Taking Your Medications While Traveling

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Summer is a great time to travel.

Many people like to travel:

• To have a good time
• To see new things
• To get work done

If you take medication for an illness or disability, you need to plan ahead when traveling.

When you travel… things change!

You may not know where to get medicine or medical help.

What you do every day and how much sleep you get may be different.

Plan ahead to make sure:

• You have all the medication you need, and
• You take it at the right time

Bring enough medication with you.

Get your prescriptions filled before you leave.

Pack twice as much as you need.

• Take half of your medication with you and put the other half in your suitcase.
• If you lose some medicine, you will still have enough.

Keep medication in its original containers.

Always carry medication with you.

Carry medication onto planes in case your suitcase is lost or stolen.

• Tell the security person if you are carrying more than 3 ounces of liquid medicine.
• If you are, it may take extra time to get through security.

Always carry extra medication, just in case.

Always carry extra medication in case your airplane, train, or bus is late.

Make sure your medications don’t get too hot or too cold. You can get a special holder that keeps medicine just right.

If you have diabetes or use syringes (shots):

Carry syringes (shots) together with your medication.

Ask your doctor for a letter that says your syringes (shots) are for medical use.

Tell the security person you are carrying syringes (shots) and medication.

Also bring special containers for used syringes (shots).

Know when to take your medication.

Ask your doctor, support staff, or pharmacist to help you write down when you should take your medication each day.

Wear a watch with an alarm to remind you when to take your medicine (It is easy to forget while traveling).

If you travel to a different time zone:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist how to figure out when to take your medicine.

Know where to find health care while you travel.

Find out where there are pharmacies, hospitals, and doctors.

Bring a list of names, addresses, and telephone numbers for health care providers you may need to use.

Use the internet to find this information - or ask a family member or support provider for help.

Know about your medication.

Ask your doctor, support staff or pharmacist to help you write down why you take each medicine.

• This will help if you need to see a doctor while traveling.

Be careful about what you eat and drink.

You may want to try different foods when you travel.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if there are foods you should not try.

Do not drink alcohol, especially when flying.

Be sure to drink plenty of water and liquids.

Carry a doctor’s letter that tells about:

Your health

Your prescriptions, including:

• Copies of each prescription
• The names of each drug

How much you take of each medication (the dose) and how often

Your doctor’s name, telephone number and e-mail address

Food and medications you should not take

Ask your doctor if you should carry other information, too.

Enjoy a safe trip… and stay healthy!

• Plan ahead.
• Ask your support provider if you want help filling it out.

You can learn more about traveling with medication.

• Managing Medications While Traveling
• Planning Ahead for Travel Emergencies
• Airport Guidelines for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions - Transportation Security Administration