Traveling With Your Medications This Holiday Season
You've packed your suitcase, checked your travel arrangements, and made sure you have everything you need for your trip.
Then, just as you're leaving, you remember something.
Did I pack my medications?
Or perhaps you're already away from home when you realize you don't have enough medication to last until you return.
These situations can happen more easily than we think, especially when we're traveling during the holidays.
Our usual routines change. We're staying with family, moving between airports, driving long distances, or spending time in places where our regular pharmacy may not be accessible.
As a pharmacist, medication safety is something I always encourage people to think about before traveling.
A little preparation can prevent a lot of unnecessary worry.
Check Your Medications Before You Leave
If you're planning to travel, don't wait until the night before to check your prescriptions.
About two weeks before your departure, take a few minutes to review what you have.
Ask yourself:
Do I have enough medication for the entire trip?
Will any prescriptions need refilling while I'm away?
Do I have enough to cover an unexpected travel delay?
Are there medications I use only occasionally that I might need?
If you're going to run short, contact your pharmacy before leaving.
Depending on your insurance plan and the medication, an early refill or vacation override may be possible.
But don't assume it will be approved automatically.
Some medications have restrictions, and international travel may require additional planning.
The earlier you ask, the more time you'll have to address any problems.
Keep Your Medications Where You Can Reach Them
If you're flying, it's generally best to keep essential medications in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage.
Checked bags can be delayed or lost. They may also be exposed to temperatures that aren't suitable for certain medications.
Whenever possible, keep medications in their original labeled containers.
This can make it easier to identify them and provide important information if questions arise.
If you use a pill organizer, keep a current medication list and consider carrying the original labeled packaging as well.
For liquid medications and medical supplies, review the airline and airport security requirements before your trip.
In the United States, medically necessary liquids may be permitted in quantities exceeding the usual carry-on liquid limit, subject to screening requirements.
For international travel, check the regulations of the countries you're visiting or passing through.
Some medications commonly prescribed in the United States are restricted or require special documentation elsewhere.
And if you're driving, avoid leaving medications in a parked car, especially when temperatures are very hot or cold.
Pay Attention to Storage Temperatures
Not all medications can be stored the same way.
Many are stored at controlled room temperature, but others require refrigeration or have special handling instructions.
This is especially important for medications such as insulin, certain injectable products, and some liquid preparations.
Some medications must be protected from freezing. Others may lose stability when exposed to excessive heat.
If your medication requires refrigeration, ask your pharmacist how to transport it safely and how long it can remain outside its recommended storage range.
Don't assume that placing it directly on ice is appropriate.
And remember that a car trunk, glove compartment, or parked vehicle may become too hot or too cold.
The safest approach is to follow the storage instructions for your specific medication.
What About Traveling Across Time Zones?
This is something people often overlook.
If you take medication at the same time every day, what happens when you travel somewhere with a different time zone?
The answer depends on the medication.
Some have more flexibility in their dosing schedules, while others require more precise timing.
This can be particularly important for certain diabetes medications, seizure medications, Parkinson's disease treatments, and other time-sensitive therapies.
Before traveling across time zones, ask your pharmacist or prescriber whether your schedule needs adjusting.
Don't automatically switch to the local time or double up on doses to catch up.
And if you accidentally miss a dose, follow the instructions for that specific medication or contact your pharmacist.
A reminder on your phone can also be helpful, especially when your usual daily routine changes.
Holiday Routines Can Make It Easier to Forget
Even when we're not traveling far, the holidays can change our usual schedules.
We may wake up later, eat at different times, attend gatherings, or stay overnight with family.
If you're accustomed to taking medication at breakfast, for example, a late breakfast or an unusually busy morning may throw off your routine.
Think ahead about how you'll remember your doses.
For some people, phone reminders work well.
Others prefer keeping a written medication schedule.
The important thing is finding a method that works with your prescribed dosing instructions.
Keep Medications Away From Children
This is especially important during family visits.
When children or grandchildren are around, medications may accidentally be left in places where little hands can reach them.
A handbag on the floor, a pill organizer on a bedside table, or medications in a coat pocket can become a safety concern.
Keep medications securely stored, preferably in a locked location, and out of children's reach and sight.
Ask visiting family members to do the same.
Even medications that seem harmless to adults can be dangerous to children.
Carry an Updated Medication List
I strongly encourage everyone who takes regular medications to keep an updated list.
Include:
The name and strength of each medication.
How much you take and when.
Prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements.
Medication allergies.
Contact information for your pharmacy and prescribing healthcare professionals.
Keep a copy on your phone and, if possible, a paper copy.
If you need medical attention while away from home, having this information available can be very helpful.
Be Careful With Holiday Drinks and Cold Remedies
Holiday gatherings often include alcoholic beverages, and the colder months also bring more coughs and colds.
Alcohol can interact with certain medications, including sleep aids, anxiety medications, pain relievers, and some diabetes treatments.
Before drinking alcohol, make sure you understand whether it's safe with the medications you take.
Also, remember that many over-the-counter cold and flu products contain more than one active ingredient.
For example, acetaminophen, the ingredient in Tylenol, is included in numerous combination cold remedies.
Taking more than one product containing acetaminophen can result in an accidental overdose, which can cause serious liver damage.
And if you have high blood pressure, ask your pharmacist before using certain decongestants because some can increase blood pressure.
These are good reasons to read medication labels carefully rather than choosing products based only on the symptoms listed on the front of the package.
This Week's Restoration Action
If you're traveling during the holidays, take a few minutes this week to review your medications.
Check your supply, refill dates, and storage requirements.
Update your medication list and decide how you'll carry your medications during the trip.
If you're crossing time zones or traveling internationally, contact your pharmacist early enough to make a plan.
Even if you're staying home, this is a good opportunity to check that your medication list is current and everything is stored safely.
Here's something to think about:
What usually makes it difficult to keep up with your medication routine when you travel, and what could you do differently this year?
Join Us for Our November 14 Holiday Wellness Fireside Chat
Travel preparation is just one part of staying well during the holidays.
On Saturday, November 14, at 10:00 AM EST, I'll be joining Rhetah Kwan and Dr. Raichel Samuel, PharmD, for a conversation about enjoying the holidays while caring for our health.
We'll discuss stress, travel, food, energy, and practical ways to prepare.
When you register, you'll receive our complimentary Holiday Wellness Toolkit, including a Traveler's Checklist to help you prepare for your next trip.
Until next Tuesday, take good care of yourself — one small choice at a time.
Bunmi Daramaja, RPh
Restoration Strategist
Founder, Transformation Health Journey™
This article is for general health education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.
