Lisdexamfetamine in Philippines: Import Rules

Quick reference

Drug class: CNS stimulant
Controlled substance: Not listed by name on the Dangerous Drugs Board list (as of 20 July 2026), but it converts to dexamfetamine, a listed dangerous drug; carry documents as for a dangerous drug
Prescription required: Yes
Available locally: No confirmed local brand. Lisdexamfetamine is not known to be registered or routinely available at Philippine pharmacies.
Storage: Room temperature (below 30°C / 86°F), away from direct sunlight and humidity
Max supply to carry: Up to 30 days' supply with a doctor's letter and prescription; more needs a PDEA authorisation requested 30 working days before arrival.
Key document: Prescription with trade and generic names, plus a doctor's letter on clinic letterhead stating your full name, medication (INN: lisdexamfetamine, brand: Vyvanse or Elvanse), dose, frequency, quantity, and your prescribing doctor's registration number
Emergency alternative: If your supply is lost or stolen, contact your nearest embassy, report to local police for a case reference, and consult a psychiatrist at a private hospital such as Makati Medical Center or St. Luke's Medical Center for an emergency assessment.

Travelling to the Philippines with lisdexamfetamine: what you need to know

Lisdexamfetamine, sold internationally as Vyvanse (in the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico) and as Elvanse (in the UK, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, and Italy), does not appear by name on the Dangerous Drugs Board's list of controlled substances^[8], but it converts to dexamfetamine, which is listed. Treat it as a dangerous drug and carry a doctor's letter and prescription, up to 30 days' supply^[7]. No lisdexamfetamine product is confirmed as registered or routinely stocked at Philippine pharmacies, so your supply must cover your entire stay.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your prescribing doctor before travelling with medication, particularly regarding supply quantities, storage requirements, and import documentation.

Documentation for travelling to the Philippines with lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine does not appear by name on the Dangerous Drugs Board's list of controlled substances, but the body converts it to dexamfetamine, which is listed^[8], so carry the documents the Board asks for with any prescribed dangerous drug: a doctor's letter describing your condition and a prescription giving the trade and generic names, for no more than 30 days' supply^[7]. Your prescribing doctor should provide the letter on clinic letterhead. For more than 30 days' supply, write to the PDEA Compliance Service at least 30 working days before you arrive, with your doctor's letter and a certificate from your home country's drug authority; PDEA replies within 15 working days.

What your doctor's letter must include

Full legal name (matching your passport), medication name in full (INN: lisdexamfetamine; brand: Vyvanse or Elvanse), dose and frequency, total quantity carried, the condition being managed (one word is sufficient), your doctor's signature and professional registration number, and clinic letterhead with contact details. The letter does not need to be notarised for the Philippines, but having it in English is sufficient as English is an official language there.

No apostille or notarisation is required for your doctor's letter, as English is an official language of the Philippines. Ensure all documents clearly show the medication's INN (lisdexamfetamine) and the brand name on your packaging.

How much lisdexamfetamine to bring

The Dangerous Drugs Board allows travellers to carry up to 30 days' supply of a prescribed dangerous drug^[7]. Because lisdexamfetamine is not available locally as a replacement, bring what you need for trips of up to 30 days and make sure the quantity matches your prescription. For more than 30 days' supply, write to the PDEA Compliance Service at least 30 working days before you arrive, with your doctor's letter and a certificate from your home country's drug authority; PDEA replies within 15 working days. Travel insurance rarely covers refills of controlled substances abroad, so do not rely on reimbursement pathways for a replacement supply.

Split your supply

Carry your main supply in your hand luggage and a sealed backup dose in your checked bag. If one bag is delayed or lost, you still have medication to hand. Keep both portions in original pharmacy-labelled packaging with your prescription and doctor's letter.

Packing and storing lisdexamfetamine for travel

The US FDA prescribing information for Vyvanse states it should be stored at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C. The Philippines has a tropical climate with year-round temperatures frequently exceeding 30°C and high humidity, so store your medication in an air-conditioned room away from direct light. During transit, use an insulated pouch to keep the medication below 30°C, particularly during airport layovers.

Airport security with lisdexamfetamine

Lisdexamfetamine capsules are a solid oral form and are not subject to liquid restrictions at airport security. Carry your medication in your hand luggage rather than checked baggage so it remains accessible and is not lost. Have your prescription and doctor's letter at the top of your bag, ready to present if a security officer asks about your medication.

Customs and medication import rules for the Philippines

The Bureau of Customs and PDEA jointly enforce Republic Act 9165 at Philippine ports of entry. Declare your medication on your customs declaration form and present your original prescription and doctor's letter^[3]. For prescribed dangerous drugs, the Dangerous Drugs Board asks travellers to carry a doctor's letter describing the condition and a prescription giving the trade and generic names, up to 30 days' supply^[7]. Philippine customs officers are authorised to detain travellers found carrying dangerous drugs without proper documents, so do not rely on verbal explanations alone. The Bureau of Customs Passenger Service Unit at Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport handles declarations for incoming passengers.

Controlled stimulant: serious legal risk

Lisdexamfetamine is not listed by name under Republic Act 9165, but it converts to dexamfetamine, which is a listed dangerous drug, and officers may treat it as one. Possession of a dangerous drug without proper documents is a criminal offence that can result in arrest and prosecution. Present your prescription, doctor's letter, and original packaging immediately if questioned by customs officers. Never transfer capsules into an unmarked container before crossing the border.

