Taking Actemra (Tocilizumab) syringes abroad

[Niblick]

I have GCA and PMR and am currently on Actemera (Tocilizumab) . Planning to go to Australia at Easter and will need to take 6 syringes and keep them cool in transit for say 24 hours. Can anyone recommend a temperature controlled carrier case?

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I spent a lot of time researching this a couple of years ago when I started on Actemra and by far the best selection was from this company - specifically the LifeinaBox products - but I see the rest of the range has been expanded since then,

medactiv.com/en/14-transpor...

They are European based so no language difficulties getting info - as opposed to Chinese sources ...

[Niblick in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you

[Frewen1]

I just looked online and found the first one that was affordable.. it seemed to work fine, I kept syringes in the fridge for a year, and it served for an 8 hour journey… if you have a very long flight, perhaps the staff would put it in a fridge for a while? ( There must be fridges on planes?)

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Frewen1]

There are but not adequately temp controlled and you have to seek permission in advance. A pack of 6 syringes is bulky - could be a few people expecting their meds to be cared for in the fridge!

[Frewen1 in reply to PMRpro]

Fair enough! Am going to post my ( not great new news shortly.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Frewen1]

Oh dear ...

[Gangley]

I am on Actemra for GCA and was contemplating a trip so I discussed this with the manufacturer here in Canada - Roche - and was told Actemra can now be kept for up to 2 weeks without refrigeration. At one time when you became a patient they also has a travel bag you could get. Happy Travels!

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gangley]

Interesting that is now official. Did they say though whether it can be refrigerated to the expiry date after it has been out of the frig for a few days?

[Gangley in reply to PMRpro]

We didn't discuss that - but if you are going on vacation you would only take the supply you need i.e. 4 injections for one month. So this may be something to look into.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Gangley]

That's true but sometimes you need to take more for longer - I could theoretically spend up to 3 months in the UK.

[jarn]

Contact Actemera as they will provide you with a proper insulated case etc. I rec'd one and the address on the card is: tsa.gov/traveler-information. Perhaps for Canada/USA only, but worthy of a try. Good luck

[Sharitone]

I had a letter from Roche on the subject. I hope it is legible.

Letter