Flying with Ozempic, will a Frio pack keep it cool enough for 6-8 hours? And TSA friendly?

[jo-jo]

First time flying with heat sensitive meds. The other ten are all pills. Does the cold feature work packed into bag or does it need air circulation to stay cool?

 

[kuhltiffany]

FRIO are awesome, it would definitely be cool for that long once activated. No air required, they are kind of squishy so I keep it in a Ziplock.

 

[jo-jo]

FRIO are awesome, it would definitely be cool for that long once activated. No air required, they are kind of squishy so I keep it in a Ziplock.

Thank you. Another unknown, solved!

 

[lanejudy]

FRIO is great — but Ozempic only needs to be refrigerated until you start using a pen. Then it can be kept at room temp for the duration of the pen (up to 56 days).

 

[EACarlson]

I've used a FRIO for the last 6 years and never had an issue. As an example of my use. Last weekend I drove three hours, left my backpack with my FRIO in the car for 10 hours in 90 degree heat before getting to my hotel, no issues with my insulin. The FRIO itself felt a little warm on the outside but when I took the pen out and felt inside it was cool. Never had an issue with TSA and I fly probably 10 roundtrips a year.

 

[Debbie Jean]

FRIO is great — but Ozempic only needs to be refrigerated until you start using a pen. Then it can be kept at room temp for the duration of the pen (up to 56 days).

This. When I make a trip, I time first use at home so no refrigeration needed for the next 3/4 doses. Never gone more than a month so not an issue. It’s in my carryon with other meds.

 

[EACarlson]

This. When I make a trip, I time first use at home so no refrigeration needed for the next 3/4 doses. Never gone more than a month so not an issue. It’s in my carryon with other meds.

I would still put the pen in a FRIO. While it doesn't need to be refrigerated, I would still worry about a heat spike causing the medication to be less effective or not effective at all.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I would still put the pen in a FRIO. While it doesn't need to be refrigerated, I would still worry about a heat spike causing the medication to be less effective or not effective at all.

If that concerns you, then by all means ice it. I’ve had years of experience with both insulin and now Ozempic and have always found the manufacturer’s directions on storage to be sufficient. But any heat spikes I have traveling are very limited.

 

[jo-jo]

My DH has only used it for a few months. When picking up, the pharmacist always says keep in fridge. We thought it meant always at home, not just until first use. Maybe I'll have to read the package. I know DH read it just to figure out how to use it, but you know, you think you know the info, so you don't read the whole packet.

 

[jo-jo]

FRIO is great — but Ozempic only needs to be refrigerated until you start using a pen. Then it can be kept at room temp for the duration of the pen (up to 56 days).

Will have to do some math. If it's mid cycle, then no need to buy FRIO at all.

 

[Debbie Jean]

Will have to do some math. If it's mid cycle, then no need to buy FRIO at all.

From manufacturers website:

 

[jo-jo]

From manufacturers website:

View attachment 891258

The things you learn on Disboards!!!! I had no idea. I may not need to buy a thing. Have to count the weeks. Thank you for posting.

 

[HashberryOTG]

My doc also told me if the ozempic was cloudy, don't use it. Its either ineffective or bad. If its clear, its good. Never tested this or anything, ofc. So if you're travelling with one and it goes cloudy, toss it.

 

[keishashadow]

After first use (up to 56 days): Ozempic® should be stored at room temperature 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)

or

refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not store in the freezer or directly adjacent

Many pharmacists & doctors are shaking their heads over that 'either or' storage instructions as to the level of confusion it's causing.

Inherent Issue with Orlando is, often temps do soar well over 86 degrees

IMO need to be very careful to not exceed that temp if stored in luggage inside car or even on your person on a hot day

 

[jo-jo]

After first use (up to 56 days): Ozempic® should be stored at room temperature 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C)

or

refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not store in the freezer or directly adjacent

Many pharmacists & doctors are shaking their heads over that 'either or' storage instructions as to the level of confusion it's causing.

Inherent Issue with Orlando is, often temps do soar well over 86 degrees

IMO need to be very careful to not exceed that temp if stored in luggage inside car or even on your person on a hot day

Good point about hot car. The meds will be with us always during travel, so no chance sitting in car for hours.

 

[iuki]

I've used a FRIO for the last 6 years and never had an issue. As an example of my use. Last weekend I drove three hours, left my backpack with my FRIO in the car for 10 hours in 90 degree heat before getting to my hotel, no issues with my insulin. The FRIO itself felt a little warm on the outside but when I took the pen out and felt inside it was cool. Never had an issue with TSA and I fly probably 10 roundtrips a year.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Just ordered the large wallet for my upcoming 26-night cruise. It takes two days to fly from Hawaii to Rome. This really relieves my mind.