Pills and Devices

Let’s get down and dirty.

I’m blogging to help others enjoy travel as much as I do.

My target group is 55+ women, traveling for pleasure. My intention is to help make leisure travel as carefree and lightweight as possible. To take little and enjoy more.

One major thing about traveling at our age is medication and the devices many of us now have to use and trust me, I am right there with ya girl.

I have a few suggestions. I know what works for me. Everybody is different so only use what works for you.

So let’s address this. Starting with pills…

First and foremost, always carry your meds on your person at all times, as luggage does get delayed and/or lost; and unfortunately, people have access to your bags and can go through them, i.e., cabin stewards on cruise ships, TSA personnel, airport personnel and hotel personnel. So keep your meds close to you at all times. Never Forget this.

Before you travel, check on your prescriptions and make sure you have enough for the journey and for at least two days after your return.

In some cases, on long journeys, you’ll be off your refill schedule by a month or so. I have had to ask a pharmacy in the past to do a vacation extension and give me an extra month. I believe they will do it once or twice a year.  It depends on your area, and your prescriptions, but I have done this over the years, on more than one occasion. So check it out. Ask your pharmacist and your doctor. It’s worth a try.

Also, many countries will refill your scripts; if your script or bottle states that it is refillable and that drug is available in that country. (You must possess the bottle with the script information and DR’s phone number, etc.)

It just depends where you are going, so do your research or call a qualified travel agent to look into the country stats for you.

Second, check with your arrival location to see their local rules. I have never been challenged about medication. But that’s not to say that it doesn’t happen. There are different circumstances and regulations per different US states and in other countries. I do not keep my meds/vitamins in the pill bottles. They are cumbersome and take up room. I find those traveling pillboxes to be more of a headache.

I don’t take a lot of meds but I do take a handful of vitamins and minerals.

Those pillboxes do not have enough room for all my daily vitamins and minerals and 2 medications. Some of my vitamins are large, too big. They won’t fit into those daily slots. The pillboxes are prone to pop open, spilling the contents.

I am often gone more than a week, even a month, so I would need several pillboxes.

Now, you could put the traveling pillbox in a plastic zip lock baggie and use a rubber band to keep it shut, etc.

But I have found something that is a little more tried and true and worry free, at least for me.

That is these little gems right here. Small envelopes.

 Found at Staples

I purchased a box of 500 a few years ago. I write the day/date on the envelope.. i.e. Tuesday, June 1, then I fill my daily supply of pills into the envelope. I seal the envelope and then use scotch tape for added security. I put them all in a zip lock plastic sandwich bag and carry in my purse or carry-on. I never worry about opening my suitcase to find pills spilled all over and if so, then having to guess which pill is which. Not to mention, hoping that they are all still there! 

Luggage is opened while en route, which is sad but true. But I am happy to say I have never had a mishap! 

If you have liquid meds, again, use a zip lock.  I would line that zip lock with paper towels. Also wrap a rubber band around the bottle to resist the shock or pressure on the glass if bottle is dropped, resulting in breakage. Keep you script handy in a separate place from your meds. With technology and a doctor’s office web portal, it is easy to have a screen shot of scripts to keep with you.

If requiring refrigeration, call the airline or train company, they can document your reservation and ask flight crew to refrigerate for you. Or in some circumstances you can carry a small soft-sided cooler with ice packs. You must check with the airline for those rules.

By using my envelopes, I like that there are no cumbersome bottles to take up space. If the contents are unknown to others and the name of the pills are unknown, there is less likelihood that they will be stolen or ‘misplaced’ by anyone going through your luggage and/or pick pockets, etc. 

There are 2 issues in doing the envelope tactic and is that a pill bottle protects against wetness. But if they are in an envelope, the zip lock, lined with a small bit of paper towel, then stored in your purse or your carry-on bag, they will be more protected. The other is that some meds should not be mixed as they rub off onto each other. Do your research to see if you can mix pills together in one envelope.

If not, then separate envelopes may be needed. I am lucky that I can mix pretty much everything. 

I like the thought of my daily doses of meds/vitamins/minerals in a packet. Once I take my daily dose, I can toss away the envelope, making my trip just a little bit lighter and more care free per day.

