Traveling these days is getting more challenging for many reasons. If you are traveling with fertility medications, there are a few important things to know before you head on your trip. These 8 tips will help you travel with fertility medications easily and reduce the stress associated with the process.
1) Call The Airline And Check Their Policies
Each airline has slightly different policies and procedures when it comes to traveling with medications. In order to ensure there are no surprises, call your airline and confirm if there are specific requirements in order to carry medications on board.
2) Call TSA Cares Or Check TSA’s Website
TSA has a hotline (1-855-787-2227) that will help you navigate medication handling questions. It may also be beneficial to check TSA’s website for additional up to date information.
3) Get a Note From Your Physician’s Office
Request a note from your physician’s office about the necessity of the medication. This is common practice and your doctor should happily supply one. If there is any form of e-script that you can print out, it may also be helpful.
4) Double check you have the right amount of medication
Nothing is more stressful than realizing you’re low or out of meds unexpectedly. Pay special attention to your dosing regimen over the next few days and make sure you have enough medication to last through your stimulation.
You should also consult with your physician or nurse to double check if you’ll need additional medication. In addition, your clinic may be able to provide lower cost alternatives. Pharmacies near your clinic destination may be available so you do not have to transport more medication. This could also be beneficial to your pocketbook as medication costs tend to be lower outside of the United States.
5) Keep your fertility medication in your carry-on bags
Do not store medication in your checked suitcase where it may likely be susceptible to varying temperatures. It is also possible the medication can become lost with luggage or has a higher likelihood of being stolen. Keeping it near you in your carry-on is safer.
6) Allow extra time at the airport
Since the medications will likely be in your carry-on, it’s best to carry them in a clear plastic bag with your physician’s note. In addition, proactively inform the TSA staff of your medications. Medications may require additional screening. Because of this, be sure to arrive at the airport early.
7) Bring a Sharps Container to Dispose of Needles
Normally, your pharmacy will supply you a sharps container. Be sure to carry the container with you as you travel.
8) Keep Note of Medication Refrigeration Requirements
Some medications are best stored in the refrigerator in the long term or once opened, however, it is safe to travel with them at room temperature. It’s best to double check the labels or PI (package insert – the white folded pamphlet included with every box). The following are some common medications that can be transported at room temperature:
- Gonal-F
- Good for 28 days before it needs to be refrigerated
- Follistim
- Once the rubber inlay of the Follistim AQ Cartridge has been pierced by a needle, the product may be stored only for a maximum of 28 days at 2°-25°C (36°-77°F).
- Menopur
- Can be stored at room temperature
- Ganirelix
- Can be stored at room temperature
- Lupron
- Can be stored at room temperature (below 86 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 60 days
- Progesterone vaginal suppositories & Prometrium
- Can be stored at room temperature
- Cetrotide
- Can be stored below 86 Fahrenheit / 30 Celsius for up to 3 months
- HCG
- Store the powder form at room temperature away from light, moisture, and heat.
If you are traveling with fertility medications, the best thing to do is always contact your clinic about any questions you may have.
Still looking for a fertility clinic? Cayman Fertility is accepting new patients and is offering free Skype and Zoom consults. Contact us today!