How to manage medications when traveling solo?

It is already a task for some to travel alone with the apprehensions, anxiety and luggage to settle all by themselves. Add some medications to deal with and it gets worse. Even those who travel solo frequently may need to re-strategize when it comes to medications. We will help you out! Read on-

A Prescription, please!

The basic rule of thumb dictates you to carry your prescription wherever you plan to travel to. You can not anticipate when you will be asked to present it. Some countries ask for it on arrival, while others donat. It is always best to have a written order from your doctor regarding the nature of your disease and the need of medicines you are on.

A Avoid the brand

You could also note down the generic name (ie the composition) of your medicine and ask for the same since each country may have different brands being supplied. Writing just the brand name may not be beneficial. For example, a medicine for high blood pressure Amlopres-AT is composed of Amlodipine and Atenolol. This brand-name drug would be better asked as Amlodipine + Atenolol combination.

A Enroll!

Prep yourself by becoming a member of the International Society of Travel Medicine and find out a doctor who speaks your language at your destination for ease of consultation. Your prescriptions can also be easily re-filled if you carry a written translation of the prescription in the language script required.

A Maintain the drugs

Some drugs like insulin require refrigeration or cool temperatures to retain their medicinal effect, there are coolant pads available in the market which would prove useful. Other medications like statins for cholesterol control and some antibiotics for infections require to be protected from the sunlight and must be carried in dark containers.

A For liquids

Any creams or gels or lotions must be tightly sealed with tape at their mouth or new packages must be opened after reaching your destination. Countries like the U.S. usually allow more than 103 ml of liquid medications but officers must be informed beforehand. They may want to examine or X-ray it to check for security reasons.

A Prohibited substances

It would also be a great idea to know about the medication allowances at your destination. Some countries in Asia and America do not allow codeine, morphine and pseudoephedrine-laden drugs. These may be confiscated or examined which could put a toll on your journey.

A Lost medications?

If you lose your medications en route, you could ask for a copy of the prescription by contacting your doctor. Better still, always put your medications in a bag you hold close to you throughout the journey. Even while traveling by air, make sure the medicines travel in the carry-on along with you during flight.

A Donat lag on medicines

Traveling to new places means there might be a time lag pertaining to the new time zone. Under such circumstances, always take your medicines within an hour or two of your normal time. Alternatively, you could set an alarm on your smartphone in concordance with your home time so that you don't lose out on medications. Never double the dose in case you skip any but take it whenever you are reminded of it.

Happy journey!

PC: See-ming Lee

PC: For 91 Days