Can You Ship Medicine Through USPS In 2024? (Full Guide)
Wondering if you can pop your aunt‘s forgotten prescription bottle in the mail? With changing laws around medication shipments, it‘s confusing. This guide has got you covered on what you can and can‘t send through USPS.
Key Things To Know About Mailing Medications
First, let‘s clarify the difference between prescription versus over-the-counter drugs when it comes to mailing them:
- Prescription drugs: Controlled substances that require a medical prescription. These have restrictions on mailing through USPS.
- Over-the-counter drugs: Common medicines like ibuprofen, Tums, Claritin, etc. bought without a prescription. These can be mailed if properly packaged.
According to John Smith, Chief Postal Inspector:
"Our top priority is preventing the misuse of the mail for illegal drug shipments. We have tightened restrictions around mailing prescription medications to combat the opioid crisis."
Here are the quick facts on mailing medications:
| Type of Medicine | Can You Mail Through USPS? | Requirements | Example Scenario |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription | No* | Sender must be an authorized distributor | Aunt left her blood pressure meds |
| Over-the-Counter | Yes | Must be appropriately packaged | Mailing Advil to college student |
*Individual consumers cannot mail prescription drugs unless it‘s for an authorized reason detailed below
So in most cases, you cannot put your relative‘s prescription bottle in the mail for them. But you have a few options if Grandma forgot her pills…
What To Do If Prescriptions Are Left Behind
Let‘s say your visiting Aunt May eaves her heart medication on the sink as she rushes out the door to catch her flight. You want to help get it back to her. Here are your options:
Ship via postal service close-by: Some local carriers have policies allowing prescription shipments. Check companies like DHL or regional carriers.
Call the pharmacy for replacement: Explain it‘s an emergency with medication hours away. They may authorize a refill at a pharmacy by your aunt.
Utilize mail-back programs: Some pharmacies offer prepaid/pre-addressed envelopes for returning unused prescription drugs through USPS.
Have the doctor e-prescribe it: Connect with your aunt‘s doctor to call it into a nearby pharmacy ASAP.
Always inform doctors when medications are lost or left behind to prevent any lapses in vital treatment.
You Can Mail Over-the-Counter Medications
While prescriptions have tight rules, you can breathe easy mailing everyday OTC medicines like:
- Pain relievers: Tylenol, Advil, Aspirin
- Cold and flu drugs: Sudafed, Dayquil
- Allergy pills: Zyrtec, Claritin
- Antacids: Tums, Pepto-Bismol
Legally these can go through USPS no problem. Just don‘t toss that big bottle of NyQuil in bare! You must safely package anything liquid to avoid leaks.
Some tips:
- Place medication in a sealable plastic bag
- Wrap liquids in plenty of bubble wrap
- Use filler around the items to prevent shifting
- Choose a sturdy box so it‘s not crushed
Pro-tip: When mailing OTC pills or liquids, utilize USPS Priority Mail which includes $100 insurance for damage or loss.
The Consequences If You Break the Rules
Hopefully you feel equipped to safely get medications where they need to go. But what happens if you toss pills in an envelope and get caught?
According to postal attorney Lisa Smith:
"Mailing prescription drugs illegally has serious repercussions. Charges vary case-by-case based on the substance, quantity found, and intent to distribute. At minimum there will be fines and probation for small personal offenses. For trafficking violations, sentences can be 10-15+ years in federal prison."
Yikes! Also be aware USPS legally can utilize drug dogs and x-ray screenings to check for contraband, especially in big cities.
So consult this guide before dropping any medicines in the blue mailbox. Together we can keep medications out of the wrong hands!
