Vet antibiotic ban: Which medicines can you carry to the UAE?

The UAE has announced a ban on the veterinary use of ciprofloxacin, a commonly prescribed antibiotic for animals, starting November 1. This decision, made by the Emirates Drug Establishment (EDE), covers veterinary medicines and raw materials containing the drug. Nine products will be affected, with eight of them being imported and one being locally registered.

Companies must stop manufacturing, importing, and supplying the drug and clear any existing stock before the deadline. They can either re-export the remaining stock or destroy it using approved procedures. The ban does not explicitly address whether it applies to personal ciprofloxacin purchased outside the UAE and brought into the country in personal luggage.

Currently, ciprofloxacin prescribed for human use is not on the EDE's controlled medicines list. For travelers, the challenge lies in determining which medicines they can carry with them. Airlines such as Emirates, Etihad, and Air Arabia do not have a specific list of prohibited medicines on their aircrafts but have a detailed list of prohibited and dangerous goods on their websites.

These airlines will follow the drug regulator's guidance, which categorizes drugs into three groups: outright banned, allowed with a medical prescription, and allowed without a prior approval. The outright banned list includes drugs like heroin, cocaine, cannabis, LSD, MDMA, mescaline, khat, psilocybin mushrooms, peyote, and opium poppy plant.

The allowed with a prescription list includes opioids, anti-anxiety drugs, sleep aids, nerve pain drugs, and ADHD stimulants, among others. The allowed without prior approval list includes over-the-counter and uncontrolled prescription medicines such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, insulin, blood pressure tablets, and antibiotics like ciprofloxacin, but only if they are carried in original packaging with a prescription.

Emirates and Etihad Airlines exempt prescription and non-prescription medicines, as well as medical items needed during the flight. However, they specify limits for powder on flights from Australia and require supporting evidence for certain medications. Air Arabia allows a personal use mercury clinical thermometer in checked baggage.

To avoid any issues, travelers are advised to check the generic name of their medicines, rather than the brand on the box, as the EDE list is based on the active ingredient. If they have doubts about a drug, they should contact the nearest UAE embassy or consulate before traveling or call their airline for clarification. It is essential to carry prescriptions and original packaging, and if the medicine is controlled, apply for approval in advance to ensure a smooth journey.