Supporting Patients During the Holiday Season: Traveling with Medications

During the holiday season, many people have a lot more on their minds than usual. There are holiday events, gift wish lists for friends and loved ones, and decorations to think about.  
 

Patients with chronic conditions have the extra challenge of taking their medication as prescribed when schedules and routines may be unpredictable or when they are traveling.
 

At AllianceRx Walgreens Pharmacy, one way we help support patients is by educating them on how to travel with their medication during the holidays. 
 

Preparing for a Trip 
 

Prior to a trip, patients should collect all the medications they take on a regular basis, including any injectable medications and any relevant supplies. Pharmacists can help them evaluate their dosing schedule and decide if any upcoming doses are due during their trip.  
 

If possible, they should pack enough medication to cover the duration of the trip. It’s also helpful to consider adding in an extra day or two’s worth in case there are any delays when returning home. 
 

Traveling with Refrigerated Medications 
 

Pharmacists can counsel patients on the best way to travel with refrigerated medications, so they stay within the recommended temperature guidelines. The pharmacist can also check the prescribing information to see if and how long a medication can be at room temperature.  
 

A cooler or an insulated medication travel bag can be purchased for storing refrigerated medication. The patient can pack their medication inside the cooler with icepacks or freezer bags of ice to prevent the temperature from rising.  
 

Bringing Medication on an Airplane 
 

The Transportation Security Agency (TSA) website provides a lot of information on how to fly with medication. 
 

Medications in pill or other solid form must undergo security screening, so they should be clearly labeled. Check with state laws regarding prescription medication labels. 
 

If traveling with a liquid medication, patients should inform the TSA officer that they have medically necessary liquids/medications and separate them from other belongings before screening begins. Additionally, they should notify the agent of any related accessories, devices or supplies.   
 

If the Patient Forgets to Bring Their Medication on a Trip 
 

Sometimes we forget things when we travel. It happens, but missing doses of certain medications can  put patients at risk of disease complications.
  

If a patient forgets their medication, they can reach out to their pharmacist or healthcare provider. 
 

Depending on the medication and situation, a pharmacist can transfer the prescription to a pharmacy near the patient or contact the insurance company for an override if needed. 
 

When the pharmacist properly educates and prepares a patient to travel with their medications, then the patient can have one less thing to worry about and focus on enjoying their holidays. 
 

Sources 

http://saidsupport.org/keeping-medications-cold-while-traveling/ 

https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures 

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