Methotrexate injections and flights

[Cathy777]

Just been convinced by sis who lives in beautiful part of Italy to go for a much needed break. I haven't been anywhere for years! Does anyone know if I can take my needles on board plane or what I need to do. I don't want to risk a nasty surprise on day! Thanks

[MickeyJoints]

Go, Just GO! And what part - south or north?

From what I read and been told you can stop MTX for up to two weeks without suffering penalties in terms of treatment and effects - the injections last for two weeks. You don't mention how long you're going but others here have been on trips with injections and a covering letter from the GP.

I'm sure some with better knowledge will be able to help.

[Cathy777 in reply to MickeyJoints]

Thanks! Its south and we may do a few days in Rome too. Just 10 days or so at this moment. Yes I recall now I came off it when I had an operation once so that would be OK. I just panicked and forgot and you reminded me! I could just take it and if they reject it then its not such a big issue. Yes just Go!

[helixhelix]

Yes, just go! If you can take a letter from GP or Healthcare at Home if that's who deliver your injections, and pop the packets in your handbag and that's it. They mustn't go in the hold as too cold for them. If you can't get a letter then anything that shows they're prescribed for you - a MTX monitoring book or a letter from hospital. I've been travelling for years with MTX syringes without problem. They can go through the scanners just fine, and the amount of liquid is so small that I never even both to take them out of my bag now.

I have just recently given myself a week off - after 6 years of taking it every week come what may. And I didn't notice any difference, except for having a glass of wine with my dinner.

[Cathy777 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you! Yes I am going! I will ask doc if I can have a letter but otherwise just take a hospital one showing I am on it. I may go mad and have a MTX holiday too! I am a little devil. I actually have the odd wine even whilst taking it and never had a problem. But in Italy wine is part of the ambience so better leave the MTX at home

[JacquiThomas999 in reply to Cathy777]

Sounds like a good plan.

[Cathy777 in reply to JacquiThomas999]

[Leonwp]

If you would like me to do a trial run to go and see your sister for a month and see how i get on im always willing to help :).

Beyond airport regulations there are airline regulations but i believe you can carry any you need to travel with in case of insulin or other meds but remainder of needles i think go in hold luggage. At least that was the case a few years ago. You cannot put liquid medication that may freeze in luggage though.

Have a wonderful holiday (and give my love, best wishes and contact details to your beautiful kind generous sister ), ok yes im a jealous creep.

[Cathy777 in reply to Leonwp]

Well I am grateful for your kind offer but feel I must endure this trip myself. But I will pass your cringing flattery on to my sister and if she falls for it she may well invite you for a visit.

Thank you for your meds advice I feel confident about that issue now and its all systems go!

Thank you for your good wishes and I am sure I will enjoy my stay. Her hoyse looks out onto mountains and I can't wait to sit on her balcony in the evening with a glass or two of wine . what is there to be jealous of? X

[Cathy777 in reply to Cathy777]

House not hoyse. That is after my 4 glasses of wine.

[Leonwp in reply to Cathy777]

I believe it is "hoyse" if your from Belfast, i hope you have a wonderful time looking at those mountains, i think your sister sounds just like my 3rd wife (and ive only been married twice so far!),

if she ever feels she needs the company of a grumpy, bloody minded, middle aged, knackered old cripple please let me know.

[Cathy777 in reply to Leonwp]

I am sure my sis would consider trading in her Italian husband for a younger model even a knackered old cripple. Are you wealthy? That would help.

[Leonwp in reply to Cathy777]

Well my bank manager said he only has three accounts that ever concern him Brazil, Greece and mine, but not necessarily in that order. So erm.... that would be a no.

[Cathy777 in reply to Leonwp]

That's a real shame. Looks like you gotta keep looking for wife 3.

[ruth_p]

Just make sure you declare it and show them your letter. You don't want to be arrested as a terrorist lol. Mtx takes 3 months to come out your system but you have to be careful stopping and starting the medications as they may stop working.

[Leonwp in reply to ruth_p]

Good advice Ruth, i didnt think of saying that.

[Cathy777 in reply to ruth_p]

Yes I will declare it. I just hope it doesn't hold me up with security. I best allow plenty of time. I asked my sister if I should post some meds to her but her post is not great it Italy. But there are many people who have similar injectable meds so they must be used to it. But thanks for your advice which I will heed.

[GranAmie]

no need to declare it just take in hand luggage says so in mtx leaflet i have. i've been doing this for months - or was till 'they' stopped my meds pending ct scan... 8 weeks off and in w/chair has shown me how it helped. gimme it back. have a great time - such a change from M. Hill altho that lovely too. ciaou xx

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[Cathy777 in reply to GranAmie]

Oh I am sorry. Hope you get back on it soon and get some relief again.

OK no need to declare. Thank you. I worried needlessly about needles and terrorists!

M.Hill? Where is that?

[GranAmie in reply to Cathy777]

sorry - thought u were in Muswell Hill lol xx

[Cathy777 in reply to Cathy777]

Yes I am! Sorry I thought you were referring to some where in Italy for some strange reason. Not awake yet. Yes Stansted is me too. Do you have Italian link?

Ciao xxx

[Sunflower62]

You need a letter from the place that delivers your message to excite just give them a call and they will send you a letter you have to keep them cool they will advise you on this you can't put them through the x-ray machine which is why you need the letter to take them through customs I normally use Stanstead and have found them very helpful you need to take advice on how to keep them cool I normally bought a little cool bag and little ice packs to keep them cool till they could be in the Fridge delivers your message to excite just give them a call and they will send you a letter you have to keep them cool they will advise you on this you can't put them through the x-ray machine which is why you need the letter to take them through customs I normally use Stanstead and have found them very helpful you need to take advice on how to keep them cool I normally bought a little cool bag and little ice packs to keep them cool till they could be in the fridge

[Cathy777 in reply to Sunflower62]

Bit confused by some of your message Sunflower. But I am easily confused these days! What is 'message to excite'? Sounds fun. I will bear in mind about the x-ray machine and keeping them cool. Thanks.

[helixhelix in reply to Cathy777]

MTX doesn't need to be in a fridge, perhaps sunflower was thinking of biologics, and you don't need to worry about putting them through the scanner. I have double, triple & quadruple checked this and have taken my MTX on well over 50 flights now with no problems whatsoever.

[Cathy777 in reply to helixhelix]

Yes I don't keep mine in cooler. Maybe Sunflower means another drug. I will go prepared with letter just to cover myself. But I feel fine about it now. Thank you very much.

[CloudTreeDrive13]

Some years ago my husband and i flew to Florida to stay with my brother in law. At the time i was having Gold injections so simply got a covering letter from my consultant and had no problems. Have a nice trip xxxx

[Cathy777 in reply to CloudTreeDrive13]

Yep seems everyone has had no probs. A letter is not difficult to take and reassures me if I get a difficult security officer! Thank you I will have a good time! X