Medicine on the fly - Extra Health - traveling with medication - Brief Article

Muscle & Fitness/Hers, August-Sept, 2002

To prevent your medications from taking a detour while you're on vacation, take note of these tips from the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy:

Before your trip, make a list of all the medicine you'll need. Check with your pharmacist about possible drug interactions with medications for motion sickness. If you plan to travel out of the country, check online at cdc.gov to see what vaccinations are recommended and to view any public-health warnings.

Pack your medicine in a carrying case or purse that you'll keep in your possession. Keep an extra supply on hand at all times in case you have extended layovers. Pack medicine for common travel maladies such as diarrhea, headaches and allergies.

Store your medicine in a cool, dry place. Some medications can easily lose their potency if exposed to excessive heat, sunlight and humidity.

Have your pharmacist's and prescriber's phone numbers handy in case you lose your medicine. Know the generic name of the medicine you're taking in case you need to relay this information to an unfamiliar pharmacist.

Be aware of time changes. Keep a separate watch with you and have it set to your usual time so you can remember when to take your medication.

If your medication requires you to use a syringe, you may needs to carry your written prescription with you to ensure that you can pass through airport security.