Is it illegal to import tablets from the States?

Happysteveo · 2 Apr 17, 08:12 PM

Hi all,

Last time I was in Orlando I put my back out, was advised to buy Aleve, which worked really well.

Now I've run out so I'm considering ordering some in from Amazon as I know it works and would save me a packet, but don't wanna break the law, does anyone know is it legal to import it?

Thanks everyone

shiftywxm · 2 Apr 17, 08:29 PM

Hi, looking at the contents of aleve it looks like the main drug is Naproxen. Looking at the list of controlled drugs in the UK, Naproxen isn't listed. Looking on wikipedia, I found the following...

In the United Kingdom, 250 mg tablets of naproxen were approved for OTC sale under the brand name Feminax Ultra in 2008.

So it looks like you'd be ok. To be sure, maybe take the empty Aleve box to a Pharmacy and ask them. They'll be able to tell you if it's a controlled substance for sure or even suggest a UK equivalent.

Guest · 2 Apr 17, 08:34 PM

As long as it is not a prescribed or a controlled substance you are fine. Be careful re value though as you might get caught for VAT by customs when they enter the UK. It's based on value of item AND shipping costs.

Happysteveo · 2 Apr 17, 08:38 PM

Thank you both.

Yeah the non branded version is Naproxen Sodium. I have naproxen here on prescription but its not as good and more expensive.

Guest · 2 Apr 17, 08:44 PM

That's strange as the strength of American Naproxin is half that of the English Naproxin.

Happysteveo · 2 Apr 17, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by anna-marie

That's strange as the strength of American Naproxin is half that of the English Naproxin.

My prescription Naproxen is 250, I think there's a 500 as well.

MrsL · 2 Apr 17, 09:18 PM

As a side note. Maybe let your GP know if you're taking a prolonged course of Naproxen. NSAIDs aren't good on the stomach and you may benefit from some cover for your tummy.

Happysteveo · 2 Apr 17, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by MrsL

As a side note. Maybe let your GP know if you're taking a prolonged course of Naproxen. NSAIDs aren't good on the stomach and you may benefit from some cover for your tummy.

Thank you. As it happens I don't take it that much, just need it when I have flare ups and it seems to knock it on the head quicker than anything else, it seems to agree with me quite well. Tried all sorts of anti gastro stuff.

mrs rcch · 3 Apr 17, 09:25 PM

Have you thought about buying a pre payment certificate ? It's approx �30 for 3 months and �104 for the year. There's no limit in the amount of prescriptions you can have.
My husband has a yearly one, as he takes a couple of heart meds a month, plus naproxen for his back.
Saves us a fortune

Happysteveo · 3 Apr 17, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by mrs rcch

Have you thought about buying a pre payment certificate ? It's approx �30 for 3 months and �104 for the year. There's no limit in the amount of prescriptions you can have.
My husband has a yearly one, as he takes a couple of heart meds a month, plus naproxen for his back.
Saves us a fortune

Thanks, yeah I thought about it but I found Aleve to work better and cheaper overall, not sure how many Naproxen subs I'd be allowed until they'd think I'm an addict!

2 Apr 17, 08:12 PM	#1
	2 Apr 17, 08:12 PM Happysteveo Helping Minnie
Happysteveo Helping Minnie Join Date: Sep 09	Is it illegal to import tablets from the States? Hi all, Last time I was in Orlando I put my back out, was advised to buy Aleve, which worked really well. Now I've run out so I'm considering ordering some in from Amazon as I know it works and would save me a packet, but don't wanna break the law, does anyone know is it legal to import it? Thanks everyone Edited at 08:15 PM.

2 Apr 17, 08:34 PM	#3
	2 Apr 17, 08:34 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	As long as it is not a prescribed or a controlled substance you are fine. Be careful re value though as you might get caught for VAT by customs when they enter the UK. It's based on value of item AND shipping costs.

2 Apr 17, 08:38 PM	#4
	2 Apr 17, 08:38 PM Happysteveo Helping Minnie Thread Starter
Happysteveo Thread Starter Helping Minnie Join Date: Sep 09	Thank you both. Yeah the non branded version is Naproxen Sodium. I have naproxen here on prescription but its not as good and more expensive.

2 Apr 17, 08:44 PM	#5
	2 Apr 17, 08:44 PM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	That's strange as the strength of American Naproxin is half that of the English Naproxin.