I only carry a pill bottle if I am gone a long time and I know I can get it refilled through out the journey. While traveling in the states using a Walgreens or CVS is seldom a problem. 

 We don’t subscribe to online delivery pharmacy with automatic delivery as it becomes a headache in changing delivery dates and/or needing quick refill, so this is something you’ll need to reconsider if you plan to travel frequently during your retirement. One also has to think about your meds sitting in a mailbox or on a porch in extreme hot, cold or dampness while you’re away. You’ll have a few things to take into consideration if you have intentions to travel frequently or for long periods of time.

Medical Appliances

I also travel with a CPAP.  I, of course, keep it with me in my carry-on at all times. The carry-on I recommended in another post is perfect for my CPAP. Now more and more, aircraft and trains, buses have plug-ins, but if not, then sometimes I have to use a battery pack. But I have carried a CPAP since 2001 and literally all around the world. In fact, I took my CPAP to Sweden within 4 days of receiving it in 2001. 

At that time, Security/TSA staff had never seen it and oh what a hassle, but I think I broke them in from Stockholm to Omaha!

Also, my advice, if you use a nose pillow with your CPAP, is to secure it and/or carry an extra, as they are small, clear and easily lost! Speaking from experience here.

Also, once your airline is chosen, check out Seat Guru for the seat layout on that aircraft. You can see which seats will have access to power. Please check with your medical professional before you leave and do your own research. I am assuming no responsibility for any medical mishaps or situations. The info above is simply just advice or tips that work for me. 

Below, for your convenience, are the current rules, copied from the US Transportation & Security Administration.

Can you pack your meds in a pill case and more questions answered?

       One of the more popular questions we get from travelers is: “Can I travel with my medication?” The answer is yes, with some qualifiers. Here are a few tips that you might find helpful.

•   


It is not necessary to present your medication to, or notify an officer about any medication you are traveling with unless it is in liquid form (See next bullet).

•   Medication in liquid form is allowed in carry-on bags in excess of 3.4 ounces in reasonable quantities for the flight. It is not necessary to place medically required liquids in a zip-top bag. However, you must tell the officer that you have medically necessary liquids at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening that could include being asked to open the container.

•   You can bring your medication in pill or solid form in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.

•   You can travel with your medication in both carry-on and checked baggage. It’s highly recommended you place these items in your carry-on in the event that you need immediate access.

•   TSA does not require passengers to have medications in prescription bottles, but states have individual laws regarding the labeling of prescription medication with which passengers need to comply.

•   Medication is usually screened by X-ray; however, if a passenger does not want a medication X-rayed, he or she may ask for a visual inspection instead. This request must be made before any items are sent through the X-ray tunnel.

Nitroglycerin tablets and spray (used to treat episodes of angina in people who have coronary artery disease) are permitted and have never been prohibited.

 According to the UK.gov website, all medication prescriptions and medical items are allowed onboard. ... Medicines such as tablets, liquids, inhalers and hypodermic syringes are all allowed onboard. 

 Regarding CPAP Things to do before you fly

• Pack your CPAP prescription from your doctor in your CPAP case.

• Seat Guru*: Pick a seat that has access to power if you need to use your CPAP machine on a long flight. Also, bring your airline’s phone number and website with you to check their assisted device policy. The airline has the final approval for in-flight usage.

• FAA Compliance Letter: Download and keep with your CPAP machine.

• Transportation Security Administration (TSA): Review the airport security page for medical conditions to confirm the process for CPAP machines.

• Review airline policies for using CPAP machine for in-flight use and restrictions for carry ons.

• Review a checklist of documents to take with you.

Things to do when you fly

• Bring your CPAP machine in its case as carry-on.

• Prepare to show appropriate documentation (pack with your machine).

• Remove your CPAP from your luggage for security

• Turn humidifier off, and turn on airplane mode (if your CPAP machine has it).

Remember to keep a written list of your meds/dosage on your person/in your purse and luggage, add a list on your phone, with emergency contact. And let someone at home know your medication, medical issues and your whereabouts. As always, do your research or contact a travel professional for further questions or clarification. 

Thanks All,

Enjoy the journey.