Travel Smart This Holiday Season
Tips for Managing Your Medications
12/18/2024
Rebecca Thao, Aspirus Pharmacy Resident
The
holiday season is a time for family, friends, and travel. As you pack your bags
to visit loved ones, don’t forget to take extra care with your medications.
Whether traveling to a snowy retreat or a sunny getaway, proper preparation can
help you stay healthy during the holidays. Aspirus Pharmacy Resident Rebecca
Thao offers helpful advice for managing medications while on the go.
“To
maintain their efficacy, you want to keep them in an insulated container if you
can and keep them in their original container… just keep it from freezing
temperatures,” says Thao. Proper storage is essential to ensure medications
work as intended, especially in extreme temperatures.
Here
are tips for traveling with medication:
1. Protect
Medications from Temperature Changes. Medication
storage needs vary by climate:
- Cold
Weather: Use insulated containers to prevent freezing.
- Warm
Weather: Store medications in a cool, shaded place, away from direct sunlight.
- Refrigerated
Medications: Pack insulin, biologics, and certain hormones in a cooler with ice
packs if refrigeration is required.
2. Pack
Extra Medication. Running
out of medication while traveling can lead to health complications. Bring
enough medication to last your trip, plus extra in case of delays or
emergencies.
3. Prepare
for the Unexpected. If
you lose your medication or run out:
- Contact
your health care provider for a new prescription at a nearby pharmacy.
- Request
a prescription transfer through a national pharmacy chain.
- Visit
a local walk-in clinic to obtain a new prescription.
4. Review
Medications Before Traveling. Discuss
your medication needs with your health care provider or pharmacist to ensure
you have enough for your trip.
“Please
review your medications before your trip to ensure you have enough supply to
last the whole trip,” advises Thao.
By
following these tips, you can ensure your medications remain effective and
accessible, allowing you to enjoy the holidays with peace of mind.
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