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Traveling with Medications Safely, Effectively and Hassle-Free
Although this article pertains to all ages who need to leave town with prescription medications, it is especially relevant to the active 55 plus community. Let’s be honest, as we get older, we often require more medications to treat a variety of illnesses. In many instances, we are also taking care of a spouse, parent or other dependent when we travel, and must ensure they have all the required medications for travel as well. The following are some tips to employ as you embark on your next adventure. Simple planning ahead can save you from a host of problems, while helping you maintain your productively aging lifestyle. Here are some things you can do before your trip, during your trip and after your trip to avoid medication pitfalls while you are away from home.
Before your Trip
First, determine the number of days you will be gone and add at least an extra week to determine what you will need as a rule of thumb. This can account for medication emergencies, travel delays, or other unforeseen circumstances. Medication synchronization is a process that allows you to pick up all your medications at the same time. If possible, ask your pharmacy about medication synchronization well in advance of your trip. If you take the time to talk with your physician or pharmacist, this process can streamline your medication pick-up to all at once. I often encourage patients to use mail order weeks in advance of their trip. This often provides greater quantities with fewer copays. Also, ask your pharmacist if there have been any supply issues or manufacturer shortages with your medications. If so, discuss with your doctor therapeutic alternatives you could try in the interim. Certain medications, such as controlled substances (pain medications or stimulant medications) often have supply restrictions and are not afforded refills. Tell your doctor to communicate to the pharmacy that it is ok to fill these medications early. Remember, we can’t just take your word for it that you are allowed to take the controlled substance early. The doctor should preferably communicate via phone, electronic prescribing, or on the prescription that it is ok to fill these medications early. DO NOT (I repeat DO NOT) order your medications on your travel day or arrange to pick up medications on travel days (unless absolutely necessary)!!!! You don’t want to miss a flight due to poor planning and get stressed by having to deal with medication issues (air travel is already stressful enough nowadays). “Murphy’s Law”, which states “anything that can go wrong, WILL go wrong”, applies to picking up medications at the pharmacy on your travel date. This could range from being out of refills, the prescription expiring (in Colorado, prescriptions expire after a year, even if you have unlimited refills), the medication being on shortage or backordered, the doctor may have not put in the correct dose or many other issues that could arise. Give yourself some comfortable leeway for medication pickup prior to your fun departure. This is especially relevant around major holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas, in which your doctor may be away, and pharmacies and health clinics may be closed!! Before your trip have a written list of all your medications to take with you. If you are tech savvy, try the HERO app (which is through Hero Health, Inc) and input your medications and their directions. This may be convenient if you are being asked about your medications during your travel or in case of emergency. Be sure to have a list of pertinent medical information readily available on your person, or with a spouse (such as drug and food allergies, medical conditions such as epilepsy or any other things a medical professional would need to know in case you become unconscious or ill during your trip). Although it goes without saying, make sure to include supplies and diagnostic materials when you travel (nebulizers, diagnostic kits such as blood glucose meters, needles etc). Look at your itinerary, before your trip, and try to determine if there are situations that could cause you to either forget your medications or could create problems. Remember, your disease or conditions don’t take a vacation, so it is very important that you adhere to your medicines, so you don’t end up with nightmares. Before you go on your trip, investigate how to obtain the same or equivalent medications before departure, in case a replacement is needed due to loss, inadequate supply due to travel interruptions, or the need to resupply maintenance medications if the trip is long-term. Make sure you have your physician/health insurance information in case you have a medical emergency away from home. When traveling outside the country some hotels and resorts have medical staff on hand to assist with medical emergencies. Try to get information on what these medical staff may offer prior to your trip. They may be invaluable in instances of lost or stolen medications. What about travel to foreign countries, what things do you need to consider? Pharmaceutical regulations vary from country to country. Some countries have limited availability of certain drugs or prohibit their importation. In addition, travelers should not plan to have someone mail (including express couriers) medications to them.
Again, make sure that you are taking care of your health, even on vacay.
