How to Travel with Your Hormones

By: Physicians Preference RX

Summer is here! Are you getting ready for your much awaited vacation?  “Clothes – check. Swimsuit – check. Passport – check. Hormones – wait –how can I take them on vacation?” This is one of the more popular questions we get from our guests.  My husband and I love to travel to England, and it helps to know how to correctly pack your hormones so that you can take them on an airplane.  Let us help you by sharing some guidelines for traveling with your hormones this summer.

1. Check regulations when traveling abroad. Certain prescription medications may be illegal in some countries. Other medications may only be allowed in certain amounts, or require medical documentation.  

2. Get your prescription filled in advance.Delays or issues at the pharmacy could result in you not getting your medication in time for your travels.

3. Make sure you have any required documentation. You may have to have a copy of your prescription with you to present at customs. You may also need to have a letter from your doctor stating the purpose of your medication.

4. Talk to your doctor about adjusting to the time zone. Some medications need to be taken at roughly the same time each day. Get advice on how to gradually adjust the time you take your medication in a new time zone.

5. Keep your medications in a carry-on bag. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access or your checked bag gets lost.

6. You should also make sure to keep your medication in all its original containers. TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply. We recommend keeping the medication in the prescription bottle to be safe.

7. Pack more than you need.If you end up stuck for a few extra days due to weather or travel delays, you do not want to risk missing your medication.

8. Make sure you store your medications properly.Some medications need to be stored at cooler temperatures. You can use an ice pack, a cool bag, a thermos flask, or an insulated pouch. It’s unlikely the heat of an airplane would get hot enough to affect medication. However, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor before traveling if there are any warnings about heat on your medication’s label.

9. Take a copy of your prescription.It should contain information about the medication and its purpose. In the event you need medical care when on vacation, it can be useful for doctors to have copies of your prescription.

10. Double check airline policies regarding liquid medication. Liquid medications are usually exempt from liquid restrictions on most airlines. However, you usually need to keep the medication in its original container. Some airlines may require a doctor’s note or a written prescription. Creams may be placed in carry-on luggage, as long as they have their prescription label affixed.

11. Check your insurance policy re: travel.If medication gets lost, you should be able to fill a prescription out of state. However, this may cost a lot if your insurance does not provide out of state coverage.

12. Get a note from your doctor if you need syringes.It should explain their purpose. You will also probably need to keep syringes in their original container for travel.