What to think about when travelling with refrigerated weight loss medication (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda etc)

What to think about when travelling with refrigerated weight loss medication (Wegovy, Ozempic, Mounjaro, Saxenda etc)

New effective medications for weight loss and type 2 diabets such as Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro and Zepbound (tirzepatide) are easy and convenient medication to self-administer. You don't have to visit the clinic regularly to have it administered. Instead, you can self-inject the medication in your thigh, abdomen, or, sometimes, the upper arm once a week. But while sticking to a once-weekly dosage is easy at home, what happens when travelling? Whether you're heading on a business trip, a vacation, or a family visit, ensuring that your medication regimen remains uninterrupted is crucial. Here are four practical tips to help you manage your weight loss medications while travelling.

Storing Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic and other injectable weight loss and diabetes medications on the go: Tips for optimal medication preservation

Before your trip…

Make sure you have enough medicine with you to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Ensure your medication is stored at the correct temperature, which is between 2°C to 8°C before its first use. Once you start using a pen, it can be kept at room temperature  15°C to 30°C) or refrigerated for up to 56 days.

Certificate from the doctor..

At the airport, you may sometimes need to show that the medicine you bring with you is for your personal medical use. If the medicine is prescribed, you can show, for example, that your medicine has a label from a pharmacy with your name on it or that you have a doctor's certificate confirming that you need to take the medicine with you on the trip.

While flying…

Medicines must always be packed in the hand luggage that you bring with you into the aircraft cabin. The guidelines about traveling with medications are straightforward: Liquid injectable medicines are allowed on the plane. When travelling by air, keep your medicine in your carry-on luggage to avoid extreme temperatures in the cargo hold. Use a travel cooler or insulated bag with ice packs to keep your medication within the recommended temperature range. However, do not place your medicine directly on ice or gel packs to prevent freezing. Upon arrival, promptly store it in a refrigerator or at a suitable room temperature.

It is not possible to guarantee the correct temperature during the trip. What do I do then?..

If you are not sure that you can store your medicines at the correct temperature during your trip or holiday, ask your doctor if there are alternatives to your pens. One such example is the tablet Rybelsus, semaglutide in tablet form which is taken daily, which can sometimes replace injectable medicines..

When on the road…

If driving to your destination, store your medicine in a cooler bag with gel packs. Avoid leaving it in the car for extended periods, especially in hot weather, as temperatures can fluctuate significantly. Use a portable cooler or insulated lunch bag to help maintain a stable temperature.

Take charge of your weight loss regimen while on vacation: Keep on track with your treatment

Plan ahead…

Before you leave for vacation, make a schedule for your injections. Set reminders on your phone to ensure you don't miss a dose. Research the medical facilities at your destination in case of an emergency or if you need extra supplies. Carry documentation about your prescription and a letter from your doctor explaining your need for the medication. 

Stay organised…

Keep all your medication and supplies, such as needles and alcohol swabs, in a dedicated travel bag. This bag should be easily accessible and remain with you at all times. If you’re staying in multiple locations, plan your packing to avoid leaving anything behind.

Effective medicine storage for travellers: Ensuring medication potency wherever you go

Understand your medication’s storage needs…

Many medications need to be stored correctly to maintain its effectiveness. Familiarise yourself with the storage guidelines and plan your trip accordingly. If you're travelling for an extended period, you might need to book accommodations that provide refrigeration.

Utilise travel-friendly storage solutions…

Invest in a good quality medication travel case foryour pens or similar medications. These cases often come with built-in cooling elements and temperature monitors to ensure your medication stays within the recommended range.

Stay informed about local climates…

Take into account the climate of your travel destination. Extremely hot or cold environments can impact your medication's effectiveness. Plan your travel activities to avoid exposing your medication to these conditions, such as leaving it in a car under the sun or carrying it in extremely cold weather without proper insulation.

Practising healthy habits while travelling

Travel can throw off your usual routine, However, to get the most out of your weight loss medication, you must maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make other necessary lifestyle changes. These are some lifestyle changes you may have to make.

Maintain a balanced diet…

Travelling can lead to irregular meal times and different food choices. Try to maintain a balanced diet and regular eating schedule. Pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or yoghurt. Be mindful of portion sizes and choose whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables whenever possible.

Stay active, even while travelling…

Incorporate physical activity into your travel plans. Whether it’s walking tours, hiking, or using the hotel gym, staying active helps create and maintain the calorie deficit needed to lose weight sustainably, and it also helps manage your blood sugar levels.

Manage stress…

Travel can be stressful, impacting your blood sugar and leading to unhealthy cravings for high-calorie foods, which can undo your weight loss efforts. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga and ensure you get adequate sleep.

Remember, planning ahead can help you maintain your health and stick to your weight loss goals on the go.

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