There’s nothing like the excitement that comes with anticipating upcoming travel plans. For those taking prescription medications, however, travel can add an extra cause for concern.
According to a 2024 survey conducted by BuzzRx, approximately one in 10 Americans have had their medication confiscated while traveling. One in nine subsequently had to cancel their trip, while one in six have been forced to pay full price for prescription replacements.
Fortunately, remedies for avoiding medication confiscations are usually straightforward. For domestic travel, simply keeping prescriptions in original, marked containers can completely mitigate the risk.
However, is the case the same for international trips? How about liquid medications? To help ensure a hassle-free journey, this comprehensive guide aims to address the intricacies of traveling with prescription medications.
Understanding Different Formats
Medications can come in different solid and liquid formats. Medications in solid form tend to be easiest to transport, whether in international or domestic travel. For instance, the diabetes weight loss drug metformin contains dimethylbiguanide hydrochloride and is taken as a once or twice-daily oral pill. Hence, transporting this pill only requires proper labeling and declaration with TSA or the local airport authorities.
On the other hand, the weight loss drug Ozempic is taken as a weekly self-injection, usually in the belly. This is a type of GLP-1 for weight loss that contains semaglutide, like Wegovy and Rybelsus.
Ozempic is usually prescribed for people with a weight-related complication or a BMI of 30 or more, similar to liraglutide and tirzepatide, which are sold under Saxenda and Mounjaro, respectively. While these all share some of the functions of metformin, the liquid format necessitates a few more steps at the airport besides proper labeling and declaration.
For starters, the 3-1-1 liquids rule is thankfully waived for liquid medications. However, unused syringes should be accompanied by injectable medication, while used syringes must be stored in sharps disposal containers. Alternatively, travelers can obtain sharps containers from pharmacies or use similar closed containers for safe storage.
In all cases, carry your prescription and other medical documents as part of your first-aid kit. This may not always be asked for, but it’s best to have it on hand to streamline any concerns, regardless.
Lastly, note that accessories like ice packs and gel packs, essential for preserving medication efficacy, can also be transported with proper screening. Other medical devices, including blood pressure monitors, can even be kept in your carry-on bag. There may simply be some limitations to devices with lithium batteries.
Checking International Regulations
The rules on packing solid and liquid medication tend to be standard among airlines, especially those in America. For international travel, travelers have to be particularly careful about the regulations governing prescription medications in the destination country.
Surprisingly, common medications that are readily available in one country may be subject to bans in another. For instance, countries like Singapore and Japan have stringent regulations regarding decongestant medications containing pseudoephedrine, such as Tylenol Cold, NyQuil, Sudafed, Nasofed, or Vicks inhalers. This is due to concerns over potential abuse.
In some cases, like in Singapore, travelers may only need to submit an application for approval before bringing in decongestants exceeding a certain pseudoephedrine content. However, possessing such medications — even with a valid prescription — can result in legal consequences in Japan due to the country’s strict anti-stimulant drug laws.
To navigate these regulations effectively, it’s prudent to check ahead with the banned or restricted medications in your destination country. You can easily gather this information by reaching out to reliable sources such as the U.S. Embassy or the official websites of the destination country’s health authorities.
Additionally, engage in a discussion with your healthcare provider to explore options. They may provide a statement validating your need for the medication or discuss alternative therapies that are available at your destination to avoid any potential disruptions to your health regimen.
With proper preparation, you can embark on your journey with confidence, knowing that your medication needs are adequately addressed. For more tips and tricks for traveling, check out our other blog posts on Exploration Junkie.