Lisdexamfetamine availability in the Philippines

Neither Vyvanse nor Elvanse is listed in the Philippine Food and Drug Administration's registered products database. No lisdexamfetamine product is known to be stocked at Philippine pharmacies, including chain pharmacies such as Mercury Drug, Watsons, and Rose Pharmacy. You cannot obtain a local replacement supply, so your entire trip quantity must be brought from abroad.^[4]

Finding a doctor who can assist with lisdexamfetamine in the Philippines

Private hospitals in Metro Manila, including Makati Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center (BGC and Quezon City), and The Medical City, have English-speaking psychiatrists available for consultation. A private psychiatry consultation in Manila typically costs ₱1,500 to ₱3,500 (~$25 to ~$57 / ~€22 to ~€50). Because lisdexamfetamine is not registered locally, a Philippine psychiatrist cannot prescribe it, but they can provide documentation supporting your continued use of your brought supply if customs or authorities require clarification.^[5]

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Storing lisdexamfetamine while in the Philippines

The Philippines has a tropical climate with daily temperatures typically between 28°C and 35°C and humidity above 70%. Vyvanse prescribing information specifies storage at controlled room temperature with excursions to 30°C permitted. Keep your supply in an air-conditioned room rather than in a bag left in direct sunlight or in a car. If your accommodation loses power, move medication to a cool, dark location and do not leave it in a room that exceeds 30°C for extended periods.

What to do if something goes wrong with your lisdexamfetamine in the Philippines

If your medication is lost or stolen, file a police report immediately at the nearest Philippine National Police station and obtain a case reference number. Contact your embassy or consulate as a second step, as they can assist with liaising with local authorities and confirming your legitimate prescription status.

If you run out of lisdexamfetamine unexpectedly, no local pharmacy can supply a replacement because the drug is not registered in the Philippines. Your only pathway is to consult a psychiatrist at a private hospital in Metro Manila, who can assess you and provide supporting documentation. Consider whether early repatriation is necessary if your trip is extended beyond your original supply.

“Kailangan ko ng gamot ko. / Mayroon akong reseta mula sa aking doktor. / Pakitawagan ang doktor. / Nasaan ang pinakamalapit na parmasya?”

I need my medication. / I have a prescription from my doctor. / Please call a doctor. / Where is the nearest pharmacy?

The Philippine emergency number is 911 for both ambulance and fire services; the Philippine National Police can be reached on 911. For urgent medical care, the emergency departments at Makati Medical Center (+63 2 8888 8999) and St. Luke's Medical Center BGC (+63 2 8789 7700) have 24-hour services and English-speaking staff.^[6]

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Frequently asked questions

Is lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse) legal in the Philippines?

Lisdexamfetamine does not appear by name on the Dangerous Drugs Board's list of controlled substances, but the body converts it to dexamfetamine, which is listed^[8]. Treat it as a dangerous drug: carry a doctor's letter and prescription, keep to 30 days' supply or less^[7], and declare it on arrival. Possession of a dangerous drug without documents is a criminal offence. RA 9165^[1] sets the penalties.

Can I bring Vyvanse into the Philippines?

Yes, with documents. Carry your original prescription and a doctor's letter in English describing your condition, keep to 30 days' supply or less^[7], declare the medication at customs, and keep it in its original packaging throughout your trip. For more than 30 days' supply, write to the PDEA Compliance Service at least 30 working days before you arrive, with your doctor's letter and a certificate from your home country's drug authority; PDEA replies within 15 working days.

Is Vyvanse available at pharmacies in the Philippines?

Vyvanse and its active ingredient lisdexamfetamine are not registered with the Philippine FDA and are not stocked at any known Philippine pharmacy chain, including Mercury Drug, Watsons, or Rose Pharmacy. Bring your full supply for the duration of your stay.^[5]

Do I need a permit to carry Vyvanse in the Philippines?

Not for up to 30 days' supply: the Dangerous Drugs Board asks for a doctor's letter and a prescription naming the trade and generic names^[7]. For more than 30 days' supply, write to the PDEA Compliance Service at least 30 working days before you arrive, with your doctor's letter and a certificate from your home country's drug authority; PDEA replies within 15 working days.^[9]

What if I run out of Vyvanse while in the Philippines?

There is no local pharmacy pathway to replace lisdexamfetamine in the Philippines, as the drug is not registered there. If you run short, consult a psychiatrist at a private hospital such as Makati Medical Center or St. Luke's Medical Center for an emergency assessment and documentation, and consider returning home early if your supply is critically low.

Is Elvanse the same as Vyvanse and can I bring it to the Philippines?

Elvanse is the brand name for lisdexamfetamine sold in the UK, Germany, France, Spain, Ireland, and Italy, while Vyvanse is the brand used in the US, Canada, Australia, Brazil, and Mexico. Both contain the same active ingredient and face identical Philippine import rules. The same documents apply whichever brand name appears on your packaging.

Related practical guide

10 Things You Must Do Before Travelling Abroad with ADHD Medication

Some ADHD stimulants are banned outright in certain countries and tightly controlled in many others. Here is the practical checklist every traveller needs before setting off.

Lisdexamfetamine in Philippines: Import Rules, Brands and Access