4 Tips for Traveling with Medications
Summer vacation is right around the corner! If your family is going on vacation, here are some tips to keep in mind for safe and proper traveling with medications.
Know The Legal Requirements
If you’re flying with prescription medications it’s important to know what is legally acceptable.
Prescriptions must have proper labels. Do not tear labels off of your bottles unless you can prove it’s your medication.
If you use a pillbox, consider taking the original bottle it was dispensed in and organizing it once you get to your location. Even better, use our Dispill packaging for added convenience and medication adherence.
Check the TSA website for how to travel with your medications if going on a flight. While the TSA does not require you to keep your medication in its original container (except liquid medications), the state of Indiana does.
Remembering To Take Your Medications
It can be easy to forget to take your medications while traveling, especially with a trip full of exploring and adventures. We recommend the following to help keep you on track.
Medication packaging is a great way to keep your medications organized, so you never forget a dose. It is created specifically for you. The convenient packaging is detachable and portable, so you can easily travel without the hassle of bottles or pillboxes.
Medication packaging includes the name of the medications, indications of when to take them (morning/night), and everything that is required of a prescription label in the state of Indiana and federally.
Download an app to help you remember when to take your medications. There are many free-to-use apps for both iOS and Android phones, such as RxLocal, Medisafe, Dosecast, Mango Health, Groove Health, MyTherapy Pill Reminder, etc.
Create habits that remind you if you’ve taken your medication or not. If you have a medication that you take more than one time per day, try flipping the bottle over every time you take it. For example, flip it on its cap at night and right side up in the morning.
Maintain Proper Storage
Medicines require specific storage instructions. If not properly stored, some medications may lose their potency due to light or heat exposure.
Nitroglycerin must be stored in the original amber glass container.
Talk to your pharmacist about how to store your medication.
Generally in low light, low humidity, room temperature environment.
Know The Adverse Effects of Your Medication
Everyone wants to get a little sun while on vacation. However, some medicines can increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Be sure to wear proper attire, stay in the shade if necessary, and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.
Here are a few medications that can increase your risk of photosensitivity.
Hydrochlorothiazide/thiazide diuretics can increase your risk for melanoma
Certain Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolones, tetracyclines, trimethoprim
Tricyclic Antidepressants: amitriptyline and nortriptyline
Promethazine
Acne medications (isotretinoin/tretinoin)
Sulfonylureas: Glyburide, glipizide, glimepiride
Amiodarone
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. This will provide 97% protection against UVB rays. Note that no sunscreen with any SPF will be able to block 100% of UVB rays. For more sun safety tips head to our Countdown to Summer blog post.
Now that you’re prepared for traveling with your medications, we hope you have a safe and enjoyable trip.