Think Ahead When Traveling with your Medications

Source: AARP Press Center | May 25, 2006

Memorial Day marks the beginning of a busy travel season. It’s not the delayed flight or back-up on the interstate that can spoil your vacation—but not carefully considering your medications when traveling. Swimsuit, sun screen, and medications—check!

In a study of AARP members, 3 out of 4 (72 percent) have taken a trip at least 50 miles or more from their home involving an overnight stay.

According to AARP Board Member Dr. Byron Thames, who provides occupational health consulting for companies that send many employees overseas, such as Lockheed Martin and Seimens Westinghouse, "Medications are a lifeline for many travelers. But safely transporting them is most often last on peoples’ packing lists." Dr. Thames has some simple tips for traveling safely with medications:

• Carry on — getting separated from your luggage can be a drag, but it can turn into a matter of life or death when critical medications are in that lost suitcase. Pack your medicine in a carry-on bag.
• Carry an extra week’s supply of your medications in the event your travel arrangements change.
• Keep your medication in the original containers. This will make it easier for customs officials to inspect. And if you have a medical emergency, it is easier to determine what medications you have been taking.
• If you take narcotic prescription drugs or travel with needles, ask your doctor to provide you with a letter explaining the reason why you have those drugs and paraphernalia. This is especially helpful with customs officials.
• Some countries have different regulations about the types of medicines that can be brought in. Some over-the-counter drugs may be considered a controlled substance in other countries, e.g. medicines containing the painkiller codeine. Contact the appropriate embassy before you travel to check whether your medication is acceptable.
• If your medicine needs to be stored and kept cool, it may be useful to take a small insulated container (lunch-pack) with you.
• Keep a list or record of all the medications you take and the condition it treats in the event you need medical attention while away from home.
• Travel with your prescription script just in case your medicine gets lost or stolen and you need to replace it. Have your doctor include the brand and generic version.

AARP has a "Personal Medication Record" form, a handy reference for you to list all the medicines, including prescription, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements that you take. It will help you keep track of what you're taking, the reason for use, the form the medication is in, the dose, how much to take and when, and any special directions. You can order a free record from AARP at 1-888-OUR-AARP. You can also download a copy or make an online record at www.aarp.org/usingmeds.

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