Travelling with RoActemra (Tocilizumab)

[TTCC]

Hi -does anyone have any experience with travelling with RoActemra (Tocilizumab) .

I need to be able to keep it at 2 - 8 degrees C for approximately 8-10 hours (to airport on plane etc.) before getting somewhere with a fridge.

Any ideas would be great thanks

[ToffeeMumble]

Hi TTCC, I have travelled lots with meds’ that need refrigerating, I have always carried them in a soft cool lunch box bag I usually wrap the meds in a tea towel then place reusable ice blocks inside the box ( even travelling to the US I have never been stopped) but if in security you do have to abandon the ice blocks go to the nearest bar (no don’t buy a double!!) and ask to fill a bag with ice. My consultant gave me this advice and as I say I have never had an issue. I also always travel with an update to date prescription and a letter from my consultant ( one that you receive after an appointment is fine). I hope this is helpful and have a fab holiday. X

[TTCC in reply to ToffeeMumble]

Thank you for that great advice

[helixhelix]

I have a drug carry bag that my chemists gave me that has two types of gel block in it, four in all.... it looks a bit like this:

medactiv.com/en/transport-o...

And looking at the price I don’t think I thanked my chemist enough! It keeps my syringes at 4 degrees for over 24 hours.

I was advised that gel packs are more acceptable to customs and scanners rather than ice, but don’t know why. I have a certificate from my consultant that specifies I must keep my drugs cool (which is not actually true as Enbrel can be out of the fridge for weeks) and I’ve not had problems.

[TTCC in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks for this great information

[Fra22-57]

I have just got mine free from the company who supply my Abatacept. I enquired and was told to get from hospital.(they don't) but when I phoned to order next batch of drug they asked if I needed a cool bag as told them I was going on holiday. It is really good and has gel patch either side which you freeze for 24hrs.there is tray inside to place syringes .

[Ruffles13]

I travel often with 4 injections I bought a bag especially for this in a chemist. You put the inside bag in water to allow crystals to get hard and then put injections in. There is an outer cover you put the cold one in. I hope this helps.

[Witsend8 in reply to Ruffles13]

This sounds like frio bag and a insulin, tocilizumab has to be 2-8°,unless when roche and hospital speak to each other, this alters, praying it does though! Im leaving one afternoon long drive to airport, then plane next, reaching destination some 26-28 "ish hours later. So lots cooling required! Frio literature states 25-28° in 30°temps.

[Scottishlad]

You should note that Frio type products are not suitable for medications that need to be kept 2-8C. You need something with frozen gel packs.