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How to Travel With Prescription Medication

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(3 Ratings)

Just because you are traveling and going away from your regular routine, doesn't mean that taking your prescription medication gets put on the back burner. If you are traveling and will have prescription medicine with you, here's how to travel with your medications safely.

From Quick Guide: Senior Travel
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Pack your prescription medication properly. Use tightly closed containers, such as the containers your medicines came in, and make sure to protect your medications from heat and light.

  2. Step 2

    Place all prescription medications in your carry on luggage. You never want to put prescription medications in your checked luggage because they may get lost. If you have your medications with you at all times, they are less likely to get lost. Also, this allows you to continue to take your prescription medications on schedule during your travels.

  3. Step 3

    Bring extra medication just in case. If you are traveling for 3 days, for example, you may want to bring 6 days of medication. Keep your extra medication in a separate bag, if possible. This way, if one bag does get lost, you will have back-up medication. In addition, if you happen to drop a pill, you won't be a pill short during your travels.

  4. Step 4

    Obtain a duplicate prescription and bring it with you when you travel. If you do need to obtain a prescription refill during your travels, the duplicate prescription will make this easier for you. Ask your doctor for a duplicate prescription if you don't already have one.

  5. Step 5

    Write out a medication schedule and bring this with you in your carry on bag. Since your routine while traveling will change, a written medication schedule helps you remember when to take your medications. The written schedule will also help you remember when to take your medications if you encounter time changes during travel.

  6. Step 6

    Compile a list of each medication that you are bringing with you. Write down the medication name, the dosage and why you are taking it. If you do end up needing emergency medical care during your travels, this information will be necessary for the doctor you see.

  7. Step 7

    Compose a list containing the names of your doctor and pharmacist and their contact information. If you need to contact them during your trip, this information will come in handy.

Tips & Warnings
  • You may want to adjust your medication schedule to match the new time zone in which you are traveling to, if applicable.
  • If you are traveling with any restricted medications (such as narcotics), get a note from your physician stating why you have that medication with you.
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