Traveling with an EpiPen

[disfencer]

Hey guys, I've been googling this and have gotten some ambiguous answers, and I'd like a few personal anecdotes about how this works.

I'm going to Orlando (and possibly Disney?) for a couple days in mid-March over Spring Break then hopefully going again (definitely to Disney) in early May.

About a year and a half ago, while I was studying abroad in China, I had a couple weird reactions to food (full-body rash, then some face swelling--kinda scary) and after that, my allergy doc gave me a prescription for an EpiPen. Thankfully, I've never had to use it and haven't had a food reaction since, but I'm thinking it would be a good idea to take it with me on my trip, especially because I still don't know what I reacted to. So what's it like traveling with an EpiPen? Is the TSA okay with it? Do you need a doctor's note?

I read on the EpiPen's website that it should not be sent through the x-ray scanner because it can make the medication less effective. Will they understand that? Then, when I get to Disney or anywhere with bag check, will security be okay with it?

Also, while I hope the answer to this question is in the negative because it would be terrifying, has anyone had an experience with an anaphylactic reaction at WDW or UO or SeaWorld? I'm assuming they would have personnel trained to respond to this because life-threatening allergies aren't so uncommon these days.

Any thoughts or experiences would be helpful!

 

[gigi1313]

i have traveled w/multiple epipens for years now and have never had a problem... i have also never heard that the xray scanner changes the meds, and honestly, i find that hard to believe... i keep my epipens in their original packaging w/the prescription label attached...

 

[Snappy in OK]

My family (DH, DD, DS & myself) have various health issues - including allergies & diabetes. I do not think you will have any issues. While we do not carry Epipens, we do carry diabetes medicine in one of the pen-style dispensers and the pen needles are used. We did not have any issues while traveling.

One thing I found helpful, we put all of our medicines in a separate baggie for flying. I would think as long as the Epipen is kept covered (to prevent poking someone), you should be fine. Just put it in a separate baggie & pull it out while going through security.

 

[disfencer]

i have traveled w/multiple epipens for years now and have never had a problem... i have also never heard that the xray scanner changes the meds, and honestly, i find that hard to believe... i keep my epipens in their original packaging w/the prescription label attached...

Thanks for the quick response! Mine's in the original packaging too, so I guess it should be fine. I think the 'no xray' thing is a little weird too, but at the same time, I wouldn't want it to be less effective if I needed it. It only seems to be EpiPen's website that says it may be a problem, but they would be the ones to do the chemical testing that would reveal that sort of problem--that or it's a legal CYA. (I'm pre-law, so I like to think I can pick those out. ) I may just call my allergy office for what they think.

My family (DH, DD, DS & myself) have various health issues - including allergies & diabetes. I do not think you will have any issues. While we do not carry Epipens, we do carry diabetes medicine in one of the pen-style dispensers and the pen needles are used. We did not have any issues while traveling.

One thing I found helpful, we put all of our medicines in a separate baggie for flying. I would think as long as the Epipen is kept covered (to prevent poking someone), you should be fine. Just put it in a separate baggie & pull it out while going through security.

Thanks also for the prompt response! That's a good tip about the baggies. So they'll let me have two baggies--one of the tiny travel liquids then one of medications? I'm also an asthmatic and will be traveling with 2-3 inhalers, so I know those need to be separated too because they're aerosols. The needle in the EpiPen is sheathed (not sure if that's the technical term, but the fencer in me wants to use that ) until you prime it for use, so it can't really poke anybody.

 

[tjmw2727]

The TSA is the governing body so all the info you need is on the TSA website no matter the airline you fly.

Here is the info on flying with medication - hope this helps.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

Disney bag check is not looking at medicine so no worries there.

 

[the4fishes]

My DS has an epi-pen, and I plan on bringing a doctor's note just in case, along with the original packinging. However - this is from TSA website...

All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Atropens, an auto-injection system that can help treat many emergency conditions (low heart rate, breathing problems, and excess saliva related to insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisoning) are also allowed.

We do not require that your medications be labeled.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) migraine inhalers and CO2 refills.

Medications in daily dosage containers are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened.

Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.
Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.
In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

 

[mousebymarriage]

my DS10 has an epipen and I can tell you we have never had a problem going through security. The epipen is kept in my purse(just the pen in the hard plastic holder not the original prescription box), I have a label on the plastic case but, never thought about bringing a doctors note.
I send my purse through the xray scanner and it's never been an issue, I even had one TSA at Newark airport in NJ say to me "you have an epipen in your purse". I was shocked that he knew exactly what it was by just a glance through the machine and I had the usual boat load of crap in my purse and he was able to spot it ( I was impressed that he had such a keen eye). The security line was pretty empty at the time and I wonder if he would have been able to see it if things were a bit more hectic. Anyway, other than that comment no one has ever questioned it and that TSA didn't really question it, it was more like a confirmation of what he saw.

 

[kkandaj]

We too travel with epi's because of life threatening food allergies. DS's epi is a dual, with the hard plastic around the pens. (Not sure if they are all like this?) When I get them filled, I ask the pharmacist to put a label on the plastic case also, so we don't have to carry the box. I do this with his inhalers (albuterol and Qvar), too.

