So confused may need to have Enbrel Xrayed at mexico... - NRAS
So confused may need to have Enbrel Xrayed at mexico airport travel letters says don't Support pack say its ok ,Which is right?
Hi Chrissicl, when I find conflicting advice on medication I always check with my rheum. Nurse, or your pharmacist ....this is the best advice I can give.
Everyone has different interpretations and you may go on someone,s advice here and do you know what qualifications they have?
Truly go to your rheum. Team
Hope you have a wonderful time....so envious
Katie
Hi,
I haven't travelled to Mexico, but have flown from Heathrow to Hong Kong and back, with Enbrel packed in a freezer box in my hand baggage. I put it through Xray both ways, and did not experience any problems. However, I did carry a letter fom the hospital, explaining my medication, and I did mention to the staff that needles were in my bag, before going through security. they did not seem phased by this at all.
Hope you have a brilliant trip.
Jennyx
I started Enbrel 5 weeks ago and got told to ignore the letter saying not to X-ray it. Apparently it is Ok to X-ray, but why not ring Healthcare at Home or whoever supplies you just to make sure. Happy hols! Virge
Healthcare at Home's pharmacist also told me not to put it in a freezer bag as even with a thermometer it is very difficult to keep exactly between 2 and 8 degrees. He said it is Ok to keep at room temp ie below 25 degrees for up to 4 weeks and that I should just keep it in my hand luggage when flying. Once out of the fridge do not put it back in. I kept it in my air conditioned room after setting room temp to 20 degrees. Again, maybe best if you double check this yourself. Customs were not interested in enbrel or MTX jabs . Xx
When I have travelled with Enbrel, I give the security staff the letter that Healthcare at Home give me and they then take the freezer bag to the otherside of the security by-passing the scanners, then hand it back to me once I have gone through. They unzip to glance at the contents to makes sure the contents are correct. Will be doing the same this year. I also place mine in the fridge that is in my room and have a therometer again supplied by HCH, so I can check the temp. This year I shall be carrying three whereas in the past I have carried one.
Thanks didn't know HCH supplied thermometers but did get a mini porter from them which is great.keeps cool for 18 hrs
Thanks all feel more reasured now, just didn't realise they x rayed when arriving in Mexico, been to Dom Rep for a couple of years and they didn't x ray arrivals there.
Never had a problem with Enbrel (or MTX) I carry both in my hand luggage,they go through the x-ray machine without problems. I also carry letters from my GP and Healthcare at Home explaining what I am on and why - never had to show them yet at any airport. Enbrel is in my little freezer bag with a cold block wrapped in a teatowel to keep it cool and most airlines will put it in the plane fridge for you as well if you ask one of the stewardesses when you get on.
LavendarLady
Thanks lavenderlady,just didn't understand the letter from health care at home.Last year I asked if Thomsons would let me use their fridge and was told no on health and saftey grounds, so I bought a mini porter from HCH.last for up to 18 hours. Just this second recieved a phone call from HCH while typing this , new guidelines issued can go through any xray but untill they are authorized to change the letter they still issue old one.
I recently went to an NRAS lecture in Leeds by a pharmacologist who was excellenshe and she answered so many queries on all manner of meds and mostly on the bioogics. One question was can Enbrel be xrayed and she said ... Absolutely fine. I would just check with your own pharmacist/rheumy to hear the answer from them for your own peace of mind.
Sorry ... Meant to type excellent. My iPad is forever sticking.
Thanks, had a phone call from health care at home (my supplier) saying new guidelines say its ok, but they cant say in the letter untill authorized to do so.
