How to obtain medication under law restricting pharmaceutical mailing Published Dec. 7, 2012 By Senior Airman Natasha Stannard 52nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- The 52nd Medical Group is working to limit the impact of the German law that restricts the mailing of pharmaceuticals. The U.S. Postal Service will restrict the delivery of medicines to include prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbals items, and dietary supplements to APO and other addresses within Germany in accordance with German law effective Jan. 1, 2013. Customs will check for shipments from popular sources like the TRICARE mail order pharmacy, CVS, GNC and websites known for workout supplements.. TRICARE beneficiaries can obtain most prescribed medications from the Spangdahlem pharmacy as the pharmacy is exempt from German restrictions. The Spangdahlem pharmacy accepts prescriptions from properly licensed German and stateside providers. They can also advise customers of which medications are available on the local economy and what options they have for medications not stocked at the pharmacy. "Our goal is to provide as much information as possible, so patients can make informed decisions on obtaining their medication," said Master Sgt. Keith Lux, 52nd Medical Support Squadron Pharmacy Flight chief. To obtain medications from the pharmacy, people must enroll in the clinic's computer database at the TRICARE office. "Personnel can use off-base pharmacies for medications prescribed by host nation providers that the pharmacy is unable to supply," Lux said. Mailing restrictions cannot be waived for prescriptions not available through the base or local pharmacies. It is advised people coordinate with their healthcare providers now for alternatives. People can also use the Spangdahlem Exchange, commissary and local off-base health food stores for dietary supplements, herbal items and vitamins. For more information, visit http://www.defense.gov/news/newsarticle.aspx?id=118119, or call the base pharmacy at DSN 452-8158 or 06565-61-8158. To view the 52nd MDG pharmacy formulary, visit http://www.pharmacyonesource.com/fos/default.asp?L=68928&g=1&f=2370.