Medication Management and Travel: Stay prepared and enjoy your trip

The sun has got his hat on, hip, hip, hip hoorah!!

If you haven’t already started thinking of getting away on holiday the recent sunshine might have started you dreaming about getting away, whether that is sunbathing on a beach, exploring a beautiful city, or hiking through awesome countryside.

When you have atrial fibrillation there is more for you to consider than packing your holiday clothes and sun tan lotion if you plan to travel abroad.

When I asked my cardiologist if it was safe for me to travel abroad accompanying his ‘Yes’ was the warning that I probably wouldn’t get any travel insurance.

I already had an annual insurance policy and I rang them to declare my new condition and they promptly said ‘No’ sorry we won’t cover you.?If you are looking for insurance, try one of these companies.

• https://www.allcleartravel.co.uk/
• https://www.avantitravelinsurance.co.uk/
• https://www.staysure.co.uk/
• https://www.saga.co.uk/insurance/travel-insurance

When it comes to your medication then you don’t want to be like the gentleman from America, I met in a launderette in Madrid.?He shared his struggles with obtaining a new supply of tablets, assuming he could simply purchase them over the counter at a pharmacy. They told him he would have to arrange to see a doctor and get a prescription before they would supply him with the medication he needed.?

While flying with prescription medicines is generally allowed, it's advisable to check with the consulate of the country you're traveling to in case there are any restrictions. Some countries require approval for codeine, anti-depressants and ADHD drugs. Additionally, if you don't have enough medication, be aware that the brand names may differ in the country you're visiting, so it's important to know the generic names of the drugs you need in case you need to replace them. In most cases, you should be able to take a 30-day supply into most countries. If you're going to be abroad for an extended period, keep in mind that the NHS will only prescribe a three-month supply of medications.

Another consideration is the timing of your medication when traveling to a different time zone. The easiest approach is to take it at the same time as you would in your home country. This way, you'll maintain your normal routine, such as taking it at breakfast or bedtime, and reduce the likelihood of forgetting. However, this may result in a slightly longer or shorter time gap between the first set of tablets you take in the new time zone, so be cautious not to double dose.

The only exception to this is if your tablets must be taken at a certain time such as contraception.?The best thing to do is set a reminder on your phone for the time it should be taken.?It might also be useful to have a clock set to your home time.?

Also, consider using a pillbox to organise your medicines.?This will help you easily see if you have forgotten to take any medication.

Here is my checklist for traveling with medication.

1-2 months before

·???????Order any medications you will need for your trip

·???????Make sure your travel insurance is up to date and covers you for all your medical conditions.?If you have an annual policy, you must let your insurer know of any new conditions you get after the start of your policy otherwise you won’t be covered.

·???????If you are traveling to Europe apply for a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which allows you to get state healthcare in Europe for a reduced cost or free (https://www.gov.uk/global-health-insurance-card)

·???????If it is an extended trip let your doctor know you will be away and talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about taking your medication abroad

·???????Obtain a letter or signed prescription from your doctor which has your name on it detailing all your medication and your medical conditions.?I have never been asked to produce it on entry to a country but they may ask and it is useful if you need to get replacement medication.

·???????If you need to carry more than 100ml of liquid medicine in your hand luggage you need to check with your airline in case you need a letter from your doctor stating why it is needed.

·???????Email the consulate of the country to double-check their procedures.?You can find a full list of the consulates here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foreign-embassies-in-the-uk

·???????Some medication needs to be kept cool.?Get advice from your pharmacy about storing your medication in the right conditions for travel and once you get to your destination

Packing

·???????Medication should be carried in the original box so it is clear what it is.?Take enough to cover your stay and a bit more in case of unexpected delays, damage, or loss

·???????Pack your medication in your hand luggage.?If possible, split between bags so that you still have a supply if one goes missing.?

·???????Make sure you have packed your prescription, any letters from your doctor, and your insurance documents.?It is a sensible idea to keep them with your passport

·???????Make sure you store your medication correctly

·???????Pack your pill box if you intend to use it whilst you are away

At holiday destination

·???????Organise your tablets into the pill box if you are using one

·???????Set any alarms you need to remember to take your medication

·???????Store your medication as required

·???????Relax and have a great time

I know it looks like a lot of things to do but you don’t want to be caught short without your medication on holiday. I’ve got caught out myself and have forgotten to take my tablets on holiday. ?Luckily, I was on a cruise and the doctor on board was happy to prescribe me my medication but it cost me ￡500.?A very expensive mistake I wouldn’t want you to repeat.

Further information https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/medicines/can-i-take-my-medicine-abroad/