MILLIONS of Americans taking weight loss medication this Thanksgiving have been issued a travel warning by medical experts.
Over 33 million Americans are estimated to currently hold such prescriptions but many are unaware of the impact this has on their travel.
A medical expert from NiceRx, a telehealth service dedicated to weight loss and metabolic health has warned travelers of the six crucial things they must remember this Thanksgiving holiday.
“When it comes to travelling with weight loss medication, there are additional factors to be considered,” Rob Stransky, the President of NiceRx, said.
He said that around 12% of the US adult population is currently on weight loss medication – translating to around 33.6 million people.
Whether the increasingly popular medication is being used for health or aesthetic reasons, anyone traveling with their jabs must take action before they fly.
They will also have to take additional precautions at the airport.
“When travelling with any type of medication, it’s essential to keep this in your hand luggage, making it easily accessible during the flight and available to you in the event of hold luggage issues at your destination,” Stransky said.
In addition to this, when packing for your vacation, attention must be paid to the storage instructions of the medication.
“For example, before first use, Wegovy should be refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F. After first use, it can be stored at room temperature (46°F to 86°F) for up to 28 days,” he explained.
“Therefore, you must store these at the appropriate temperature in your luggage to prevent damage to the medication’s effectiveness.
“An insulated travel case can be helpful here; just ensure you avoid the medication directly touching an ice pack.”
He added that before you pack your bag it is important to visit your doctor for a note which will help avoid TSA delays.
“It allows TSA to be aware of your prescription in case of questioning. This is particularly important for countries that have medication regulations.”
In addition to this, travelers must not wait until a security inspection to declare their medication – this should be done beforehand to avoid security issues.
“Due to these injections being liquid, they are more likely to be flagged at security than tablets are,” Stransky said.
Six considerations if traveling with weight loss jabs this Thanksgiving:
- Keep it in your hand luggage
- Have a note from your doctor
- Store medication at correct temperature at all times
- Declare your prescription to TSA
- Declare your medication on your travel insurance
- Set an alarm to make sure you take your medication at the right time during your vacation – especially with time zone changes and long-haul flights.
“Also, as they are classed as ‘sharps’, the nature of them must be declared, or they could be deemed a danger to other people on the flight.
“If TSA doesn’t approve the medication, it will be confiscated.”
As well as informing border security of your medication, you must also update your travel insurance documentation.
Failing to do so risks invalidating travel insurance which can be costly.
“Declaring your medication on your travel insurance can help cover any damages, loss, or issues related to your prescription,” the NiceRx president said.
Check with your insurance company before you travel to see if this medication rule impacts your policy.
The last piece of advice issued by the medical expert is to ensure you have an alarm set to make sure you take your medication at the same time regardless of long-haul flights or time zone changes.
“This can help avoid any side effects of missed doses,” he said.
Meanwhile, air travel disruptions as a result of the longest-ever US government shutdown are set to continue and will impact the holiday period, aviation experts have said.
