Flying and Medicines

[vhoffman]

I haven't flown since the last terrorist attempt. I'm concerned about traveling with my medicines.

I always take them with me in carry on bags. Of course, they're always in their original, labeled containers. DH uses meds, too. We usually carry at least two bottles of each perscription, split between each bag, in case one is lost. I hope they don't think something is wrong with that. Also, I always carry more than needed for the trip, just in case something is lost, spilled, whatever. Do they actually match up quantities with length of trip?

What concerns me the most is my Enbrel. That's an injectable drug for rheumatoid arthritis. It comes in a kit, with the medicine in a vial and a syringe. The medicine is part liquid, part powder, and must be mixed prior to using. It also must be kept cold. I've always traveled with it in an insulated case, provided by the manufacturer, along with ice packs, the get type. They've never questioned it before. I've read that such medicines are allowed as long as the medicine label matches the passenger name, but what about the ice pack? Its a gel type. What do I do about that?

In lieu of trying to carry it onboard, perhaps I could just ship it ahead overnight with a freezer pack. That would ensure it get there properly. I do take it 2x week. I've read about a similar drug that's once every 2 weeks. Perhaps I should discuss it with my dr, just for the convenience factor, but changing medicines always involves an insurance hassle, not to mention is the new drug as effective for me?

Also, I have a sinus condition and always travel with Sudaphed, the gel type, that have gufaeinsein(sp?) combined. Actually, my whole family uses them during long trips to prevent ear problems. Would they allow gel medicines, especially over-the-counter types? Perhaps there's an equilivant I could buy that's not a gel, maybe talk with a pharmacist? We aren't planning on traveling soon, but i'd like to have these details addressed before the next trip. Thanks,

 

[tarkus]

This may help.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#11

I don't think you should have a problem.

Have a safe trip,
Alan

 

[Cellthing]

I was wondering about this one as well. I too take Enbrel, although in the premixed form, for AS (Ankylosing Spondylitis). I have traveled several times, and what I typically do is save one of the boxes that has my prescription infomation on it, and put that into the travel container. As long as the prescription label is there, there is not much they can say.
I like the idea of the sending it via overnight. The stress of transporting it would be a whole lot less, and less stress for me means somewhat less pains.
I have talked my Doctor out of putting me on Humeria (sp), which is the once every two weeks. He likes to test my prescription plan, which has gotten worse in the past few years. I don't like to change something that has worked so well, like Enbrel. It is expensive, but well worth the relief that I have seen
Good Luck to you!

 

[vhoffman]

My main concern isn't the medicine, but the gel frozen pack to keep it cold. That issue isn't addressed anywhere in the TSA site. I'd hate to have the gel pack confiscated. Enbrel is extremely expensive and breaks down if not kept cold. I'd have to throw it away if not kept at a certain temperature for any length of time.

Perhaps it would be best to FesEx it overnight just to be sure.

 

[emerymt]

First thing you can do is ask your doctor to switch to the new premixed dosing which is also only once a week. That will help you out a lot right there. I was switched to Humira last June, and while I am loving the q 2 wk dosing, I don't think it is working for me, so I wouldn't switch drugs just for the trip. Also, dosing days are not written in stone, maybe you could take it a little early or late and not have to bring it with you- ask your doctor.

I pack my Enbrel/Humira in a soft refrigerated cooler with a gel pack, in my luggage. I never have carried it on the plane because it is a pain. Then, I have a nice cooler when I get there, too ! I have worried about the airline losing it, but my health plan will FedEx me a replacement (won't pay for me to get it in Florida, though!), and the airline would have to pay me back for it. I also check my methotrexate, since it, too is only once a week.

Also, just to let you know, you aren't supposed to carry your DH's drugs anymore, I guess. The name on the drugs must match the name on the ticket carried by the person with the drugs. Of course, just carry your own through through security then you can do the sharing.