism travels or be returning to your home country with medications as well.

Make sure you follow basic guidelines regarding taking medications or drugs on your person or in your carry-on bags to avoid being detained or having your costly meds tossed in the trash by border agents, security check personnel, or customs agents.

If you have a preexisting medical issue that requires you to take medications while you’re away from home traveling abroad to places around the world like Jordan, Latin America or even if you’re just traveling for dental services at facilities like Alfadent in beautiful Cancun, Mexico, get a letter from your physician or health care provider describing your condition and the medications you’re required to take for it. Information should contain the drug name (both Brand and generic if stated), the dosage and the reason for the medication.

Keep all pills and medications in their original containers, with pharmacy labels affixed.

Check with the embassy of the country you’re planning on visiting and make sure your current medications are not considered narcotic drugs in that country. You can check a listing of foreign embassies at the U.S. Department of State.

If you have allergies to medicines or foods, wear a medical alert bracelet or necklace, suggests the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Health tourism and surgery abroad are growing options for medical travel and medical care around the world, but travel safe and travel smart.