Before Travelling, How to Obtain Prescription Refills

Considering a week-long trip abroad? Unplanned travel for business? It’s not always as simple as throwing your medication in your suitcase to make it to your destination, whether you’re traveling domestically or abroad. While traveling with medication, there are numerous things to keep in mind, such as TSA compliance and temperature management, in addition to packing enough for the duration of the trip (plus extra, just in case). Managing your medicines or prescription refills and staying on top of your medical needs while you’re away from home requires careful planning.

For Your Next Trip, Ensure to Follow These Suggestions for Prescription Refills

Check the medicine laws in the place you’re going

Several drugs that are prescribed legally in the United States are prohibited abroad. Even over-the-counter pharmaceuticals may not be legal in some places, so it’s not only prescription drugs. Verify if your prescriptions are authorized in the nation you’re traveling to. This prevents any unpleasant surprises while passing through customs or any missed doses.

Consult the US embassy there as a starting point. Be in mind that some nations may only permit a 30-day supply for specific prescriptions and/or demand that you bring a certified prescription or other documentation from your doctor. Contact your healthcare practitioner to go over your choices if you find out that your medication would not be accepted where you’re going. Even if you are only traveling within the United States, there are legal aspects to be aware of.

For instance, if you misplace your medication or forget to get prescription refills before your vacation, you might be able to fill some prescriptions outside of your state. Nevertheless, state laws differ and there are frequent restrictions on controlled substances. Make sure to do your study in advance and be ready for everything.

Ensure you have enough medication on hand

When traveling, unexpected changes can occur, therefore it’s crucial to pack more medication than you need. Aim for an extra week or two’s worth of supply. Before your journey, give yourself plenty of time for your prescription refills.

Depending on when you are due for a refill, you might need to ask your insurance provider for an early refill authorization to acquire your prescription ahead of time. Moreover, make sure you are ready in case you lose your medication while traveling. Note down your prescriptions’ generic names, which may be more widely used at pharmacies in other nations.

Smart packing

Always bring any necessary drugs to your carry-on. Do it to avoid losing them in lost luggage, which can be more than just a nuisance. This does imply that you must be aware of security standards, especially if you are carrying liquid medication. The current carry-on bag weight restriction for liquids, gels, and creams is 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters), though there are some exceptions for liquid prescriptions.

For the smoothest travel experience, let the TSA officer know before the screening procedure even starts that you are bringing more than 3.4 ounces of liquid medication. Also, be aware that further screening of your medication may be necessary. To avoid any problems when going through customs or security, keep your prescriptions in their original containers.

As an extra precaution, you might want to bring a certified prescription or other proof of your medical condition. This is especially important if you use a prohibited substance or are going internationally. Another reason to pack your prescription in your carry-on is that many medications become ineffective if kept at very low temperatures.

A plane’s luggage compartment can get very cold. Make sure you have everything you need to keep your medication at the proper temperature. It is important especially if you take a drug like insulin that needs to be refrigerated.

Make time zone adjustments

Consider the potential effects of time zone variations on your prescription schedule if you’re traveling far from home. Before leaving on your trip, discuss with your doctor how to adjust to the time difference. Also, ask what to do if you forget to take a dosage. Certain medications allow for greater flexibility in the timing of prescriptions than others.

Select an adaptable pharmacy partner

With a flexible pharmacy partner like Riterx, obtaining last-minute prescription refills before a trip is stress-free. With the option of selecting the most convenient delivery window for your schedule, we provide same-day delivery, 7 days a week. And to make sure your prescriptions are as inexpensive as possible, we will work with your doctor, your insurer (if applicable), and any third-party savings programs you might be eligible for.

The Bottom Line

A trip overseas is not the time to test your ability to function without your high blood pressure medication or asthma inhaler. Spend some time making sure it does not occur before departing for a foreign country. The best course of action is to be aware and proactive about your prescription refills.