Helpful Tips for Traveling with Medications
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-06-21 17:28:54.127818-04:00
Summer marks the beginning of the vacation season but it's not the delayed flight or traffic on the interstate that can spoil your trip, but not carefully considering your medications when traveling.
A study of AARP members found that three out of four (72 percent) have taken a trip of at least 50 miles or more from their home involving an overnight stay.
AARP Board Member Dr. Byron Thames, who provides occupational health consulting for companies that send many employees overseas, says "Medications are a lifeline for many travelers, but safely transporting them is most often last on peoples' packing lists."
Here are some tips for traveling safely with medications:
- Pack your medicine in a 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.
- Carry an extra week's supply of your medications in the event your travel arrangements change.
- Keep your medication in their 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. 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 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 in case your medicine gets lost or stolen and you need to replace it. Have your doctor include the brand and generic version.
A "Personal Medication Record" form, a handy reference for you to list all the medicines, is available through AARP to help you keep track of what you're taking, the reason for use, the dose, etc. Order this free record by calling 1-888-OUR-AARP.
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