Packing & Managing Medications When Traveling

Summer is a time for travel and making memories. The key to ensuring all your memories are pleasant is planning. This is especially true when it comes to medications.

Here are some tips to ensure you stay healthy and prepared during your summer adventures, including what to do if you run out of medication while away from home.

Pack Smart

► Prescription Medications: Always keep your medications in your carry-on bag. If your checked bag goes astray, you’ll still have your medication. Always carry prescriptions in their original bottles with clear labels. This ensures you have the necessary information if you need a refill or encounter customs checks. If you have medications that need to be kept cold, talk to your provider or pharmacist about the best way to transport them. They may recommend that you pack them securely in plastic bags and store them in a medical-grade cooler.

► Over-the-Counter Medications: Bring common medications such as anti-inflammatories, fever reducers, anti-allergy medication, and anti-diarrheal medications. These can be crucial for managing minor health issues that may arise during your trip.

A word of warning for those going abroad

If you’re traveling abroad, make sure your medication is legal in your destination country. Many medications that are common in the U.S. may be illegal, prohibited, or restricted in other countries. Depending upon where you are going, you may need a doctor’s letter or special approval from the health ministry to travel legally with certain medications. To be sure you’re not unintentionally breaking any laws—and ruining your vacation before it starts—check the International Narcotics Control Board’s database of country-specific information before you travel, or call the country’s embassy in the U.S.

Plan for Refills

If you are planning to travel for an extended period, speak with your doctor about getting a larger supply or a prescription that can be filled at your destination. Research local pharmacies at your destination to know where you can get your medications if needed.

If you run out of medication while away from home, follow these steps:

Contact Your Doctor: Reach out to your healthcare provider for advice. They may be able to send a prescription to a local pharmacy.
Visit a Local Pharmacy: Many pharmacies can provide emergency refills for a short period. Bring your original prescription bottle and any relevant medical information. They may ask you to contact your home pharmacy to have them transfer your prescription.
Consult the U.S. Consulate: If you are traveling internationally and are having trouble getting medications you need, contact the U.S. Consulate for assistance and guidance.

A Quick Note on Vaccinations and Health Precautions

If you’re planning to travel out of the country, make sure you are up to date on routine vaccinations such as Tdap, MMR, and polio. Depending on your destination, you may also need specific vaccines like hepatitis A, yellow fever, or typhoid. Consult with your physician or SVMC’s Travel Clinic—ideally 4 to 6 weeks before your trip—to get the necessary immunizations and health advice.

Robert F. Sherman, Jr. RPh, PharmD, MHA, is the Director of Pharmacy Services at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.