We have had no issues traveling with any of his meds. I have never heard that about the epi and x-ray, but I will be asking his allergist when he challenges soy in March. His reactions are ana and happen within 5 minutes, so that is definitely something we need to be aware of!

 

[disfencer]

The TSA is the governing body so all the info you need is on the TSA website no matter the airline you fly.

Here is the info on flying with medication - hope this helps.

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

Disney bag check is not looking at medicine so no worries there.

Good to know, thanks!

My DS has an epi-pen, and I plan on bringing a doctor's note just in case, along with the original packinging. However - this is from TSA website...

All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables, or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers, etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have been screened. Atropens, an auto-injection system that can help treat many emergency conditions (low heart rate, breathing problems, and excess saliva related to insecticide, nerve gas or mushroom poisoning) are also allowed.

We do not require that your medications be labeled.

Carbon dioxide (CO2) migraine inhalers and CO2 refills.

Medications in daily dosage containers are allowed through the checkpoint once they have been screened.

Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.

You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.
Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.
In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

Thanks for the response! Okay, now I know I can actually request the visual inspection just in case I am concerned about the x-ray thing. I didn't know they did that, but I'm glad they do.

my DS10 has an epipen and I can tell you we have never had a problem going through security. The epipen is kept in my purse(just the pen in the hard plastic holder not the original prescription box), I have a label on the plastic case but, never thought about bringing a doctors note.
I send my purse through the xray scanner and it's never been an issue, I even had one TSA at Newark airport in NJ say to me "you have an epipen in your purse". I was shocked that he knew exactly what it was by just a glance through the machine and I had the usual boat load of crap in my purse and he was able to spot it ( I was impressed that he had such a keen eye). The security line was pretty empty at the time and I wonder if he would have been able to see it if things were a bit more hectic. Anyway, other than that comment no one has ever questioned it and that TSA didn't really question it, it was more like a confirmation of what he saw.

Thanks for the reply. That is impressive he was able to spot it and know what it was! Also, thankfully, I'll be going through smaller airports both times (TYS/Knoxville, Orlando Sanford/SFB, and Fort Lauderdale - Hollywood/FLL)--nothing like Newark, haha. When I flew to China, I flew out of Newark and that place is BIG.

We too travel with epi's because of life threatening food allergies. DS's epi is a dual, with the hard plastic around the pens. (Not sure if they are all like this?) When I get them filled, I ask the pharmacist to put a label on the plastic case also, so we don't have to carry the box. I do this with his inhalers (albuterol and Qvar), too.

We have had no issues traveling with any of his meds. I have never heard that about the epi and x-ray, but I will be asking his allergist when he challenges soy in March. His reactions are ana and happen within 5 minutes, so that is definitely something we need to be aware of!

Thanks! That's a good idea with the pharmacy label! I actually may need to get the EpiPen refilled (not sure if it's close to expiring or not) so whenever I do that, I'll ask. I'm also planning to ask my allergist about the x-ray issue, I'd like to hear what they say.

 

[francie57]

Our daughter travels with her epi and has never had a problem with security. As for the x-ray, our daughter is a physician assistant and our son's girlfriend is a pharmacist and our daughter puts hers through the x-ray without hesitation - shouldn't affect it.

 

[CarrieR]

My roommate puts her inhaler and Benadryl in a baggie together, and her EpiPens in their box next to the baggie in the bin. TSA has never said a word about it.

 

[disfan07]

I travel with epipens (usually about 8 of them), inhalers (usually about 4 to 6 of them), about 15 differnet oral meds and 5-6 lotions/creams plus a nebulizer and the neb. meds.

I use one 1 gallon size ziploc for pills, one 1 gallon sized ziploc for creams/lotions, and one 1 gallon sized ziplock for epipens/inhalers. The only thing I ever do is take the plastic bags out of my carry on and put them in a bin. Its never been an issue.

I also travel with 2 eippens and 2 inhalers in my purse wihtout the original boxes and there's never been an issue with just sending my purse thorugh security.

 

[disfencer]

Our daughter travels with her epi and has never had a problem with security. As for the x-ray, our daughter is a physician assistant and our son's girlfriend is a pharmacist and our daughter puts hers through the x-ray without hesitation - shouldn't affect it.

Good to know! Thanks for the reply.

My roommate puts her inhaler and Benadryl in a baggie together, and her EpiPens in their box next to the baggie in the bin. TSA has never said a word about it.

Yeah, I've taken inhalers through security without problems but this is the first time with an EpiPen. Thanks for the help!

I travel with epipens (usually about 8 of them), inhalers (usually about 4 to 6 of them), about 15 differnet oral meds and 5-6 lotions/creams plus a nebulizer and the neb. meds.

I use one 1 gallon size ziploc for pills, one 1 gallon sized ziploc for creams/lotions, and one 1 gallon sized ziplock for epipens/inhalers. The only thing I ever do is take the plastic bags out of my carry on and put them in a bin. Its never been an issue.

I also travel with 2 eippens and 2 inhalers in my purse wihtout the original boxes and there's never been an issue with just sending my purse thorugh security.

Okay, good to know. Thanks!