Travel and injections. How far can I go?

[TLL123]

Can anybody recommend a bag/case to keep injection medication chilled for extended periods whilst travelling?

The more injections I can take the further/longer I can go on an adventure, all being well 🤞

Many thanks

[KittyJ]

It depends which med you are on, some have to be kept at a certain temp for example others can be out of a fridge for 4 weeks as long as they don’t go over a certain temp. That would guide you as to what you need from a bag/case. What meds are you taking?

[TLL123 in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks for replying so quickly. It’s Hyrimoz

[AgedCrone]

Sorry to be so practical ….but have you got your medical insurance in place for this adventure?

[TLL123 in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes. Thank you for checking

[Barrister]

I use this type for my Benepali (and when I was taking Humira too). Generally it stays at the correct temperature that I need it at for around 12-14 hours. Most of these bags are made for insulin as nobody seems to have cottoned on to the fact that other medication needs to be transported.

Colour phot of travel bag for keeping injections cold.

[aliplayspiano in reply to Barrister]

I have this one too for my tocilizumab and it kept meds cold for around 12 hours. I bought this one because others that I looked at that were mostly for insulin didn’t seem to keep the med cold enough.

[TLL123 in reply to Barrister]

Thank you. That might be exactly what I need.

[TLL123 in reply to Barrister]

Thank you, this might be exactly what I need.

[Silverpixie]

I have a medigenix bag too for tocilizumab. It got me from home to Hong Kong but unfortunately as airlines refuse to freeze spare ice packs it didn't last to Japan. Would someone here be able to say why airlines refuse to freeze spare packs? Airlines do offer ice but this is no good at all

[Huguen in reply to Silverpixie]

I can't answer for airlines, but on the Stenaline ferry, I was told they used to be happy to refreeze blocks for people, but only stopped after new COVID rules 😔. Maybe one day this might reverse again? For long haul flights, maybe you'd be best using one of those battery operated injection cooler/fridge things...

[AgedCrone in reply to Silverpixie]

They refuse to freeze anything……Cos they don’t have a freezer on board…all catering is kept cool with dry ice which would ruin most drugs.Ice comes on a big plastic bag & usually runs out very fast…except in First Class of course!

The fridge on an aircraft is not a permanent fixture either…it unplugs & goes off for replenishment…..comes back full of goodies for the next sector…. ..which is why the crew can’t just “pop your meds in to keep cool”…..they would quite likely end up in Mumbai as you flew Sydney!

So get that cool bag!

[Silverpixie in reply to AgedCrone]

I have a medigenix bag but the frozen packs don't last long enough to go very long distances. Any other suggestions welcome!

[CagneysMum]

Thanks for asking this question… I’m also keen to see the answers for future adventures 👍

[AgedCrone in reply to CagneysMum]

Get a cool bag CM…& don’t ask the crew if they sell tights, lipstick, ice cream or deodorant & if you need it…don’t ask or for a diabetic meal just before you keel over as you didn’t bother to request a special diet….or the biggie…for enough nappies to get your baby from London to Sydney cos you “thought planes carried them” !!! Yes they do for emergencies…not enough for 40 babies flying for 20 hours!

Those are just a few of the NoNo’s for long haul flying!

It really is true…passengers do pack their brains on boarding!

[bpeal1]

If you are travelling with biologic just for a holiday things have got a lot easier. Most of them are now ok out of the fridge for 2-4 weeks. Either speak to your rheumatology team or pharmacy department at whoever supplies your medication and they can let you know your medication’s specific needs. They can also provide letters if you need to take it through airport security.

[bpeal1 in reply to bpeal1]

This photo is from medicines.org.uk but please double check with your hospital or pharmacy.

Picture of storage information

[TLL123 in reply to bpeal1]

Thank you, hoping to be away for a couple of months, subject to health. The med provider has kindly sent me a letter so I’m slowly getting things organised

[julie1908 in reply to TLL123]

Hi do you mind me asking you who you took your travel insurance out with as i am searching for the best deal for my uncle who is planning to go away for a couple of months. X

[TLL123 in reply to julie1908]

Hello. I have travel insurance through my bank account.

[Haz58 in reply to TLL123]

Have you checked with them that they cover you for pre -existing medical conditions? I know some don’t if it’s the insurance pack you get with your account.

[TLL123 in reply to Haz58]

Thanks for checking. I’m covered but had to phone and answer their questions.

[HappykindaGal]

I take benepali and I’m going away for 10 weeks to South America and Antarctica. I use a Medigenix bag, but I think there might be a bit of juggling too. One things for sure, it’s not going to stop me going away.

Wherever your adventure is, have fun! You’ll find a way 😊

[julie1908 in reply to HappykindaGal]

Will the company supply you with that much medication in advance? X

[HappykindaGal in reply to julie1908]

I'm assuming they will. I usually have enough for 3 months anyway

[Huguen]

Hi there,

I was in a similar situation to you. It was quite hard to research but I eventually bought the medical travel bag in the link below. It's the best price you'll find.

I travel with simponi injections, which like you, need to be kept betwee 2 and 8 Celcius.

shop.diabetes.org.uk/produc...

For peace of mind, I bought a digital temperature probe so I could monitor the inside temperature without having to keep opening the bag (obviously reducing travel time).

If your ambient temperature is less than 25 celcuis during the journey, you should have a comfortable 24 hour travel window. After that you would need to stop, put you meds in a suitable fridge, and re-freeze the blocks before carrying on.

Hope that helps,

Let us know how you get on?

Huguen.