For the past several years, no one has been travelling, but now that it seems safer to do so, many people are visiting friends and relatives or just vacationing away from home. For anyone who takes medication regularly, passing through security at airports or even answering border security agents’ questions at a land crossing can sometimes be problematic.
All medication certainly needs to be in original containers with individual labels. That includes non-prescription drugs as well as prescription ones. It is never a good idea to mix different types of tablets in one bottle, or have them loose in a pocket or purse.
When travelling with narcotic pain relievers, make sure the labelling is clear. You may even want to carry a copy of the prescription so security and border agents will know that the drugs are legitimate.
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A copy of a prescription for any type of medication, along with the pharmacy’s and prescriber’s contact information, is a good idea, especially if medication is lost or travel is delayed. The information will make replacing it easier.
Some types of medication, for example insulin for diabetes treatment, need to be kept cool. Travel containers for these types of medication are available, and of course they should never be stored where they would be too hot, for example in a car trunk or on the dash.
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For insulin use, needles are needed and these may be considered a security threat. Again, carrying a copy of the prescription or even a doctor’s note about the medication is a good strategy.
Always carry extra medication so that if there is a trip delay or even damage to the medication, there will be sufficient to last through the complete trip. When flying, packing medication in carry-on bags is ideal, especially now when checked luggage is often misplaced.
Also remember that while cannabis products may be legal here in Canada, they may not be in other countries. Perhaps these products are best left at home.
When travelling to remote areas or even camping, remember to pack a first aid kit. There are first aid kits that will provide all the basics, but making a personalized kit may be more suitable with, for example, foot and blister pads, insect bite remedies and sunburn treatments. If anyone in the travel group has an allergy, antihistamines and even epinephrine auto injectors should be included. And, if the area is unfamiliar, checking the location of the nearest emergency department or clinic before you leave may save time in the event of an emergency.
If time zones are crossed, it can be difficult to determine when to take medication. For time differences of two to three hours, it’s recommended that you adjust to the time in your destination.
When medications require specific instructions, such as taking with food or on an empty stomach, adapt these instructions to the new time zone.
Generally, a longer interval in a dosing schedule is preferred to a shorter one, but if the medication regime is complex, consult a pharmacist or doctor in order to sort out timing.
Considering medication logistics before travel will mean that any holiday will be more pleasant. Be prepared!
