Important Medical Question...epi pens?

[tnelson0119]

This will be the first flight/trip for my 15 year old daughter since we discovered her severe peanut and shrimp allergies. She, obviously, carries an epi pen. My question is two part:

First, Airports...how do they handle things like epi pens? She can't put it in checked baggage. That would totally defeat the purpose.

Second, Disney/Universal theme parks...when they check bags, will they allow her to bring it in?

Obviously, she has a prescription for it. Does we just need documentation that she NEEDS it?

Thanks so much for any thoughts.

 

[Anne MN]

ok- i THINK this is what you need to know-
you need everything in original package and perscription-
letter from Dr always helps-
you Can carry it on

this is pre 2001 mind you-
we had one carryone for meds- all were in original bottles with labels, also had Dr note- didn't need for that- DD had to be hand checked as to having metal in her body-
if you have any questions- call your airline- they should know all the regulations regarding medical stuff on fights

 

[Selket]

You might want to post this as well on the DisAbilities board here at the DIS. I've seen several folks post about carrying syringes/medications onto airplanes but I can't remember the details. You might also find some helpful info at the peanut allergy boards at: http://www.peanutallergy.com/bbpage.htm They have a board devoted to travel.

My 2 yr old was diagnosed with both diabetes and a severe peanut allergy this past Spring and I'm afraid to fly with him after some of the things I've read (some airlines seem bad about promising you they won't serve peanuts yet bring them out mid-flight anyway). Some airlines seem worse than others about it but that's only what I've read - no firsthand experience!

I'm quite sure they'll allow you to bring the epi-pen syringe into the park and you shouldn't need a dr's note. I'll be carrying all manner of syringes with me (for insulin, glucagon and epi-pen) so they'd better let us in - LOL!

I don't think you can be denied entry to places because of your syringes for medical needs. We've never had problems so far at local places (museums, etc. that check bags).

Good luck!

 

[SueM in MN]

Here's a link to the Transportation Security Administration webpage about travel with disabilities or special needs.
That page includes a link to specific answers about travel with medications.
It does not specifically ask for a physician letter, but in case you have any medical problems while you are on your trip, you should have the name/address/phone number of your doctor in an easy to find place. A listing of the medications you are on would also be helpful in case of emergency.

many people have posted that they brought auto-injectors, epipens, syringes into the parks. You will be have your bags checked the same as eeveryone else, but I have not heard of anyone ever being prevented from carrying these items in anywhere after inspection.

 

[samnbilly]

We just traveled recently with my daughter who needs an Epi-Pen with her due to severe peanut allergy. We carried a doctor's prescription with the Epi-Pen and just let the people know at the airport and the parks we went to. I carried it in my pocketbook or in the front of a cooler bag. We never had a problem. Everyone was quite nice about it. Make sure when you go away, you bring a few epi-pens with you-just in case it wears off before arriving to a hospital or just in case it malfunctions.