Travelling with lupus: OK I know I should take all... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,241 members28,596 posts

Travelling with lupus

creaky profile image
7 Replies

OK I know I should take all medicines in their original boxes with a copy of my repeat prescription, when travelling abroad.

I'm going to Amsterdam this weekend, and wish I could just take a few days worth in my daily plastic dispensing boxes that I use at home.

I take 16 pills a day 11 different drug boxes plus 2 sets of eye drops.

Any advice?

Written by
creaky profile image
creaky
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
7 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRpro

Are they in blister packs? If so, take a cardboard outer and the number of tablets you want to take with you for each. As soon as you get there - put them in your dosette boxes and chuck away the packs before coming home. You don't have to take full packs with you. If they are in dispensing bottles from the chemist then they could give you a tiny bottle with the number you need in it and listed on the label.

Though I have to say - even if I am only going for a couple of days I take a full pack of everything with me! On the other hand - I live in and travel all over Europe and have never had a problem with anyone asking me about my medications. Not even returning to the UK. Nor entering China last year.

creaky profile image
creaky in reply toPMRpro

That's my point, I've never been asked about my medication, but sods law that the one time I took the easy way, they would stop me.

A friend just pointed out that I can flatten the boxes, as long as I have the boxes, pills and the repeat prescription.

The blister packs don't have to be in the boxes.

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro in reply tocreaky

Be careful the blister pack has it clearly on it what it is - I don't know if you have ever noticed but sometimes you can have just a few of a blister pack and it tells you nothing useful on the back! Even chemists seem oblivious of that fact judging by when I've had those 2 or 3 that had to be added to make up the number to be dispensed. Not that that is a problem where I live now - here you get only whole packs, enough for approximately 2 months at one time unless you are to be on your jollies...

creaky profile image
creaky in reply toPMRpro

Good point, I will probably just lug all the boxes around as usual.

I sometimes think, that I've got more pills than Boots pharmacy in my bathroom!

happysally72 profile image
happysally72

I always take enough for my break, plus an additional weeks worth, in case of emergency. (All in original boxes). I put all of my medications, INR blood testing machine, tests strips etc, my heparin injections, repeat script & letter from my gp (I got this to be safe because of the tablet & liquid morphine & tramadol), in a large vanity case to carry on as hand luggage (the airline allowed me to carry this on in addition to my standard hand luggage. I didn't trust it being in my suitcase & also needed some medications during the flight). I did this when I went to the dominican republican some years ago and I had no problems and it wasn't checked at all. I've been too unwell to travel abroad since, so bought a touring caravan to go away in instead.

If at all possible, I would take the meds on in your hand luggage. Mainly because it has been known that luggage goes awol occasionally (I pray yours keeps safe!, I'm sure it will), and it would probably ruin your weekend and make you unwell if you don't have your meds.

I wish you a wonderful, trouble free and fun weekend, have a fab time 😀

creaky profile image
creaky

Happy Sally

Thankyou, yes I always take my meds as hand luggage and take a few days spare.

Just seems so much faf for a weekend! Never mind at least I'm hopefully we'll enough to enjoy it, (touch wood)

I've got it all organised now anyway.

Wishing you some lovely holidays in your caravan this year.☺

tired18 profile image
tired18

Hi

Just come back from there, never even asked at the ferry terminal, it's different if you are flying, keep them in the original boxes just in case It might be easy to take them out, they may not let you bring them back

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Travelling with lupus and oxygen!!!

I have lupus non active emphysema on oxygen 24/7 and Cpap at night and also sticky blood as well as...
dawnbeaven profile image

August's Blog - Anna's experience of travelling with lupus

As the Summer starts to come to a close, we've got the second blog post for the topic - holidays...
Paul_Howard profile image
Partner

Dealing with Lupus

Hello, I’m new here. I’ve joined as I feel I’m not coping well with lupus and my symptoms. Also I...

Overwhelmed with Lupus

Hi I had Lupus for about year along with Sjogrens, RA and fibromyalgia. I take injections and...
InezJ profile image

Working with lupus.

Still trying my best to stay in work. Had a flare recently and I went to see the doctor. He gave me...
Dan30cr profile image

Moderation team

See all
Debbie_kinsey profile image
Debbie_kinseyAdministrator
chelseawong profile image
chelseawongAdministrator
michaellasmith profile image
michaellasmithAdministrator

Top community tags

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.