by Rebecca Webb, PharmD  Pharmacy Clinical Services Manager, K-VA-T Food Stores

Do not allow your medications to take a back seat while you are traveling.  Whether you are traveling for vacation, work, or whatever the reason may be, staying adherent to your medications is of utmost importance.  Being prepared and planning ahead with your medications will help your trip go more smoothly and stress-free.  Your medications are important to your health.  You may be going on a trip, however your health conditions are not on vacation.     


General Tips for Traveling
    Be aware of storage requirements for all of your medications and make the necessary arrangements for your entire trip.  Certain medicines may need refrigeration or warrant other specific storing conditions.  Remember, it is imperative to not leave any medication in a location where it will be exposed to excessive heat, light, or moisture. 

    Another tip to remember is to be cognizant of different time zones when traveling and how this may affect your medication dosing schedule.  Your medication should be taken depending upon your last dose, not the time of day.  Therefore, make the necessary adjustments if traveling between time zones. 

    It may help to set alerts to remember to take your medications while traveling.  You can utilize the alarm on your phone or even download apps for this specific purpose.    


Flying with Medications
    Individuals who fly may have concerns about traveling with their medications.  Before flying, do your research on what you are able to pack in your carry-on and your checked baggage.  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website is a good resource to reference when traveling by plane.  It recommends to bring your medications in your carry-on for ease of access and in case your checked baggage is misplaced.  Do no forget to read up on the volume limits for liquids on carry-ons, as some medications may come in liquid form.  


Traveling within the United States
    If you are traveling within the U.S. and you lose your prescription medication or forget one, you may be able to transfer it to another pharmacy near your travel destination (and transfer it back once you come home).  Certain laws and restrictions apply in these situations.  It is best to keep the contact information of your Food City Pharmacy available, as this will help with the transfer process.  Talk with your local Food City pharmacist if you find yourself in this situation while traveling. 


Traveling Abroad
    When traveling abroad, it is crucial to plan and prepare for your trip, especially for medications.  The availability and quality of products is not always known when visiting locations outside the U.S.  Therefore, you may want to bring certain products with you when traveling to foreign countries.  The following is a list of items to help in packing for a trip abroad.  Not all of the following items will be applicable or appropriate for everyone, so personalize this list for your individual travel needs: 
•    Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications you take on both a regular and an as needed basis
•    Medical supplies (i.e., bandages, diabetes testing supplies, medical alert bracelets, digital thermometer, etc.)
•    OTC medications for potential common ailments:
    – Antacid/acid-blocking medicine (i.e., TUMS® Antacid, TopCare® Antacid Tablets, Pepcid® AC, TopCare® Acid Reducer)
    – Antidiarrheal (i.e., Imodium® A-D, TopCare® Anti-Diarrheal Tablets)
    – Antihistamine (i.e., Benadryl® Allergy, TopCare® Allergy Relief, ZYRTEC® Allergy, TopCare® All Day Allergy)
    – Cough drops/cough suppressant (i.e., HALLS® Relief, TopCare® Cough Drops, Robitussin® Long-Acting CoughGels®)
    – Decongestant (i.e., SUDAFED PE® Congestion, TopCare® Nasal Decongestant PE)
    – Mild laxative/stool softener (i.e., ex-lax®, TopCare® Laxative, COLACE® Docusate Sodium, TopCare® Stool Softener)
    – Mild sleep aid (i.e., Unisom® SleepTabs®, TopCare® Sleep Aid)
    – Motion sickness medicine (i.e., Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief, TopCare® Motion Sickness Relief)
    – Pain reliever/fever reducer (i.e., TYLENOL®, TopCare® Pain Relief, Advil®, TopCare® Ibuprofen)
    – Topical antibiotic ointment (i.e., NEOSPORIN®, TopCare® Triple Antibiotic Ointment)
    – Topical antifungal cream (i.e., LOTRIMIN® AF, TopCare® Antifungal Cream)
    – Topical steroid cream (i.e., Cortizone 10®, TopCare® Hydrocortisone 1%)

    When traveling abroad, there are some important tips to remember.  Bring enough supply of your routine medications to cover the trip and a few extra days, in case any medication is lost or there are delays.  You may want to keep with you a document from your primary care provider that lists your medical conditions and the prescription medications (including generic name) you take to treat those conditions.  It is best to keep all medications in their original, clearly labeled containers.  Also, check with the foreign embassy of the country you are visiting or traveling through to ensure your medications are allowed.  Each country has its own rules and regulations about what medications and quantities are permitted. 

    If you have questions or concerns about traveling with your medications, whether it be by flying or driving, within this country or to another, stop by and talk with your local Food City pharmacist.  Our pharmacists are here to help you with your medication-related needs.  




^{References:
1.    Pack Smart-Travelers’ Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/pack-smart. Accessed July 17, 2019.  
2.    Traveling Abroad with Medicine.  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.  https://www.cdc.gov/features/travel-medicine/index.html. Accessed July 17, 2019.   
3.    TSA’s Top Travel Tips. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips. Accessed July 18, 2019.}