Taking injections abroad

[Ange2016]

Hi. I'm currently on Enbrel injections that you mix yourself ( syringe & vial). We would like to go abroad but as they have to be kept cold ( in a fridge) I wondered if anyone else is on these and has been on holiday abroad. If so, how do you cope taking them e.g. hand luggage or hold. How do you manage to keep them at the right temperature. Any help/ advice would be appreciated.

[helixhelix]

If you look on the leaflet that comes with the drug it should tell you. I imagine it is the same as for pre-packed Enbrel, which are that you can keep it out of the fridge for 14 days. You can get handy travel bags that just keep it slightly cool for transporting it so it doesn't risk getting too hot.

But whatever you do don't put it in hold luggage as that gets too cold. Carry it in your hand luggage with your prescription.

Here's the Enbrel info

enbrel.com/support/storage-...

[Ange2016 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for this info.

[Paula-C]

I’m not sure about enbrel when you have to mix it yourself, mine is a syringe type. I carry a letter from health care at home and my consultant to show at security beings I’m carrying needles. My medication needs to be kept in your hand luggage. Temperature in the hold can vary depending on what the airline is transporting.

I’ve just looked at the info sheet in the box of my latest delivery at it says it’s okay out the fridge for four weeks as long as it doesn’t go above 25. Once out the fridge it can’t go back in. Bit confusing really, two different lots of advice. If you ring who supplies it to you I’m sure they will tell you what’s what, it may be different beings yours isn’t already made up.

I recently purchased a cool bag with special ice packs in, it keeps the drugs between 2-8 degrees for up to 12-18 hours. It’s from a company called MediGenix.

medigenix.co.uk/coolmeds-2-...

I’m sure we are eligible to get it without paying the VAT. If you google it you may find it cheaper.

Paula

[Ange2016 in reply to Paula-C]

Thanks for that Paula. The thing that worries me is once we arrive. Like the info says it can't be put back in the fridge once at room temp, which means it could get very warm in a hotel room in a warm country. I'm going to ask my rhuematology nurse next time I speak to her.

Angela

[Paula-C in reply to Ange2016]

Have you got a fridge in the room? We normally pick a hotel that’s got one. If you havent email the hotel, explain your situation and ask if they’ve got a medical fridge for guest to use.

Paula

[helixhelix in reply to Paula-C]

You can't put it back in a fridge, but if you take a cool bag then that should stop it overheating.

Yes, and best to check with your own nurse as brands may vary.

[Mandalou]

How long are you going for Ange?

Mx

[Ange2016 in reply to Mandalou]

We're going for 2 weeks this time, but have been talking about going for 4 - 6 weeks next winter. The winter absolutely kills me so we thought it might help to get away for a few weeks next winter. I don't think that I'd be able to take that much meds with me though as I have other medical conditions as well that requires long-term treatment. We love Cyprus but we need to look into the regulations regarding my meds.

Ange

[Soreknees2016]

I can’t comment on your medication, but you may find it helpful to check out the Diabetes UK website shop as they do a selection of cooling insulin wallets.

shop.diabetes.org.uk/collec...

[Scottishlad in reply to Soreknees2016]

It all depends on what medication you are dealing with:

Diabetes products work well for medication that simply needs to be kept cool. Things like the Frio range will keep things below 25°C in most circumstances.

My Cimzia has to be kept in the 2-8°C range so ice based systems are required.

Read the storage conditions for your medication and speak to your supplier for detailed advice.

[hellykay]

Hi Ange, I'm on the same Embrel, syringe and vial. I was told that they could be kept at room temperature for a month no problem when I was travelling. Had them in a cool bag with hand luggage and pharmacist letter to go through security. Hand checked not through the scanner. Then put them in the wardrobe as pretty dark and cool. Would be interested to know why they need to be refrigerated at all really with it being powder and water.

[dbestdeb]

My doctor gave me a little insulated carrying case that holds an ice pack as well as my Enbrel pens. Maybe something like that would work for you as well.