Traveling with Your Medicines
Whether you travel for business or pleasure, it’s not the delayed flight or traffic jam that can spoil your trip. It’s forgetting to pack your medications, losing them, not having enough with you or needing over-the-counter medications when traveling that can be a royal pain, and a threat to your health.
In a study of AARP members, three out of four people (72%) have taken a trip at least 50 miles or more from their home involving an overnight stay. Before you hit the road, consider AARP’s top five tips for how to travel safely with your medicines.
- Carry a Personal Medication Record with You
Keeping a list or record of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and the conditions they treat, is especially important in the event you need medical attention while away from home. Also, it’s important to carry this information with you in case your medicine gets lost or stolen and you need to replace it. - Pack Your Medicines in Your Carry-on Bag
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. Also, it’s a good idea to keep the medication in the original containers. This makes 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. - Bring More than You Need
In the event your travel arrangements change, it is a good idea to carry an extra week’s supply of your medications. - Consider Storage
If your medicine needs to be stored and kept cool, take a small insulated container, such as a lunch pack, with you. - Do Your Research, Be Prepared
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 – for example, medicines containing the painkiller codeine. Contact the appropriate embassy before you travel to check whether your medication is acceptable. 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.
Traveling can be wonderful or stressful, depending on how prepared you are. So aim to have the most positive experience you can. Share this list of tips with friends and family, and they’re sure to have an enjoyable trip.
Ticket, suitcase, and medications – check!
AARP Resources
Member Benefit: AARP’s Travel Passport
Planning a trip? Take advantage of the numerous travel resources at your fingertips.
Personal Medication Record
(This PDF file requires the free Adobe Acrobat Reader.)
List all the medicines you take, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, and dietary supplements, on this form. You can download a copy or make an online record or order a free record from AARP at 1-888-OUR-AARP. (Ask for stock number D18358.)
Medicines and You
This online course puts you in control of your health. It shows you your choices for using medications wisely and saving money. The course is easy to follow, and you can go at your own pace. It includes resources such as examples of conversation starters at the doctor’s office, lists of questions to ask, and a personal medication record.
Additional Resources
Ten Ways to Be “MedWise” with OTC Drugs
Follow these tips from the National Council on Patient Information and Education (NCPIE) for your best health and safety.
Traveling with Diabetes
If you have diabetes, follow this guide from the American Diabetes Association to manage your diabetes when you’re away from home.
Travel Tips from the CDC
Take a look at this helpful checklist if you’re traveling abroad to areas where you may need vaccinations.
