Do you have a list of medications to take to Fiji?

[islanddream]

We've never been to Fiji or that far away from home on a dive trip. For those of you who have been to Fiji diving or other somewhat remote places, what medications did you take along. Obviously, if you're on prescription meds, you'll take those. What I'm looking for would be meds for cuts, stings, ear problems, intestinal problems, cold/flu, etc. When we travel to Mexico or the Caribbean I always take along non-prescription meds like cortisone cream, Imodium, Neosporum, decongestant, etc. Do you ask you doctor for prescription meds for trips like this one? What meds do you believe should be carried on this trip?

 

[Lorenzoid]

Will you be on a liveaboard, or a land-based resort? If land-based, how remote from the nearest major town/city? (I'm not going on the Invasion and not familiar with the itinerary.) I'm replying because I have been to Fiji, but really, I don't perceive Fiji as that much different in this respect than Mexico or the Caribbean. Major towns have pharmacies and medical facilities. I would say to take the same non-Rx meds you have taken on your other travels--your examples sound like the kinds of things that wise travelers take wherever they go. If you regularly take prescription meds, obviously make sure you take enough of a supply to last you through your trip. Now, there is one prescription med that I get a small amount of from my doctor and take on all my travels, and that is Ciprofloxacin--in case of severe diarrhea that won't stop after several days with non-Rx meds such as Immodium. However, there is legitimate criticism of carrying "emergency" Rx meds like this, so consult your doctor and make your own decision. (For the record, I have never had to resort to using my emergency Cipro.) Most local pharmacists know just what the foreigner needs to get rid of Montezuma's revenge, or whatever the Fijian equivalent may be.

 

[ROXANNE]

We've never been to Fiji or that far away from home on a dive trip. For those of you who have been to Fiji diving or other somewhat remote places, what medications did you take along. Obviously, if you're on prescription meds, you'll take those. What I'm looking for would be meds for cuts, stings, ear problems, intestinal problems, cold/flu, etc. When we travel to Mexico or the Caribbean I always take along non-prescription meds like cortisone cream, Imodium, Neosporum, decongestant, etc. Do you ask you doctor for prescription meds for trips like this one? What meds do you believe should be carried on this trip?

I'll be posting the travel, packing and diving thread soon to give you an idea of what I suggest you take.

 

[islanddream]

Thanks, Roxanne. I was hoping you'd chime in and let us know you have suggestions. You're the BEST!

 

[tursiops]

On a diving trip, we really like to take ear drops that have antibiotics and lidocaine, for otitis externa. Although available in many countries, these are not available in the US. So we stock up on international travel....

Similarly, we like some topical ibufrofen (Voltaren is one brand), also not available in the US.

Also essential -- and more easily obtainable -- are Immodium, Gaviscon, large fabric bandages, and something like povidone-iodine 10%. I'm subject to occasional kidney stones, so a few pills to help with that are on our list (these are definitely prescription...).

 

[Cali_diver]

Prescribed Meds
Prescribed antibiotic for Travelers Diarrhea (area specific)
Antibiotic ear drops for outer ear infections (we get our from Indonesia)
Swimmers ear (outer ear) preventative drops
Simethicone for bloating from travel and foreign food
Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
Antacid
Antihistamine
Motion sickness medicine
Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant
Decongestant
Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
Mild laxative
Mild sedative or sleep aid
Eye drops

First Aid
TAO
Waterproof Band-aids
Moleskin
Hydrocortisone cream
Thermometer
Alcohol Preps
Assorted Bandages
Gloves
Mosquito wipes for easy application

When we went to the villages many of the kids had ringworm so maybe grab an anti-fungal to donate if you visit and see a need.

 

[JohnN]

We've never been to Fiji or that far away from home on a dive trip. For those of you who have been to Fiji diving or other somewhat remote places, what medications did you take along. Obviously, if you're on prescription meds, you'll take those. What I'm looking for would be meds for cuts, stings, ear problems, intestinal problems, cold/flu, etc. When we travel to Mexico or the Caribbean I always take along non-prescription meds like cortisone cream, Imodium, Neosporum, decongestant, etc. Do you ask you doctor for prescription meds for trips like this one? What meds do you believe should be carried on this trip?

The usual OTC meds (ibuprofen, acetaminophen, Imodium) + some sort of topical cream.

For prescription drugs, Cipro is not recommended by the CDC for SE Asia (you get to guess if this applies to Fiji) because of general resistance of stomach/intestinal bugs to it. . . (say thank-you India) Z-Pac is the treatment of choice for gut bugs. That plus Keflex for nasty skin infections should fix you up. We also carry several packets of hydration salts, just in case. . . If you have any 'left-over' pain drugs, (hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc.) It certainly doesn't hurt to bring them along too

 

[Dubi]

Prescription meds:
Cipro 500mg
Z pack
Prednisone 20mg
Transderm-scop patches (pack just in case). Our Invasion to Cayman Brac had folks seasick who had never been before.
Pain meds
Muscle relaxers

Non-Prescription:
Tylenol / Ibuprofen
Sudafed / guaifenesin 12 hour time release
Benadryl
Nasal Spray - 12 hour
Ear drops (1/2 vinegar and 1/2 90% alcohol) - apply every time you are in your room.
Eye drops
bandaids (flexible fabric multi sizes)
triple antibiotic ointment
Tegaderm surgical bandages (will be waterproof if applied properly)
Pepcid Complete generic
Immodium
Meclizine (100 pills from Amazon is only $6)
Pepto pills
A&D ointment for butt rash
Hydrocortisone cream (not the ointment--too greasy)
Extra strength deep woods off (40% deet)
Baby wipes (DO NOT FLUSH)
Soap (I don't like the resort soap so i pack a bar of hypoallergenic Dove)

Y'all may think I'm nuts, but it is surprising how many of the items are needed by us *OR* given to other Invasion folks who don't pack a darn thing!

 

[happy-diver]

Antibiotic for Travelers Diarrhea (area specific)
Antibiotic ear drops for outer ear infections (we get our from Indonesia)
Swimmers ear (outer ear) preventative drops
Simethicone for bloating from travel and foreign food
Diarrhea medicine (Imodium or Pepto-Bismol)
Antacid
Antihistamine
Motion sickness medicine
Cough drops, cough suppressant, or expectorant
Decongestant
Pain and fever medicine (acetaminophen, aspirin, or ibuprofen)
Mild laxative
Mild sedative or sleep aid
Alcohol Preps
Mosquito wipes for easy application
- apply every time you are in your room.

Non-Prescription:
Tylenol / Ibuprofen
Sudafed / guaifenesin 12 hour time release
Benadryl
Nasal Spray - 12 hour
Ear drops (1/2 vinegar and 1/2 90% alcohol)
Eye drops
triple antibiotic ointment
Pepcid Complete generic
Immodium
Meclizine (100 pills from Amazon is only $6)
Pepto pills
A&D ointment for butt rash
Hydrocortisone cream (not the ointment--too greasy)
Extra strength deep woods off (40% deet)
Soap (I don't like the resort soap so i pack a bar of hypoallergenic Dove)
- apply every time you are in your room.

 

[divinh]

When I was on a liveaboard and got a forehead cut from the tender hitting me, another diver spread some glue like substance to seal the wound. It worked well and no scar.