[kryslm]

On our first trip, we took a lot of aid that we thought the orphanage could use (i.e. toddler underwear, socks, band-aids, chewable vitamins, etc.) Then, during our first trip, we asked the orphanage doctors what they needed that we might be able to bring. They said they needed medicine: Children's Motrin, Children's Tylenol drops, cough syrup, etc. With help from the hospital where I work, we will be taking two good-sized suitcases of children's medicine with us on our second trip. It's all name-brand stuff in sealed packages. Has anyone ever had any trouble taking OTC medicine from the U.S. to Russia? Does anyone think we'll have any problems? I would hate to have any or all of the medicine confiscated. The orphanage really needs it!

Thanks,
Mike

[Mykidsmom]

Hi,

We took powdered formula to Belarus for the orphanage. Customs opened the big box and looked at the cans but they let them go through. The couple that we travelled with had a HUGE box with all the hardware for an outside swing/gym set. Customs looked inside but let it go through. When we went to Ukraine we had a large box of supplies for the orphanage (vitamins, tylenol,formula,etc). No one even questioned it.

I suspect with all the adoptions, the custom officials in all the eastern european countries, see this often. Maybe someone can tell you their experience in Russia.

Good Luck,

Mykidsmom

[Abdulina]

We took a suitcase full of meds to Orenburg. But that was 5 years ago. Ask your agency if you'll have trouble. They'll know. Incountry flights are getting very strict. Good luck. They definitely appreciated the meds we took. Same stuff you are taking.

Stephanie.

[Kasey]

We took a duffel bag full of meds and baby products on both trips and never had any issues or questions asked.
I do recommend if possible, having someone translate the direction s for the OTC meds.
Good luck,
Kris

[Xanny]

I think it depends where you're going. We didn't have to go through customs on either trip. We just walked out of the airport through the "nothing to declare" gate.

Best wishes,

Xanny