Insulin/Syringes?

[miraclegro]

Long time lurker - finally registered

I'm diabetic and wondering if anyone has ever had a problem carrying on their insulin and syringes. I will not check it for fear they lose it, but not sure if they will question the syringes?

Thanks!!

 

[BethA]

My mother took hers on the last 2 cruises and was not questioned. I'd be afraid to lose it and with delays it's better to have it with you.

 

[Talking Hands]

No questions at all. I did fill out the medical form before travelling so the cruise line was aware of my diabetes.

 

[flexsmom]

As I recall from gestational diabetes days, I had to refrigerate my insulin - if you need to do this, too, you can ask for a small fridge, based on your medical requirements. I don't know if the beverage cooler will keep it cool enough - might be worth a call to DCL.

 

[miraclegro]

Wow - you guys are quick! Thank you so much. I will request a fridge, I guess. I don't normally refrigerate it, however being it will be in tropical weather, it's probably not a bad idea.

Thanks so much!

 

[JungleCruiser]

WDW resort has also provided a sharps container for used syringes (for our room). I think I also got one on the cruise. It is important to make sure the crew doesn't get "poked" when taking out the garbage. Also, have your doctor send in a medical form and they will provide a refrigerator for your room. You may also want to request early dining...

Have a wonderful cruise!

 

[wide awake]

Stupid question...DS has injectible meds...not insulin...do they put the fridge in place of the beverage cooler, or is it in addition to ? Glad to know they provide a container, don't want to drag our 1/2 gallon jug around.

 

[SeaSpray]

We requested a Sharps container before the cruise and it was already in our cabin when we got there the first day I had our doctor fill out the medical form and then I faxed to DCL. I followed up with a phone call to be sure they received it. We had no problems at all traveling on the plane or the ship, with DH's insulin and syringes.

 

[shmoogrrrl]

Long time lurker - finally registered

I'm diabetic and wondering if anyone has ever had a problem carrying on their insulin and syringes. I will not check it for fear they lose it, but not sure if they will question the syringes?

Thanks!!

I'm sure it has been mentioned already, but make sure you have all your medication and needles in the original box that they came in. They should have the original prescription sticker on them.

Also, if you get the medical form filled out, they will let you have a REAL refrigerator in your room for your insulin (assuming you need the kind that has to be kept cold) They will also provide a plastic "Sharps" container for your used needles and lancets.

 

[Talking Hands]

I'm sure it has been mentioned already, but make sure you have all your medication and needles in the original box that they came in. They should have the original prescription sticker on them.
Also, if you get the medical form filled out, they will let you have a REAL refrigerator in your room for your insulin (assuming you need the kind that has to be kept cold) They will also provide a plastic "Sharps" container for your used needles and lancets.

That was not necessary. I just brought mine in the plastic bag they come in. I wasn't about the bring the large box they come in. Also not all areas require a prescription for insulin syringes or even for insulin so as long as you are carrying them in the original containers and together you will be fine.
Frig is addition to the cooler. I put my extra in there but found it was cool enough in to cabin to leave the one in use by the bedside.

 

[Doctor P]

Talking Hands,

I respectfully and strongly disagree with your advice. Any time you are entering a foreign country, or going through any kind of security, you should ALWAYS carry your medicine in its original container and with the prescription label (if appropriate) on it. This is less important for syringes as long as you have the insulin labelled. I always carry a note from my doctor, also, that indicates that I am an insulin dependent diabetic and need the things I am carrying. At any time, any of the countries who board the ship to clear it can require passengers to show documentation and, in theory, could sweep the ships for persons carrying drugs or for drugs themselves. As unlikely as this might be, one should never assume and should be prepared. With syringes, I carry the prescription label that I cut off of the big box.

 

[inthemood]

My daughter has allergies that require one. I was wondering about both the boat and the plane.

 

[JungleCruiser]

I agree with keeping your meds in original packaging. I also carry an extra prescription, medical insurance card, and a note from my doctor. My epipen is in it's original box, with prescription label. I have never had a problem with my carry on (which is a large purse). But, I think it is important to prepare. For example, if you have prefilled syringes - make sure you bring an extra just incase you drop one and it breaks. Also, I carry everything in my purse and I make sure it is at my feet during the flight. I also make sure to wear my medial ID bracelet when I travel.

 

[DVCDawn]

You should always get a letter from your doctor requesting permission to carry your EpiPens on board an airplane. I request from our allergist (my DD5 is allergic to peanuts and tree nuts) prior to leaving for vacation. Last time the doctor provided an undated letter which meant I didn't have to bother him for each trip.

As far as the ship is concerned, you should absolutely complete a medical form. In addition, you should contact DCL to see if they require any other documentation.

DVCDawn

 

[miraclegro]

Is there a particular form provided by DCL for this or is it just a generic note from your doctor?

Thanks for the terrific advice!

 

[ohMom]

medical form is provided by DCL, i got a copy from my travel agent via email

seaspray -- weren't you on the extended hurrican cruise? just wondering if you had packed extra medication or how your DH handled the extra days? if this is too nosy just disregard

my DH is on an injectable/refrigerated medication but those extended cruises made me wonder about taking a few extra days worth or not?

 

[suzannef]

My ta provided me a form from Disney that we had Dr. sign and we then faxed back to Disney. We had the refridgerator in our room when we arrived as well as sharps box. The kids clubs had my daughters info already on file when we boarded. We carried on all of our supplies with original labels as well as a Dr. letter saying that we needed them. No one ever batted any eyelash at our supplies, but I felt better having the letter and prescription labels as you never know when someone might request it. My sil and family were chosen at the airport (both ways) to have all of their bags inspected and the tsa's asked questions about all meds they had. So I guess its better to be prepared for anything.

Suzanne

 

[Talking Hands]

Talking Hands,

I respectfully and strongly disagree with your advice. Any time you are entering a foreign country, or going through any kind of security, you should ALWAYS carry your medicine in its original container and with the prescription label (if appropriate) on it. This is less important for syringes as long as you have the insulin labelled. I always carry a note from my doctor, also, that indicates that I am an insulin dependent diabetic and need the things I am carrying. At any time, any of the countries who board the ship to clear it can require passengers to show documentation and, in theory, could sweep the ships for persons carrying drugs or for drugs themselves. As unlikely as this might be, one should never assume and should be prepared. With syringes, I carry the prescription label that I cut off of the big box.

As I said before insulin and syringes do not need a prescription in many places. As long as they are in the bafs they come in and you have the insulin with you as well you should not have any problems. You may have a prescription for them so your insurance with pay for them but they are not required to have a prescription. In an emergency, I have bought Syringes and insulin in Orlando without prescription. Insulin doesn't require a prescriotion in Florida. Syringes only require one in Dade, Monroe and Palm Beach counties.

 

[Doctor P]

Understood, and I agree with the facts you have stated. I still stand by the advice that I have given, though. If you don't need a prescription where you live, then get a note from your doctor. Laws differ from state-to-state and country to country, so one should be prepared.

 

[Talking Hands]

As I said before, I have not had a problem, and I do not travel with a doctor's note.
DCL did have my medical form before the cruise. All my other scripts are in precription bottles. DCL didn't give my bag a second look. (separate bag carrying all my meds) Actually the only thing they gave a second look was my folding canes and that was only because they were folded and appeared similar to guns. Once shown to the inspectors we were quickly on our way.
In 30 some years of using insulin and travelling all over no one has ever questioned my having insulin and syringes or asked for a doctors note.