December 2018

With the holidays often comes holiday travel. But as you pack for your trip, remember that even when you are away, it’s still important to responsibly manage your health conditions that require medication. Here are some practical tips for traveling with prescription medications.

1. Count them out. Check your prescriptions at least a week prior to travel to make sure you have a sufficient supply. Get any necessary refills before you leave so you don’t run out while on the road.

2. Carry them on. Place all prescriptions in your carry-on luggage. If your flight is delayed or your checked luggage is lost, you may find yourself without your medications when you need them most.

3. Read the fine print. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows most pills and solid medications, as well as small amounts of liquid medications and diabetic needles, on board all flights. If you have any questions, call the TSA Cares toll-free helpline at 1-855-787-2227.

4. Pack in the original bottle. When traveling with a controlled substance — such as a narcotic painkiller or a stimulant medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) — make sure to carry the drug in its labeled prescription bottle. Having the official information on hand can help you avoid problems with local law enforcement at your destination.

5. Find a local pharmacy. Sometimes, you may lose or run out of your pills. If you run into trouble while traveling, seek out the closest pharmacy. They can contact your home pharmacy to help get you back on track.

6. Cool it. If your medications need to be refrigerated, pack your prescription in a small travel cooler with some Ziploc bags. You can refill the Ziplocs with ice once you are through the security checkpoint to keep things cool.