Flying with Tocilizumab

[tweety_pie]

Talk about last minute....looking for reassurance that airline won't confiscate meds at security. European flight. Got the cool bag but quick look in FAQ and suddenly thought, am I supposed to have a letter from GP? Too late for that. So I've come to the Oracle...

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Do you have copy of prescription? ..and presumably your TCZ is in original packaging with your name and pharmacy details on the label.

That should be enough - I think there’s more of an issue with medication on flights to US or some Asian countries than European.

Maybe a quick look at the airline website/arrival airport webpage will clarify.

[tweety_pie in reply to DorsetLady]

No prescription I think but yes, will pack the packaging! And check with airline. Thanks DL, I knew I could rely on you to think for me with stressy pre-departure brain not being my best friend

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tweety_pie]

It will be the same as for insulin I imagine. Use that as an explainer if they get iffy ...

[tweety_pie in reply to PMRpro]

I will. Thank you! My lovely chemist printed me off prescription which covers all but hospital prescribed Tocilizumab and Methotrexate but will take packaging and have my list of meds on hospital patient site so hopefully no embarrassing fine tooth comb search of bags in security!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to tweety_pie]

When flying I always had all medications in ziplock bags which I put separately into a security tray with any liquids. Because they were out in full view without being asked for I was never questioned about them at all. And I've been a lot of faraway places outside Europe ...

[tweety_pie in reply to PMRpro]

Good tip. Shall do exactly that now. Thank you

[Daboatovus in reply to PMRpro]

I've done the same thing and never had a problem.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tweety_pie]

If you tell them before they are scanned sure it will be fine…. Just enjoy your time away…

[tweety_pie in reply to DorsetLady]

When I get there… thanks for calming and sensible advice

[Frewen1 in reply to DorsetLady]

I travelled by plane with cool box and a letter from the hospital re the TCZ (as they were the prescribers) … but I don’t remember being asked for any paperwork

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Frewen1]

Varies i think -when I went to NZ via Singapore and had GCA -I listed all meds and showed the staff whenever there was a check of any sort before I was asked.

[Frewen1 in reply to DorsetLady]

I’m sure gats right - pre-emption the best policy…

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Frewen1]

I was that girl guide… 😉

[SheffieldJane]

Bring any paperwork you have. Can you get an email from your prescribing doctor? I only travelled by ferry and they put my Tocilizumab in their fridge - no dramas. Good luck! Absolutely have your meds in a clear bag in full view of security.

[tweety_pie in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thought about it all too late to get GP involved. Hoping list of prescriptions from chemist and details on hospital patient site will get me through. Fingers crossed!

[Happyexplorer in reply to tweety_pie]

I've travelled from Sydney to UK a couple of times with 3 months TCZ ina cool bag plus script and Drs letter. Never an issue, sometimes they tip out all the syringes to check nothing underneath. Hotels all happy to keep afew syringes in their fridge too. No need to worry at all! Bon Voyage😊

[PMRCanada]

I’ve travelled internationally with all of my medications including pre-loaded Methotrexate syringes, all in original packaging, and never experienced any problems.

Once a security staff person asked about my medications in general and I told him about my PMR diagnosis and showed him my medic alert bracelet. They then directed me to continue on through security line without any problems.

Enjoy your travels.

[tweety_pie in reply to PMRCanada]

Thank you. Reall y should get a bracelet. Have my trusty PMR/GCA uk card and NHS details

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to tweety_pie]

Yes you should get a bracelet - it’s easy to be separated from card and phone, but more difficult with a piece of jewellery… plenty of choice online.. as cheap or expensive as you wish….

[tweety_pie in reply to PMRCanada]

Good to hear you’ve travelled widely without problems. Am delighted to say swung through Heathrow with only kind and helpful attitudes from staff there and now happily at destination. Thanks for your sharing your experiences and for all the reassurance and tips given. I feel equipped for future travel!

[HamishPMR]

Watch out which painkillers that you have bought, not prescribed. Anything which contains codeine could get you into trouble.

[Devoid]

Hi I had a letter from the company that deliver my prescription which lasts a year , they also sent a copy by email. If you haven’t even got time for that just remember to take it in it’s original box and have you got any other evidence that it’s prescribed for you , like on the nhs app ? . Saying that they didn’t even look at either the letter or the contents of the cool bag, obviously they went through the scanner .

[DAW28]

I have to inject Tinzaparin before and after a long haul flight as I had provoked Deep Vein Thrombosis following a Total Knee Replacement. I keep the syringes in my hand luggage and had never been stopped at any airport, even in the US. I do take a copy of my prescription though, just to be on the safe side. I hope this helps.

[crazylady57]

I fly with mine every time, no prescription, I always used to take all the paperwork, but there is a card I keep in my purse with the drug info. I wrap it in cool gel pack. No one has ever asked, that goes for Turkey too. Not once. Think maybe they're used to it, we all seem to be having more drugs to inject now. Good luck.

[PMR2011]

When I’ve flown long distance with TCZ I take a small insulated lunch bag and use ice packs that are definitely larger than 3 ounces. Whenever I tell security it’s my injectable medication, do you want to see it they act like it’s a hot potato and wave me through!

[Grammy80]

I flew internationally, no probem into Canada. I didn't have any documentation either. I think the cool bag, the injections...made it pretty straight forward. Have a wonderful trip.💞

[tweety_pie in reply to Grammy80]

Good to hear and thank you! Out from under grey autumn skies to the blue. Delightful