Flying with Fragmin

[crichardson]

I'm due to fly to Crete which is a 4 hour flight in a couple of weeks. I currently inject fragmin (dalteparin) daily and will need to take this to Crete with me.

Is there anything I should know in advance about taking the injections on board the flight? Any other advice on flying would be much appreciated as it is something I struggle with. I plan on injecting 2 hours before my flight is scheduled to take-off.

Thanks, Chris : )

[Tonkawoman69]

Hi,

I have researched this a little. I have also been told by airline that you need a doctors letter to take medicine /needles on board. This is not tablet form medicines just liquids and needles require a letter. I have been told to wear flight socks and walk around the plane. You can do exercises like moving your feet and wiggling toes while seated. Don't cross legs. Make sure airline are aware of medication and disorders. Plenty of water to keep body hydrated.

Hope that helps a little?

Andrea x

[Hidden]

Hi Chris - please read the HSF flying guidelines at:

hughes-syndrome.org/self-he...

I wrote them based on specialists' and patients' advice plus my own experience. I personally inject just before the flight - sometimes on it, just in case of delays - I remember being stuck on one flight for 3 hours 50 minutes so I'm always a bit wary

[Salty]

I just pack mine in my carry on bag. I have never had an issue with being asked about it by security. I've had too many delayed flights where I did not have access to my checked luggage sometimes for up to a few days, so I always carry ALL of my medications including all of my heparin syringes for the entire trip (and a few extra) in my carry on bag.

[Hidden]

I had a difficult experience in the States with Heparin injections despite carrying a doctors letter on their headed paper and disclosing I had a needle at every checkpoint at the Airport. At the gate I was initially refused entry to the plane and eventually after several checks I was the last to board. Admittedly this was six weeks post 9/11 so could understand the worry for them.

If possible I would inject at home and pack your needles in your main case for a short haul trip. In the event of a delay, presumably they offload baggage?

[GinaD]

No, here in the States they do not usually off load baggage in case of a major delay. One of our airlines, Delta, kindly(?) supplies stranded passengers with little bags which contain a toothbrush, tooth paste and an oversized T shirt to sleep in. Other objects escape memory, though it dosent go beyond the basic toiletry list. I have never slept on an airport floor --yet. But I know people who have. I take warfarin so TSA doesn't usually hassle me too much about keeping these in my carry on -- though I always come equipped with that doctor's letter.

Good luck.

[louise78]

I always get a drs letter but have not been asked to show it yet! I inject before I go through to departures, so far I've been ok and had no hassel about my injections. Fingers crossed you will be too x

[louise78]

I always get a drs letter but have not been asked to show it yet! I inject before I go through to departures, so far I've been ok and had no hassel about my injections. Fingers crossed you will be too x

[Manofmendip]

I take some Fragmin in the carry on luggage and some in the checked in hold luggage.

I have never had any problems at security.

Best wishes.

Dave x

[claranda]

I don't take a regular anti-coagulant but was advised to inject Fragmin before medium/long haul flights (4 hours and over). My understanding is that the 0.2ml injection lasts for 24 hours; I usually inject while at the airport and pack onward doses in my main baggage.

However, I have a related question. I live in Turkey and used to buy Fragmin over the counter. Now (I'm told because the drug is too expensive) it is not available here at all. Can anyone tell me how I can find out about effective alternatives? I can ask at the hospital here but would welcome any ideas from you!