Pills that need to stay cold and security tips please

[casjen]

I take a daily probiotic pill that is not prescription that is vital to my digestion due to UC. I need to keep it cold on my flight. I have heard fo freezing baby carrots to use instead of an icepack? Has this worked for anyone? It's o.k. if they come ot room temperature, but can't stay warm for a long time. I think putting it in my luggage with an icepack may not do the trick. (plus, I need to be sure it gets there so I never check my pills or supplements)

Any tips? Would a doctor's note from my practitioner (a real MD) get me through security with a small ice pack and a bottle of pills (they aren't prescription so they will have no offical prescription label on them)?

 

[goofy4tink]

Nope, they will not allow an icepack through security. I have used frozen corn, others have used frozen peas. Carrots might hold the cold longer but they don't wrap around something nearly as well. I would go with the peas or corn...get a few bags, put the meds in the middle of it, and then wrap it in newspaper. Should be fine.

 

[pilotwife_02]

Or grapes and you can snack on them later when they thaw out....LOL

 

[Alexander]

DS also suffers from UC and takes a probiotic each day. For our vacation in December, I talked to the pharmacist and he recommended Align. It is a probiotic that does not need to be kept cold and is very similar to the one he was taking that did have to be kept cold.

 

[casjen]

Is align dairy free do you know? That's the challenge for me, a dairy free probiotic.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Nope, they will not allow an icepack through security.

Yes, they will.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening.

 

[goofieslonglostsis]

I'll never get the usage of frozen veggies and what not.

Just go to Amazon, a pharmacy or whatever and buy yourself a travelkit for this. There is a huge range of kits specifically made to keep medications cold (within safe range of temperature), anywhere from a couple of hours upto 48 hours. They can be brought through all security checks without any problems. But way more importantly IMHO; they are actually made for the purpose. No risk of freezing or not cooling enough that come with using half-half solutions like frozen veggies. Comfort is one thing but enough supplements and medications aren't made for being frozen or kept too cool.

 

[crashbb]

Yes, they will.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

And, actually, the caveat about being frozen is not there if it is for medication:

Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

OP-you should be able to use an ice pack (or some such). Having said that, TSA agents can sometimes be difficult, so you may still want to use some of the suggestions outlined earlier.

 

[CPT Tripss]

And, actually, the caveat about being frozen is not there if it is for medication:


OP-you should be able to use an ice pack (or some such). Having said that, TSA agents can sometimes be difficult, so you may still want to use some of the suggestions outlined earlier.

Not just the line, but the supervisors are similarly difficult and they are quite willing to tell you that printouts from the TSA website do not apply at their checkpoint on their shift. I've had both success and failure bringing frozen gel paks through the airport checkpoints. Worst case for OP is the need to get ice from a vendor airside if the gel pak is not permitted through the checkpoint.

 

[goofy4tink]

Yes, they will.

http://www.tsa.gov/311/311-carry-ons.shtm

http://www.tsa.dhs.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

But it does say it must meet 3-1-1 qualifications. Are there any icepacks that small???

 

[crashbb]

But it does say it must meet 3-1-1 qualifications. Are there any icepacks that small???

Only if they are not frozen solid:

Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 requirements.

And that requirement is not there at all if it is for medication.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, there's a pea-like product intended for injuries, like an ice pack. It's in the first aid section of any store that sells that type of product... but goofieslonglostsis is right. First look into a specially designed pack. I forget what they're called. Okay, I didn't remember, I looked it up FRIO is one brand name.

Another option would be to call Turner Drug from home (if you're not gong to have a car) and ask if they stock the medication you take. They'll deliver to your resort for, I think, $5 - if you don't want to go through the hassle of carrying the medication and cold-pack.

 

[clanmcculloch]

The probiotic PB8 does not require refridgeration and is casein free. I've found it in the health food supplement section of several local grocery stores. That being said, I would NEVER change brands of probiotics shorty before a trip because that seems like a recipe for a flare and before travelling you want to keep things as stable as you possibly can. As you likely already know, travelling is already hard enough on IBDs without throwing other variables into the mix.

The 3-1-1 rule including for ice packs does NOT apply to medically necessary items. You CAN bring ice packs if they're needed for medication. Make sure to pull the case with the ice packs and probiotics out of your carryon and put them in the bin. I like to use an insulated lunchbox when I have meds that need refridgeration.

Another option if you're concerned about the ice packs would be to bring ziploc bags and ask for ice from any food service location on the other side of security. They're generally pretty good about giving ice. This option also means you don't need to worry about re-freezing ice packs for any leftover probiotics at the end of your trip (I always bring extras in case we have to extend out trip for any reason).

 

[Mom2aJessieGirl]

I have a recommendation. You could use a regular soft sided cooler (like a lunch box) and use zip top baggies filled with ice to cool. Dump out the ice right before security...refill with ice after security. That way, you don't have to waste your precious time with TSA agents that may not be as informed as they should be. Getting through security without any contraband is sometimes a hassle, so I am always looking for ways to make it less of a hassle!

Good luck!