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Are you planning a trip at the same time as you’re using fertility medications? If so, make sure you plan accordingly – particularly if you’re going to travel by plane.
Tips for Traveling with Fertility Medications
Here are helpful tips as you begin packing for your next trip.
Discuss your travel plans with you fertility nurse
It’s always a good idea to run your travel plans – and your medication instructions – by your nurse. She will ensure you’re crystal clear on the timeline so you don’t get off track – especially if you’re traveling to a different time zone, where it’s easy to lose or gain a few crucial hours. Also verify your plans won’t interrupt essential monitoring.
Your nurse or the fertility clinic staff can provide you with a letter that gives you permission to travel with relevant medications and supplies (syringes, needles, etc
Make sure you have enough
Holiday weekends and national holidays may mean a lapse in your ability to refill or add to your current prescription so make sure you have enough medication on hand for the duration of your time away – or the holiday season to be on the safe side. Similarly, if you’re trip would potentially need your trigger shot, plan to have HCG or Lupron with you.
Never check fertility medications on planes or trains
Never place your fertility medications in checked baggage when traveling by plane or train. Time is of the essence when taking hormones. Getting a little off schedule can wreak havoc with a particular fertility treatment cycle. Thus, missing bags can result in the need to call in a new prescription – and there’s no guarantee an out-of-town pharmacy will be able to fill it in the amount of time you need. Keeping the meds in your carry-on luggage is always the safest bet.
Place fertility meds in new, sealed, plastic bag
It’s best to pack your fertility medications in a brand-new, sealable plastic bag. Keep them in their original package along with your prescription and/or the letter from your fertility center. Also make sure you have plenty of the extra supplies you’ll need – like alcohol swabs, gauze, etc.
Always comply with TSA Regulations
In most cases, you shouldn’t run into any problems at airport security checkpoints as long as you adhere to TSA regulations regarding prescription meds and liquids. TSA regulations do allow you travel with prescription, liquid injectables, but it’s imperative that you follow their instructions. The medications should be in their original packaging with a current prescription at the ready. Make sure to declare them to security officials so they can determine whether or not they want to inspect medications further.
Invest in high-quality cool-pack storage
If your medication needs to be refrigerated, invest in a high-quality pack that will insulate it effectively. There are several well-known brands that make cooler-packs specifically for medications. Use them as directed to keep your medications cold. Even a brief warming period can render them ineffective, which takes you back to Square One.
Are you an RRC patient planning your next getaway? Give us a call at 913-894-2323, or contact our office so we can review your travel plans and make sure you’re all set.