Travel with Tocilizumab

[Hiland]

Hi, wondering if anyone has advice regarding travel with Tocilizumab. I am travelling to Canada in September ( 9 hr BA flight from London) and will need to take 3 vials and wondering how to keep them at temperature. Has anyone any experience. Thanks

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

This has been discussed before….think SheffieldJane may have been in similar situation, if not she will know. …or anyone with experience of insulin.

Put your phials in a refrigerated bag/box and advise the airline beforehand, the cabin crew may be able store in their galley fridge…..but they do need to know in advance…or it may need to go in the hold ….different airlines and airports seem to have different rules…and you need either a letter from a Rheumy/GP and copy of prescription.

Easiest to check direct with airline….then you’ll know.

And when you know, please let us know…so we’ll know in future.

[SheffieldJane]

Hi I have purchased an Isothermic bag for transporting medicine. The brand I chose was CoolMeds. Obviously make airport staff aware and perhaps have a letter from your doctor. When I asked my Polar Speed people who deliver my Tocilizumab, they said it would be ok for 24 hours unrefrigerated. However, I feel better keeping it at fridge temperature as usual. I am going to Southern Ireland on Friday, I actually don’t have a letter 🙄 but can perhaps take something from my Rheumatologist that mentions Tocilizumab. I am going by Ferry - not as stressful as by air. Have a lovely time!Supplier Amazon or on-line chemists.

[Hiland in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thank you, that is really helpful. Good to know it can be OK unrefrigerated although I will try to keep cool

[Odosmum in reply to SheffieldJane]

Jane, I travelled to and from Dublin regularly carrying a similar preparation - sometime several boxes. No problems and no need for documentation. I flew and always carried in hand baggage, which was always scanned at the departure lounge.

[Horsewhisper]

Hi Hiland, I bought a cool bag from “Frio”which keeps refrigerated meds at fridge temp for up to 45 hours. The cool bag has crystals embedded in the lining which are activated by cold water, just follow the instructions. The cool bag can’t be put in the fridge once activated though but it should stay cold long enough for your journey to Canada. I have used it fir my TCZ on a long drive to and across France and it worked really well. You may need to check with BA re: storage/use of sharps on a plane before you go. Happy travels!

[Hiland in reply to Horsewhisper]

Thank you, that is really helpful

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If you look at the Related posts you will see the same question which was asked last year I think. The company provides a travel bag in the USA - I think someone has obtained it for travel purposes. One would hope the same services apply in the UK!

actemrahcp.com/content/dam/...

[Hiland in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[alvertta]

I was given a travel bag w a freezer pack for travel, by my pharmacy. Currently on a trip with 4 vials in the pack w 2 freezer packs. In frig tonight in hotel. Tomorrow will put into my checked bag to prevent 100 questions at security. When we land tomorrow back into the frig.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to alvertta]

I'd prefer the 100 questions at security!!!!

[alvertta in reply to PMRpro]

Freezer pack was still frozen this morning. Ready to fly.

[LemonZest11]

Just a further point, the hold is really cold and consequently your luggage will be too.

[HanaleiBa]

I am getting “life in a box” refrigerator. Had to save up for it, but I have yet to me able to keep my temps right and it’s so stressful. None of the options out there, snd I’ve tried them all, are constantly 2-8 degrees. And trying to keep them there (I have a phone app and thermometer for the bag my meds are on) makes me panicked the entire trip.

[Spanky2019]

Genentech provides a travel bag/ freezer pack free of charge. Just call and ask. They also provide postage paid needle container for injection tubes which are considered medical waste. Genentech/Roche is a great generous resource for tocilizumab & needed related supplies.