Sharing time with family and friends, or simply enjoying time away from it all is part of the fun during the holiday season. Although traveling with prescription medicines can be challenging, proper planning can help keep your trip a relaxing and enjoyable one. Here are a few suggestions to help you plan.
• Ensure that you’ll have enough medicine for every day, and include a little extra in case your trip is delayed.
• Don’t wait until the last minute to get your prescription filled as the pharmacy could be out of it and doctor might be difficult to reach to write a new one.
• Filling your prescription at a chain pharmacy at home can ease the process should you need to refill your medicine in another city while you are away.
• If you are flying, keep your medications in a carry-on bag, rather than a checked bag which could be lost or stolen.
• Keep medications in their original labeled containers or ask your pharmacist to provide a duplicate labeled container in a smaller size to carry just the amount you need.
• The Transportation Security Administration generally requires that all liquids not exceed 3.4 ounces if they are in a carry-on bag, but there are exceptions for medications. Reasonable amounts of medically necessary gels, aerosols, and liquids can be over 3.4 ounces, but you’ll need to notify TSA officers about your medications as security screening begins.
• If you are taking opioid or injectable medication, it is a good idea to pack a doctor’s note explaining what is prescribed and why it is required.
• Email yourself a list of the prescriptions you are taking. It can be helpful if your medication is lost, damaged, or stolen.
• If a TSA officer says a prescribed medication is not allowed, ask to speak with a TSA supervisor, and keep going up the chain of command, if necessary.
When you arrive at your destination, remember to keep your medication secure and out of sight. When staying in someone’s home, in addition to the risk of abuse, a child or pet could be inadvertently poisoned. If you will be staying in a hotel take your prescriptions with you, or lock them in the hotel safe.
Use these hints to keep the holidays a wonderful time to celebrate, be grateful, and appreciate the gift of health. If you would like to find out more information about traveling with prescription medications, please call or visit Spine & Orthopedic Center today.