Traveling With Refrigerated Medications
By Mariah Zebrowski Leach
Having arthritis doesn't mean you have to miss out on the things you want to do or places you
want to go. Even if you are taking an injectable biologic medication that requires refrigeration, it
is still possible to travel almost anywhere with a little advance planning. While you should
certainly talk to your doctor about the best methods for traveling with your refrigerated
medication, this article contains advice gathered through experience.
Your Transport Container
You'll need a little insulated travel cooler for keeping your medication cold while you travel. In
your transport container you should pack as many doses as you need for your trip, an ice pack,
alcohol wipes for injections, and extra ziplock bags for ice (see below). It may also be useful to
include the box or container your medication arrives in with your name and prescription
information in case the TSA requests to see it. You can also pack a travel-sized sharps container
separately or plan to keep used syringes in your transport container for proper disposal upon your
return.
Flying With Refrigerated Medications
If your travel plans include flying, it is important to remember to always carry your refrigerated
medications onto the plane with you. Your medication may freeze and become ruined if it is
placed with your checked luggage in the baggage compartment.
The TSA allows medically necessary liquids, associated supplies (such as syringes), and ice
packs to keep liquids cool to pass through security after screening. Passengers are requested to
inform TSA personnel that the liquids are medically necessary and to separate their transport
container from their other belongings at the security check point. Travelers may call TSA Cares
at 1-855-787-2227 prior to traveling if they have questions, or visit the TSA website for
additional information.
For flights longer than a few hours, your ice pack may not be sufficient to keep your medication
cool for the entire flight. You may want to tell a flight attendant about your medication when you
board the plane. He or she may be able to put your medication in the airplane's refrigerator or
provide additional ice when your ice pack melts. Make sure your transport container is labeled
with your contact information and don't forget your medication on the plane!
When You Have Access To A Fridge
Most hotel rooms these days have mini-fridges in them, so keeping your medication cool after
you arrive is generally pretty easy. However, make sure the fridge is adjusted properly and
beware of fridges that turn off when you leave the room. For example, in some countries it is
standard practice to require the insertion of your room key to turn on the lights. This means there
is no power to the room when you leave and take your key with you.
If there is no refrigerator in your room, the fridge turns off when you leave, or you need to check
out of your room but leave your luggage for the day, tell the front desk that you have medicine
that needs to be refrigerated. They should be able to accommodate your needs. If there is a
language barrier, you may want to ask to the see the fridge so you can make sure your
medication will be safe.
When You Don't Have Access To A Fridge
If you will not have access to a fridge, it is still possible to take your refrigerated medication with
you. Start by freezing your ice pack and using it as long as stays solid, then use the ziplock bags
in your transport container for ice. You can ask for a small amount of ice almost anywhere, such
as a coffee shop, gas station, bar, or hotel. It is prudent to offer to pay for the ice, but many times
employees will happily give you a cup of ice if you tell them you need it to keep medication cold
while traveling. You may want to double-bag your ice or put your medication in a separate
ziplock bag in order to prevent leaking when the ice inevitably melts. When using ice to keep
your medications cold, it is especially important to check on it every couple of hours to see if
you need additional ice.
With a little advance planning and vigilance while traveling, it is totally possible to take your
refrigerated medications all around the world with you.
