Flying with meds

[Jalapeñomel]

shoeless and compassrose I think both of you have or will have experience with this. What should I expect?

I’m hoping I’m pregnant, so that means I’ll be on progesterone when I’m flying internationally, so I’ll likely have to do one on the plane.

[shoeless]

I’ve never had any issues flying with meds but my clinic does say it can cause increased scrutiny of your bags. They recommend bringing your prescription orders to make sure everything goes smoothly. As far as the shot on a plane, I haven’t had to do that but hopefully you’ll be on one of those plans with a big bathroom in the center of the plane.

[compassrose]

I won't be flying, but I will be driving over the border. I have my CNY paperwork and the prescription receipts from the pharmacy, so I can show it if I need to.

I'd just stick it in your checked luggage, though. As long as your name is on it, they won't bother you. And it doesn't need to be refrigerated.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jun 12, 2018 21:24:32 GMT -5 compassrose said:

I won't be flying, but I will be driving over the border. I have my CNY paperwork and the prescription receipts from the pharmacy, so I can show it if I need to.

I'd just stick it in your checked luggage, though. As long as your name is on it, they won't bother you. And it doesn't need to be refrigerated.

I have to put it in my carry on, because I have to do it on the plane.

[seeyalater52]

Jun 13, 2018 5:09:35 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Jun 12, 2018 21:24:32 GMT -5 compassrose said:

I won't be flying, but I will be driving over the border. I have my CNY paperwork and the prescription receipts from the pharmacy, so I can show it if I need to.

I'd just stick it in your checked luggage, though. As long as your name is on it, they won't bother you. And it doesn't need to be refrigerated.

I have to put it in my carry on, because I have to do it on the plane.

If you can put it in something that can be easily removed (small bag, zipper pouch) take it out as you’re going through security and tell them it’s medical supplies. They will check it separately. Usually they don’t ask for prescriptions but have the paperwork handy just in case.

Also double check that the altitude isn’t going to affect whatever it is you’re using on the plane. Syringes may be different but I know some people have had issues with exploding pills or gel packs. Maybe the nurses would know?

[compassrose]

Is it just your PIO? Maybe use suppositories instead just for the overnight on the plane? I would definitely ask your doctor’s opinion on this one.

[seeyalater52]

If it makes you feel any better my google sleuthing turned up a woman form two years ago who injected PIO in the airplane bathroom without incident. She did remark that it was a little hard to draw it up into the needle because there was some turbulence.

Also taking in your carryon sounds like a good idea because if checked luggage sits out it might get hotter than the recommended storage temps. Having it with you ensures it won’t see anything too extreme.

[mpc]

I flew with GonalF and Ovidrel. I didn't have to inject on the plane but I ended up doing it in the airport bathroom both ways. I had it in my carryon, didn't bring any papers with me or anything. Nobody gave me any trouble. I don't even remember if I took it out when I went through security, but I probably did. It was really no big deal.

[donthasslethehoff]

I've flown several times with meds in my carry on. No issues whatsoever. Didn't take anything out of my bag and wasn't asked.

[megstoo]

I have also flown several times with my IF meds and haven't had any issues. My last work trip 6 different Rx's, I kept everything in my carry on and they never even asked. I also have pre-check so I'm not sure if that makes any difference.

ETA:  I wouldn't check your meds.  They always say those should be in your carry on in the event your luggage gets lost

[Jalapeñomel]

It’s the syringes that give me pause, and I always get hassled in the airport. When I was pumping, I had like 8 pat downs. So annoying.

[msmerymac]

I just flew (domestically) at the end of April with progesterone. Which also means flying with 18 and 22 gauge needles!

Just bring extra - which I'm sure you know - in case you mess one up or you get stuck somewhere an extra day or two. I also put all of mine, along with the protocol from my doctor's office - in a clear, plastic, gallon-sized bag and carried it with me through security. I asked them to swab it by hand because I didn't want it going through an x-ray machine. I had absolutely no problem. I figure diabetics fly with syringes and needles all the time. They never even opened the bag or looked at my doctor's info, although on international flights they might give you more scrutiny.

[awkwardpenguin]

I flew internationally with a crap ton of insulin, and also needed to do injections on the plane. TSA is very used to this stuff, but I got a note from my doctor just in case I ran into problems in my destination countries. My only suggestion is to separate your carry on liquids (volume restricted) from your medical liquids to facilitate easy inspection. I also agree meds should always go in carry on luggage and not get checked or even gate checked.

Edited to add: I also talked to my doctor about how crossing multiple time zones affected dosing.  The instructions were different for coming and going, so I was glad I asked.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jun 13, 2018 13:56:52 GMT -5 awkwardpenguin said:

Edited to add: I also talked to my doctor about how crossing multiple time zones affected dosing.  The instructions were different for coming and going, so I was glad I asked.

I didn’t even think about this, so I’m glad you mentioned it. I’ll be sure to ask.

[claireasmud]

I had to bring all of my stim meds with me on a recent trip and it wasn't an issue at all. In fact, I was ready to show them my Rx and everything and it didnt even cause a 2nd glance. It was all on my carry on. I would never put meds in my checked luggage because if it gets lost, you're screwed :/ But, like I said, I had no issues at all flying with several different injectable meds.

[womet]

I've flown with my lovenox shots without a problem. Like others have said, make sure you have the prescription label that goes with the meds.