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10 Surprising Medications Banned Around the World: What Travelers Need to Know
You might wonder why everyday medicines, harmless at home, suddenly turn into legal troubles abroad. Each country has its own approach to medication regulation based on local drug control laws, medical standards, and cultural sensitivities.
Why Medications Are Banned in Different Countries
Countries like Mexico and Turkey enforce strict medication controls to prevent drug misuse and trafficking. Mexico banned pseudoephedrine in 2009 due to its use in methamphetamine production. Similarly, Turkey tightened restrictions on tramadol following smuggling incidents.
In the USA and UK, medications like Metamizole (Analgin) are banned due to rare but severe risks of agranulocytosis — a potentially fatal blood condition.
In countries like the UAE, cultural norms significantly influence regulations. Medications containing codeine are strictly controlled and can result in heavy fines or imprisonment without authorization.
