Going abroad: HiAll I'm going on holiday in July to... - LUPUS UK

LUPUS UK

32,249 members28,608 posts

Going abroad

Bull5160 profile image
23 Replies

HiAll I'm going on holiday in July to Portugal with my family. I normally just holiday in England so it's a first. I have 2 questions. With my medication do I need to get a letter to show? Does my medication go in my hand luggage?.

Also any ideas where to go for insurance. TIA

Written by
Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
23 Replies
PMRpro profile image
PMRpro

What are you on? Any injections? You don;t usually need any letters or anything except maybe for opiods. I put all my medication into one or more 1 litre ziplok bags of the sort for liquids on planes and place them in the trays at security. Never had a problem yet though no doubt there is bound to be a first time!

posthinking01 profile image
posthinking01 in reply toPMRpro

Thyroid medication- liquid - should not go through the scanners/x ray machines as it can damage it !

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro in reply toposthinking01

The FDA doesn't appear to think so - the levels in such scanners is very low, Must be since people are sitting next to them all day!!!!! But I'll believe you - better safe than sorry.

posthinking01 profile image
posthinking01 in reply toPMRpro

Well I'm sorry but this was told to me by a pharmacist and GP and the airport security staff were aware of this. I had a letter from my GP saying it had to be hand carried and not through the scanners.

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro in reply toposthinking01

I said I'd believe you ...

posthinking01 profile image
posthinking01 in reply toPMRpro

Its liquid that’s the issue believe !

PMRpro profile image
PMRpro in reply toposthinking01

Seems fair enough!!! But why I said - something to discuss with the medical team.

Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160 in reply toposthinking01

I'm on thyroid tablets so not liquid x

Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160 in reply toPMRpro

HiNo injections all tablets not on.opiods x

Bobbydoodle profile image
Bobbydoodle

I take it in a clear bag with a copy of my prescription put it in my hand language always as I worry my luggage could get lost on route so if it’s in my hand luggage it’s unlikely to be lost. Never had any issues. However I always put up to a week spare tablets in my case too incase of emergencies for instance plane delays or if I lost my medication somehow.

Mya12king profile image
Mya12king in reply toBobbydoodle

I do exactly the same as this too and never had any problems.

Murp17 profile image
Murp17

when I went aboard last year I put my medication in my suit case as long as you have your medication in the original packaging this is fine you shouldn’t need a letter from your doctor.

Hope you enjoy your holiday xx

Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160 in reply toMurp17

Ahh perfect xx thank you x

happytulip profile image
happytulip in reply toBull5160

Not perfect if your suitcase goes in the hold and doesn't turn up at your destination. It's happened to so many people I know.

Check with your airline or airport website for advice. But everytime I have flown I have been told

1. Meds go in hand luggage. Always. What If you are delayed and have no meds available ? If you contact the airline many carriers give you extra hand luggage if you need it. I do as I take 18 meds.

2. Take prescription, Drs letter which includes the phrase "fit to fly." You don't want to get to the aeroplane and they won't let you on. It's up to them whether you fly or not. So a letter will be worth it.

3. All meds should be in original packaging.

4. It all depends on where you are going so get clued up with some research. My ex-partner thought it wouldn't be a problem to take a 250ml bottle of oromorph into Dubai. I pointed out that I didn't want a prison sentence. Hence the EX part.

Happy travels.

Caramia1964 profile image
Caramia1964

I have a letter that covers my methotrexate injections and sunscreen , my tablets are in blister packs made up by chemist in my hand luggage , never been a problem. Enjoy your holiday when it comes x

Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160 in reply toCaramia1964

Thank you x

MusicalFurbaby profile image
MusicalFurbaby

Yeah I take a letter to cover my prescribed medications just in case. And I definitely pack them in my hand luggage, never in the suitcase that goes in the hold, coz I’ve had hold luggage go missing for days at a time! Enjoy your holiday!

Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160 in reply toMusicalFurbaby

Thank you xx

WinterSwimmer profile image
WinterSwimmer

I went to Portugal some years ago in July. It was pre-Brexit and I don't remember having a problem with medication. I think the rules were that it had to be in the box it was prescribed in. I don't know if that has changed.

I loved Portugal - we were in the Algarve for a week - but I remember the heat was punishing. Both the places we stayed had pools where I spent a ridiculous amount of time to avoid over-heating.

grumpyold profile image
grumpyold

I always use Staysure for insurance and put my meds in a ziploc bag with my prescription.

I keep my meds in hand luggage and carry a week's extra, just in case of delays.

Bull5160 profile image
Bull5160 in reply togrumpyold

Ahh thank you will look them up x

SurferGuy profile image
SurferGuy

I always carry in hand luggage in case the suitcase is lost.

I also carr6 double the amount of meds and keep 1 lot in my hand luggage and the other in my wife's - again just in case I lose my luggage.

Graystar profile image
Graystar

Personally I would request a letter for your medication. It saves any potential agro and protects you. Please be careful in the strong sunshine 🤗

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

HOLIDAYS ABROAD ?

Hi fellow Lupies out there! How do you feel about going abroad now you have Lupus. As a family we...
Lulabelle profile image

Holiday Abroad

Has any of my friends on here who suffer from Lupus SLE need on holiday in South Africa. if so were...
Jennylyn profile image

Hydroxychloroquine and going on hoildays

Hi All, hope u are all well. I was wondering if anyone with SLE & Photosensitivity taking...
ClaireCo83 profile image

Taking mycophenolate mofetil abroad

Hi everyone my son Fin is going to Spain in a week. Does anyone know if there is any issue with...
Deegraham profile image

Increasing steroids for holidays abroad

Hi Does anyone increase steroids when going on holiday abroad. I have read about a few people doing...

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.