I am planning a couple of holidays One is long haul with connections. l need to carry my Peg on these flights. The link below states that Peg should not be left outside for more then 24 hours? I always assumed it requires immediate refrigeration
‘Store in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).Do not leave PEGASYS out of the refrigerator for more than 24 hours. Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light. Vials’
I purchased a DISONCARE flask cooler it has sufficient space for 2/3 unpacked syringes. Most of the other coolers are for insulin and do not meet 2-8 degrees required
I will carry the packaging separately as it will not fit.
I have a medical letter
I noted the rules if any of the gel pack or fluid is not solid You cannot take it on to the plane. If this happens is it therefore safe to leave Peg outside for 24hours and refrigerate on arrival
I never flew when I was on Pegasys but I did do a long car journey with an overnight stop. I put the Pegasys in a Frio bag. It was coolish but not really cold. However, this was a two week holiday, so two syringes, and my blood counts were not adversely affected afterwards.
I travel frequently so I asked my MPN specialist about this when I switched to Peg. He stated to keep the Peg as cool as possible but that he is fine with the 24 hour rule. My flights are long haul (12-16 hours) - so I have packed the Peg in an insulated small cooler that allows me to pack a frozen ice pack/stick on the outside (so the Peg isn't in direct contact with the ice but is kept cool by it). If I head straight to hotel after landing then I am well within the 24 hours. If I have a connection - you are correct in that security will not allow non fully frozen ice packs (once I had one about 50/50 and they said no) - so that is usually a little more worrying but I usually find ice again after going through security at a restaurant or store. I have had to go as long as 18 hours with the Peg outside the refrigerator. As soon as I can I put the Peg back in the refrigerator at the hotel.I have made these long hauls 5 or 6 times since switching to Peg last August and it has had absolutely no effect on my CBC/bloods. HTH
I just don’t take that week when I go on a holiday (week long only). But I did run this past my haematologist, who was okay with it. I certainly wouldn’t unless you have spoken to your team.
Hey. I bought on u.s a cooler from 4all family. You can store several injections. It keep 2-8 for a long time. It also can used as refrigerator with usb. I didn’t travel with it yet but try on home and it really keep cooling
Hi, I went on a 2 week holiday over Christmas. I bought an Isothermic insulin travel case which has a built in thermometer so I was able to keep the temperature between 2-4o C.I had a letter from my haematologist and at the airport scan I explained that I have a blood cancer. They were fine with the gel packs but did put them through the scanner.
I also use the travel case when I pick up the meds from my hospital.
Thanks for the responses. This morning l took a flight to Sicily. Flying time of just over two hours
My DISONCARE cooler is similar to the US made 4all family but smaller. A flask with a gel pack and it provides temp readings. I also have a doctors letter etc. Unfortunately today it turned into a huge nightmare. German Customs said they had never seen anything like it. The police were called. They closed my security lane.
I gave them the letter and offered to unpack the flask so they could see. Four customs officers stared ages at the screen. Calls were made to verify Peg as a legal medication. Finally they let me show them the packaging which l had and all was good. Luckily l arrived early otherwise l would have missed my flight. I am in two minds about using this on flights especially long haul. If that was a reaction in Europe l would be worried as my long haul is to South America. I will probably opt to use a frio bag or end up in prison Lol I will check the DISONCARE in hold luggage on my return to Germany. I may make a complaint but doubt it will achieve anything
On a Positive note the DISONCARE worked very well.
Hi Dovme, Sorry to hear you had such a nightmare - thats put my right off travelling with my peg injections! I have to say that last time I travelled I spoke to my Haematologist and asked if it would be OK to skip a week and he agreed. Obviously everyone is different (and I am not advising to skip it without speaking to your care team beforehand) and if I had been away for longer he may not have agreed to me skipping it.
Hi, I attended an MPN Support group. Our speaker was the hospital haematology chief pharmacist. Peg travels from the manufacturer in chill conditions. In its life time it’s only allowed to be out of the fridge for 4 hours( enough time to collect from the chemist get it home and put in fridge) after that it changes and must not be used. I originally thought it just lost its efficacy. That is not the case. Regarding long haul. He said contact the airline.prior to flight. They will store in the fridge. He also said if need be use your travel insurance to obtain more peg in your designated country and that he could help finding a specialist. I’ve got ice from Mac Donald’s in the past. I’m also faced with all this if my Australia/ New Zealand 6 week tour goes ahead. Good luck x
Unfortunately many airlines will not allow the plane fridges to store medication. They are concerned with things like cross contamination liability and damage to the item. It’s often down to individual crews. But it’s worth trying. I suspect your right about constant refrigeration but have read contrary views. Including previous discussions on this forum
Think l hit a problem because l took the filled syringe out of its box as these coolers are designed for diabetic pens.No room for the packaging
I am going to try and find a cooler where l can keep the meds in its original box.
My long haul to Peru door to door was 23 hours. The cooler can hold 4 plus Peg packs. No issues with customs. The gel had melted by 50% but it kept the temp and l just had my bloods and all good. Interestingly l spent time at altitude of 3400 m ( 11200 ft) so l was a little anxious at the effect. But my prof said my blood count was the best it’s been and jokingly suggested l move to Peru.
Does that have a temp controlled ice pack that assures it can't freeze?
Hi
It has a pouch where you place the meds.This protects against freezing. The company supplies transport for meds on a commercial scale. My only reservation is the size of the bag. It requires 6 gel packs For shorter flights l will continue to use the Disoncare this has a built in thermometer. But you need to unpack the meds for it to fit. My haemotologist gave me a new letter to carry explaining the requirement to cool I am off to Cyprus next week so fingers crossed no problems
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