Is it safe to fly long-haul while on Mycophe... - Vasculitis UK
Is it safe to fly long-haul while on Mycophenolate? Hilary
Hi Keymer
I don't think it is so much whether it is safe to fly long-haul while on mycophenolate, I think the question is - is it safe for YOU to fly long haul. I would say it all depends on where you are in your vasculitis journey. If you are in drug induced remission, you are feeling OK, AND you have discussed it with your consultant and he/she thinks it is OK, and, of course, got your travel insurance sorted, then I don't think there should be a problem.
What might be a problem is the fact that the air in the aircraft is re-circulated and you might leave yourself vulnerable to catching any germs which may be floating round the cabin. It may look as if you are going to rob a bank, or have some dreadful disease you don't want to give anyone else, but I'd recommend you wear a face mask. If your legs tend to swell then some flight sox might be a good idea.
PatriciaAnn
I was asking the same question a few months ago when planning a long haul flight to the USA. I am on mycophenate and prednisolone. I asked my consultant and he approved, so off I went, in some trepidation! All was well, however, so I need not have worried. As Patricia says, if you feel well enough to travel and have the permission of your specialist, then go for it! I did take an extra 5mg of prednisolone on the day of travel, as a precaution, but I don't really think it was necassary. Travel insurance might be expensive but it is vital to have it!
By the way, I didn't wear a mask in the plane. That one is up to you!
Have a good trip!
Ayla
Thanks Patricia and Ayla. That's very encouraging so will check with consultants on 2nd Jan. It's Cape Town we hope to fly to! Hilary
Hope that the consultant approves and that you have a great time and no medical problems. Cape Town sounds good. Do you have room in your suitcase for anyone?
PatriciaAnn
John has been taking Mycophenolate for a few years now... but as Ayla and Pat have said "it is important that your Vasculitis is stable" .... John has travelled to Vietnam, Cambodia and India since being diagnosed in 2001. As Pat and Ayla have said talk it over with your Consultant... make sure you have his/her telephone number, pack your medication in different cases, I had some in my case John had some in his case and we had some in the hand luggage.... always take more than you need, John always took about 3 to 5 days extra just in case.... John always upped his prednisolone slightly.. whilst actually travelling... but discuss this with your consultant... Don't eat food that may upset your tum and make sure the water is safe to drink from the tap..otherwise stick to bottled water... if the tap water is not good stay away from salads, squashes, iced drinks etc... always stick to good cooked food... if i think of anything else...oh yes never eat fruit straight from a market stall always take it home first and wash properly... try and have a walk about on the plane everso often if you can... the longest flight we have had done is probably 13 hours... accept the fact that the first day of arrival maybe lost in catching up on sleep... try and take your medication as near as possible to your normal time... it is not easy but you have to adapt... make sure you have travel insurance... Hope this helps...
Susan
Thanks Sue. Your names sound familiar as I did try contacting you earlier this year and for some strange reason, never got a reply! Have only just found out about this site! I was diagnosed with WG in April 2011 and have stabilised on Myco and Prednisolene. My consultant gave his approval to fly out to France this summer to stay with my son but I never asked about long haul flights. My husband wants to take me to Cape Town as a special birthday treat in February/March! I'll have to wait till 2nd January at the earliest to call my consultant. Your reply is very encouraging and will take heed of all you say. Thanks so much Hilary
I am sorry you did not receive a reply...we try and reply to all emails and answer all telephone messages within 24 hours..but I am sure the odd call or email do slip through the net.... sometimes in the spam box or the message machine is not working properly... 
We visit France regularly maybe 4 times a year.. their health care system in some ways is better than ours... we have got to know the local doctor out there very well.. 
Good morning Keymer
I am on Mycophenolate and Prendisolone . I flew to New Zealand in June with no problems what so ever. The thing is if you give in to the Vasculitis you would NLT go anywhere. So get that passport looked out and have a great holiday ya hoo.
Hi again Hilary
If you have problems getting travel insurance, there are a number of recommended companies on the Vasculitis UK website. You may have to try a few to get someone to insure you and/or at a competitive price:
vasculitis.org.uk/living-wi...
PatriciaAnn
