Why Your Medication List Matters

Your current medications provide the civil surgeon with important information about your medical history and current health status. This information is used to accurately complete Form I-693, the official immigration medical examination form. Disclosing your medications honestly is part of the standard medical history review.

Medications and Vaccine Contraindications

One of the most important reasons to disclose your medications is that certain drugs can create contraindications to required vaccines. For example, immunosuppressant medications — including biologics, corticosteroids, and chemotherapy agents — generally contraindicate live vaccines such as MMR and varicella.

If you are on a medication that contraindicates a required vaccine, the civil surgeon can document this on Form I-693 as a medical contraindication and complete a medical waiver. This is a standard process that does not negatively affect your immigration application.

Medications and Substance Use Screening

The immigration medical examination includes a review for substance use disorders. If you take controlled substances — such as opioids for chronic pain, benzodiazepines for anxiety, or stimulants for ADHD — disclosing these medications and providing documentation of a legitimate prescription is important. A valid prescription from a licensed physician demonstrates that your use is medically supervised and not indicative of a substance use disorder.

What to Bring

Prepare the following for your appointment:

• A written list of all current prescription medications, including the drug name, dose, and prescribing physician
• A list of any over-the-counter medications or supplements you take regularly
• Documentation of any controlled substance prescriptions (prescription bottles or a letter from your prescribing physician)
• Your vaccination records

Honesty Is the Best Policy

You are expected to answer the civil surgeon's questions honestly. Attempting to conceal medications or medical conditions could create complications later in the immigration process. The civil surgeon's role is to document your health status accurately, not to make immigration decisions based on your overall health.