Another flying question -- epipen?

[Rajah]

I've got an epipen that I'm going to need to take with me just in case. I won't need it on the plane, but will want it with me when we arrive.

a) Check or pack

b) If it's still in it's box and is checked, do I need a doctor's note?

 

[disykat]

I would carry a note or the prescription just in case. Call the airline to double check. I would definately carry it on - you never know when luggage can get lost. We carry all our meds in our carry ons and have never gotten questioned (between ds and I we could open a pharmacy!) I haven't flown with an epi since 9-11, but understand that you can.

I'll be interested to hear how it goes since we're flying this summer.

 

[CamColt]

Good question! We are flying in December and need an epipen for DS's peanut allergy. I would like to have it on the plane with us, but now you have me wondering if thats allowed. We did it before 9/11, but not since.
Anyone have first hand experience?

 

[pumba]

weeks before our last big family trip......my mother in law had alot of testing needles and insulin needles,,,percription was the original container with what it was and doctors name...they said no problems....make sure your epien is on the top so you can get right to it....

 

[nancy679]

Definately carry it on board and bring more than just one--remember they only last about 15-20 minutes. You certainly dont want to have a problem at 10,000 ft.

DD has a peanut allergy and we had a doctor's note and carried on several epipens (make sure they are in the box with your prescription on it.) Although the airport never looked at them or at the doc's note.

Also I called the airlines and they could not guarantee a peanut free flight.

So, yes you do need a note, and yes, you should carry it on board.

 

[Rajah]

Well, in my case, it's not for anything actually on the *flight*, it's for something we may encounter on our first night in Albuquerque. So I wouldn't *need* it on the flight, but I think I'll carry it on anyway. I wouldn't want my luggage to get lost, it to get lost with the luggage, and then need it before our luggage is found.

 

[Christine]

Always carry your medications (and epi-pens) with you. Most, if not all, drugs have sensitivities to temperatures (I know the epi-pen does). You cannot guarantee what the temperature is in the cargo area, so carry it with you. Also, never leave it in your car. You will ruin it.
Christine

 

[Rajah]

Ahh! I had completely forgotten that point! Thank you, Christine. Carryon it is.

 

[CyranoJones]

I always carry my Epi-Pen in my purse. It is in the original box (even if it is a tad battered, lol) with the prescription label attached. I have never been questioned about it.

My favorite tweezers...that is another story.

 

[SeaShelley]

What a timely thread. My DH was just asking me about taking his new med. (Embrel) on our trip to FL next year. Great advice here. We'll be looking for a mini-cooler pack as well as the med needs to be refrigerated at all times. I figured as long as it was in its original packaging with the perscription on it, that it wouldn't be a problem.

 

[janette]

I carry an epi-pen in my purse and it doesn't even have the prescription box any longer but they never questioned it. I forgot about it until I was reading this and realized that I've flown with it there several times. It shouldn't be a problem.

I do carry on all drugs, my DD has several maintenance drugs for asthma and I just don't want to risk them getting lost. I make sure they are in the orginal containers.