Originally Posted by
Nobbi
Creams are not essential for a 12 h flight. At least not a large tube. Whereas I understand that "medications" are better transported in carry-on than checked since the latter can get lost, creams are not that difficult to replace. As for pills, no problem to carry them on. The only liquid I can think of that's essential is insulin, unless you consider liquid asthma meds. But then you'd have to take your nebulizer too.
The OP is talking about prescription creams - not Nivea!. This could include topical preparations containing steroids, antifungal agents and other agents that must be applied every six to twenty-four hours. Also, there are plenty of medications (including topical preparations) that must be compounded by hand and cannot be replaced at all due to local laws regarding compounding and legal availability of raw drugs.
Believe me, OP's mother in law does not want to end up in a NHS clinic or hospital or ponce around looking for a Boots or Superdrug that can compound a topical preparation. Based on that alone, I recommend the following rules of thumb:
1) If it's going to require a visit to the Doctor and Pharmacist to replace, carry it in your hand baggage.
2) Keep copies of prescriptions even if the label on the medication container is intact when you begin your travels.