Harm Reduction Services

ARVs

How many ARVs can I carry with me when travelling?

Travellers are allowed to bring in France no more than three months’ supply of pharmaceutical drugs and medicines for their personal use. All other pharmaceutical drugs and medicines have to be declared and have to be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician.

There are no restrictions on travelling with ARVs but it is useful to carry your prescription from your doctor with you to demonstrate that the ARVs are for your own personal use, and in case you need a new emergency prescription.

What happens if I lose my medication?

There will be a service available at the Palais des Congrès to obtain the amount of ARVs necessary for the duration of the Conference, in case of emergency. It is preferable that you have a prescription from your doctor to facilitate a new emergency prescription.

This will be coordinated via the First Aid Centre of the venue where personnel will be able to contact a list of specialized physicians located at the Conference.

In case of need, the Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases at the Bichat-Claude Bernard Hospital [46 rue Henri-Huchard 75018 , Number: +33 1 40 25 88 93] will also be the centre of contact and reference for emergencies.

OST

Can I carry methadone or buprenorphine with me to Paris?

Travellers are allowed to bring in no more than three months’ supply of pharmaceutical drugs and medicines for their personal use. All other pharmaceutical drugs and medicines have to be declared and have to be accompanied by a letter or certified prescription from a registered physician.

The importation of Methadone, Buprenorphine and other opioids is possible, provided that:

• It is for personal medical use only;
• The quantity does not exceed a reasonable quantity for use for a period of no more than 30 days;
• The person is in possession of a prescription for the substance or a certificate by a pharmacist/doctor/clinic to the effect that the substance was prescribed by a medical practitioner.
• The medication brought in and the certificate MUST be declared and presented to a customs officer when entering France.

Carry your prescription and/or a certificate (written in English) from your doctor with you; carry your medication in your hand luggage, bringing only the amount of drugs you require (must be less than a 30-day supply) and keep medication in its original packages if possible.

When you arrive in France, you will be asked to complete a “Traveller Card”. This card will ask if you are in possession of: “Any prohibited or restricted goods?”; tick “yes” and declare (tell the customs officer you are carrying) medication.

It is illegal to bring any narcotic or psychotropic substances, including drugs such as cannabis, heroin, cocaine, mandrax or ecstasy, or any paraphernalia relating to their use, into France.

Is there a hospital / drug counseling centre near the conference venue?

If necessary, individuals on OST can contact or access the Gaïa Association, which is a social-medical risk-reduction centres for drug users [12 bis rue de la Pierre Levée, 75011 Paris ; Number : +33 1 77 72 22 00].

The centre is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays between 10:15 am and 1pm, and between 2:15 pm and 6pm. On Wednesdays it is only open from 2:15 to 6pm.

You do not need to have an appointment however, it is advised to arrive early for a first consultation, as people are received by order in which they arrive.

What should I do if I relapse?

You should contact the First Aid Centre in the conference venue and ask to be put in touch with the doctor of a local hospital.