Travelling through several time zones can be problematic. Just when do you take your morning thyroid or blood pressure tablet?
Make sure that you pack sufficient supplies of both your prescription and non-prescription drugs. Yes, it sounds simple, but it’s worthwhile taking a minute to think it through. Remember, you can run into travel delays, so taking extra medications is good plan.
Don’t mix your medications in one bottle. Rather each drug needs to be in its own vial with its own label, whether that’s one your pharmacist has supplied or the original over-the-counter container. Loose, unlabelled tablets are sure to cause questions at customs.
Read Also
Producers aren’t panicking over tariffs and trade threats
The Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) surveyed its members this spring to get a sense of how trade uncertainty was…
If you are flying, carry these medications in your hand luggage, not your checked baggage. Your suitcase may not arrive at your destination! Carry a medication list, and also take your pharmacist’s and physician’s telephone numbers for emergency use.
Keep in mind that some medication items, for example syringes for diabetes insulin injection, may need extra documentation in order to pass through customs.
At your holiday destination you may encounter problems with some medications. Sun, water and even sweating may mean medication patches do not stick as well as they should, and creams and ointments rub off quickly. Thiazide diuretics, tetracycline and sulfa antibiotics, and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers can increase the potential for sunburn. Your pharmacist can advise you if any of your regular medications have potential holiday problems.
Travelling through several time zones can be problematic. Just when do you take your morning thyroid or blood pressure tablet? Check with your pharmacist about the timing of any chronic medications. As a rule travelling north-south is easier because you travel through fewer time zones. Eastwest can be problematic when you loose or gain large parts of days.
Regardless of your destination, check if any immunizations are recommended. A local travel clinic or even the U. S. Centres for Disease Control website at www.cdc.govwill have up-to-date information. As well, malaria protection may be needed for tropical holidays. And, if you have allergies, make sure you remember your EpiPen.
Take as much time in packing your medications as you do your vacation wardrobe. For example, don’t forget sun screens for both skiing and beach holidays, insect repellants for sun destinations, and first aid supplies for any type of holiday. When traveller’s diarrhea is a risk, a non prescription product like loperamide is a good idea. You may want to include a nasal decongestant spray for plugged ears when flying, protection against blisters on your feet, your favourite cold remedy, or even a pain reliever. Remember to check the various expiry dates.
Some medications can be temperature and light sensitive. If you are driving, don’t leave your medication in the trunk of your car. It may freeze.
Also, don’t leave your medications in the sun. If your medication is in a dark bottle or vial, don’t remove it. The container protects against light exposure.
In different countries, you may be able to buy Canadian prescription drugs without a prescription. Keep in mind that different manufacturing and quality control standards may apply to these drugs, and customs will not let you bring them home. However, if you do need to purchase a prescription, save your receipts because some insurance plans may reimburse you.
Be safe with your medications. Planning for the worst and hoping for the best will help you have a happy, trouble-free vacation.
Marie Berry is a lawyer/pharmacist interested in health care and education
