Hi. I’m going backpacking with my boyfriend for around 4/5 months! I am on an Abatacept Orencia injection and I was just looking for some advice. Due to the injection being weekly I will have around 20/24 pens to dispose of. The company that issues the injections has offered me two travel bins to take with me but as I said my boyfriend and I are backpacking so we’re very limited on space and we’ll be constantly on the move. I’m just curious if anyone has had to deal with this or something similar and what you did? How did you dispose of them? Can I dispose of them in hospitals? Do I need a form to allow me to do that? (The countries we’re travelling to are USA, Canada, Japan and Singapore.) I’m worried if I just carry the pens without the sharps bins that my hold bag is going to be torn apart!
Travelling with Injections: Hi. I’m going backpacking... - NRAS
Travelling with Injections
I thought it has to be kept in a fridge, so it’s not just how you dispose of it it’s how you store it before use.
I’ve got everything sorted for storing it etc, it’s just how I can safely dispose of the used pens.
Have you also checked about taking the meds in particularly USA and Singapore
Yes. Meds are good to take everywhere. 
It may be worth contacting the delivery company which supplies you as they must have had the same query from travellers. Contact NRAS too - they’re so helpful and I’m sure if they don’t have the answer they’ll be able to find out for you. Hope you have a great time !
Yes. I spoke with the delivery company and they could only suggest travel bins. And NRAS suggested to use this forum said she is going to ask others and see if she can find anything out. But thank you
Oh well, you tried! 😀. Good suggestions coming up already.
I was away for 5 months this year and I return them to the box and bring the used pen back to uk but I was not back packing
That’s great to know! Thank you! It’s super helpful to know that worked for you!
can’t you just put them back in the packet once used? Or take a Tupperware to put them in if you’re worried the cap will come off? That’s what I’ve done with mine when I go away. Those caps are quite tight so shouldn’t rip your bag. Maybe I’m missing something here.
You’re not missing anything. I just wanted to know what others had done. Did you have any problem getting your luggage back by putting it in a Tupperware?
I always carry injections in hand luggage and haven’t had any problems, they’ve been looked at but no problem with a letter from the supplier ( but I haven’t been to the US with them)
Amazing. Thank you for responding. I think I’m probably just worrying for no reason!
I've put them in a wide necked plastic bottle before to carry home. Wasn't gone quite as long as you though. Have fun on your trip. Sounds great!
Thank you so much! Definitely a good idea to consider!
I would have thought hospitals would take these from you as long as they are in a sharps box. There maybe be a charge for disposal though due to being in a different country.
Thank you for your response. I will definitely need to look into this option!
Hi, I have travelled quite a bit. Mine come with a little rubber stop that I can put back in. I have previously tapped the cap back on. And just kept them with me.
Most airport loo’s have a sharps bin in them. If you are travelling through them regularly. So I just did that.
Can I ask what you are using to keep them cold? I have done so much research on this as not many people go away for extended periods… would be super interested to know!
Have an amazing time!
I use one of these that I was given from the supplier
Thanks for this, can you send the brand and what ice packs you use. I have been for a month but never been for longer so would be intrigued what you use. I am also off for 6 months!
The make Bristol myers squibb.I think it is as says that on front.Lloyds homecare deliver to ne n they supplied it.it comes with 2 plastic bags of liquid that you freeze and these slot into the net pouches .it's really good
I’ve bought a cold bag backpack so it’s already insulated. Before the trip I will probably store the bag in the freezer to get it cold but I have also invested in 7 freezer blocks (as they keep colder for longer) as well as 5 freezer packs (which are more flexible so should help with swelling for me too). I’m not sure if it'll definitely keep them as cold as I want but I am quite confident. I’ll be keeping my injections in their boxes to keep them stable and hopefully colder too.
I always wrap bubble round my freezer pouch that hold the injections cool.this way they stay cooler longer too
I have set up an instagram which I hope to keep updating on the trip with everything to do with my medication. The name is the same as this one so feel free to give me a follow to help you!
Arrr that’s great thank you, I have tried and tested many, especially as I tend to get on long flights to Aus etc. Found some good ones but now need one that holds multiple jabs! Have a look at medical gel ice packs as well. They tend to stay cooler for longer. Also I always take some empty zip lock bags with me as if needed can always get ice from a bar/airplane!
That’s such a great idea! Thank you. I’ll be sure to order some of the medical gel ice packs too. Thank you!
No worries, its nice to have someone to talk to about it, there is not a lot out there on travelling with the medicine we have. You have a few extra bits to think about and it can become a lot. I have done it quite a few times, but the next trip is going to be a long one so always up for tips!
Yeah. It’s great. I’m so glad I found this forum! Everyone’s advice has been fab!
in Canada you should be able to take injection needles to drug store pharmacies for disposal.
Amazing. Thank you.
have you contacted your rheumatologist for advice.when I wanted to know something from supplier they tried to help but then referred me back to my rheumatologist.If they are the pen type ,can’t you just keep the used one in bottom of your luggage.I do use a cool bag when I travel but find problem having to book accommodation that has a fridge.I am not able to go on organised tours for this reason as you move on each day and are out all day.good luck .your trip sounds amazing
I’ve not spoken to them but I will send them a message. Thank you. My boyfriend and I have booked pretty much the entire trip alone and have made sure that every one of our accommodations has a fridge! We’re going to ring the hotels that we’re not sure if they do to make sure this is something that can be arranged before we arrive. We are moving a lot in Japan but we’ll be going straight from one accommodation to the next to make sure that my medication isn’t out the fridge for too long. I hope you manage to find an organised tour that doesn’t make you worry about your meds!
I often just put them in an empty water bottle or coke bottle. I’m on Abatacept so I know how big they are. I have no idea how you would dispose of them though.
Yes. They’re such big pens! But thank you! I hadn’t considered using a bottle.
When I'm abroad (we have a property there) I put them in Lenor type bottles & drop at the hospital.. Otherwise bring them back in a water bottle. Its still going to be a real issue for you though. Why is nothing straight forward? You will have to let us know how you got on. Enjoy your trip.
Thank you! I think a more likely option at the moment is continuing to use the normal boxes as then if I can drop them off at hospitals, then they’ll know exactly what the injection is!
Yes that’s true.
You sound organised so I guess you have checked that your hospital trust will prescribed more than 3 months for you? Generally the NHS limits prescriprions to leave the country for that length of time. And make sure you have the paperwork as 20+ syringes could cause customs questions when 3 or 4 don’t,
Yes. I just got confirmation on Monday that I am allowed to take all the medication that I require with me! I’m hoping to get customs letters but I’m going to make sure that it explains why I am carrying so many!
Are the travel bins going to keep them cool for long enough? Abatacept can only be out of the fridge for 8 hours & still be OK to use.
It’s the travel bins for once I have used them. I have a cold bag backpack and ice packs for travel to ensure the injections stay between 2 and 8 degrees. Hopefully ahah!
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