Medication and traveling

When preparing your health kit and when traveling it is important that you keep in mind the following points:

Original packaging: You should keep all your medications in their original packaging, although it could be tempting to use smaller containers, the isssue is that customs office may require proper identification.
Prescription: You should keep a copy of all prescriptions with their generic names, to facilitate identification. And for controlled substances and injectable medications you shoud carry a note on letterhead stationery from your prescribing doctor.
Forbidden medication: You should be aware that some medications are not always permitted in certain countries (for example, in Japan with some commonly used cough and cold medications). In case of doubt about these restrictions (particularly with controlled substances), you should contact the embassy or consulate of this country.
Availability: A health kit is only useful if you can access it, so keep it with you at all times, in the backpack for example. (Due to restrictive airline security rules, when flying, it's better to keep it in checked luggage)

Health kit

Contents of your health kit should be based your destination, duration of travel, type of travel, and of course your medical conditions. To help you build your own, its content has been split in three categories: injuries, sickness and country specific.

Injuries

To help you deal with the various minor injuries that could happen to you, your health kit could consist of the following items:

Small equipment	Medication
First-aid quick reference card Digital thermometer Tweezers Scissors Disposable gloves (at least two pairs)	Antifungal and antibacterial creams 1% hydrocortisone cream Anti-itch gel for insect bites and stings Aloe gel for sunburns Saline eye drops Antiseptic
Bandage
Adhesive bandages (multiple sizes) Gauze Adhesive tape Elastic bandage wrap for sprains and strains Cotton swabs Moleskin or molefoam for blisters

Sickness

To treat the minor sickness susceptible to arise, the following medications can be helpful:

Symptomes	Medications
Pain Fever	Paracetamol Aspirin Ibuprofen
Stomach upset Diarrhea	Oral rehydration solution Mild laxative Antacid
Sore throat Respiratory symptoms	Antihistamine Decongestant Cough suppressant/expectorant Throat lozenges

Country specific

Depending on the country you plan to visit, the following can be useful or required:

Insect repellent
Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)
Antibacterial hand wipes or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol)
Water purification tablets
Mild sedative, sleep aid, or anti-anxiety medication
Commercial suture/syringe kits to be used by a local health-care provider.
(will require a letter on letterhead stationery from your prescribing physician)
Extra pair of contact lenses or prescription glasses
Latex condoms