Codeine painkillers brought into the US...

I don't seem to have much luck with going to Vegas, last two times I had problems, first with the soles of my feet and the second with toothache.

This time, 6 days to go and my knee is acting up with the worst pain I've ever had from it. I've tried ibuprofen, paracetamol and asprin, and they seem to make little difference in it.

I believe I can get co-codamol, a codeine based derivitative over the counter over here. Something small, like 8 or 12 mg, will they take this off me/get me into trouble when going into the US?

Codeine seems to be a product that causes all sorts of conniptions in all sorts of countries - even in low doses something innocuous here like kaolin & morphine that is available OTC is a controlled drug eleswhere.

I did a quick google search and obtained contradictory answers on whether it would be OK or not.

If you really can't do without the codeine it then (1)take only take enough to cover your trip (e.g. if 4 tabs a day for 7 days then 28 tabs and (2) keep it in the box it came in from the chemist.

But I'd talk to the pharmacist as they maybe able to recommend something else for you.

I always take painkillers with me when I go on holiday, particularly on my Snowboarding trips.

I have never had any problems in the US or Canada, I usually carry 20-40 Co-Codamol 30/500mg and a box of Neurofen Plus in my checked baggage and a strip of one or the other in my carry on. My Snowboard bag is opened by the TSA every time for checks and the painkillers have always been there when I've opened the bag at home.

in usa there are also over the counter products containing codeine - tylenol 1 which has 8mg - the stronger ones need a prescription i think

if that's sufficient, you could carry enough for the flight and then get some at a pharmacy on arrival

if you need stronger, see a doctor and carry a copy of the prescription in the unliely event that you do get searched

Thanks, now to see if they stop my damned leg hurting...

I suffer knee pain as well and I take Volatrol gel. Works for me and never had any issues carrying in hand luggage. Just have in the plastic bag for inspection in the Uk. I also take co-codamol and generic migraine tablets without any issues.

If it helps I always take at least two boxes of NuroMol.
They are a mix of 200mg and 500mg Ibuprofen and Paracetamol.
The reason I take two is that one is me, just in case, the other for friends in the US. They swear by them, their opinon is that they beat the US (Aleive and Tylnol) hands down. Not sure if they will work in your circumstances.
Never been stopped as they are in checked. I get more questions from the pharmacists in Boots!!!