Beginning and during your Trip
During your travels ALWAYS keep track of those carry-ons that contain your medications. I like to put special ribbons on my carry-on and have my spouse and I double check our bag counts as we go from one point in our trip to the next (ie shuttles, boarding and deplaning). Try to keep these personal belongings within your eyesight. If you can, try to keep your medications in the original containers. Although, TSA doesn’t have a rule against pill boxes (and you can travel with them filled with your meds), the latches can come undone, and scatter medications throughout your carry-on. It is a good strategy to use your pill boxes once you get to your destination, as it can help you keep track of your medications and prevent you from skipping medications. Speaking of carry-on, that is the only place your medications should be stowed away in. NEVER put your medications in your checked bags. At TSA, I have had to carry a nebulizer machine for asthma. I anticipate that they may want to observe the product (it looks like a bomb) so I put it separately in a bin with the carrying case ajar. The same would go for diabetic supplies and instruments. You may bring medically necessary liquids, medications, and creams more than 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters in your carry-on bag. Remove them from your carry-on bag to be screened separately from the rest of your belongings. Try to keep your medications packed efficiently and in a neat manner (don’t have stuff strewn about your carry-on or purse, or meds out of their bottles). When you reach your destination store your meds safely and properly. This is done by keeping them in a dry area without sunlight. In your hotel, try to keep controlled substances (such as pain medications) out of plain sight, as they are targets for theft. Do not talk about your pain medications in public, this could make you a target to unsavory people. Regarding theft or loss of medications use the pharmacy information you gathered before your trip (see Before your trip section) and contact your physician or home pharmacy to get a transfer. If you are out of the country contact the resort medical director or the U.S. embassy in case of medication loss as well as law enforcement if there is suspected theft. In many countries—even those that require a prescription—pharmacists may have the latitude to provide short-term or emergency refills (generally for a more common, benign, chronic medication) without a prescription. While away for pleasure, it is easy to eat, or drink in excess. Do know your limits and set reasonable goals. If you must visit a medical facility or urgent care while on vacation, DO KEEP the billing information as you may be able to get reimbursed by your primary home insurance. Again, your medical conditions do not take a vacation, and you want to stay healthy to take even more vacations. When traveling, I have heard that clients/patients get excited when they see prescription medications being sold over the counter (OTC). It is tempting to purchase these items as they are often cheaper and readily available. Please note that foreign health agencies do not test as rigorously for the veracity of active ingredients (as well as other properties of the medication). There is a high probability of counterfeit medications. The Los Angeles Times, recently reported in 2022 that 55 pills purchased from 29 pharmacies in eight cities in Mexico were tested, and more than 50% of the pills were determined to be counterfeit. More than a third of the 40 opioid pain medications purchased tested positive for illicit fentanyl rather than a prescription opioid medication. Twelve of 15 Adderall samples tested positive for other substances, including methamphetamine and ecstasy. Sometimes entire bottles that appeared to be factory-sealed were tainted. In fact, when abroad, check with the local embassy to ensure a pharmacy is trustworthy and to get tips on obtaining medications that are not counterfeit. In some developing countries you may also see antibiotics sold as OTC items. It is a bad idea to get a random antibiotic to treat what is ailing you. For one, the antibiotic may not be ideal (even if you used it in the past) as there can be resistance, and it may be questionable if the product has the true dose content or could be counterfeit. If you have an infection, it is best to see a doctor abroad who can at least direct you to trusted sources of medications and can use clinical judgement to determine the nature of the infection, and if there are risks that you have not thought of. Remember that antibiotics are often used to treat specific bacteria. If you try to use an antibiotic for a viral infection, it WILL BE ineffective, as antibiotics treat bacterial infections. Lastly, before leaving back home, ensure you pack your meds as you did before your trip. On my last day of travel, when I am packing, I do a run through of my hotel room to make sure I have not forgot any important items (medications etc). DO NOT discard empty prescription bottles with your medical info away in the trash. Your prescriptions with your name, and medications can be used to commit fraud against you. Do a bag checklist as you did previously.
After your trip
Put your medications away as soon as you can. It is easy to get off track when you get back from vacation, but remember, your conditions don’t take a vacation. Be sure to submit billing receipts and to contact your insurance if you incurred medical expenses while on vacation. While it is not a guarantee that you will get reimbursed, it is important that you submit your claims as soon as possible. People often experience sickness after travel due to exposure to large crowds (such as in airports or on cruises). Go see your physician immediately (especially if you have immune disorders or are on chemotherapeutic agents) to insure you are treated promptly. Viral infections generally have a small window of time for treatment (such as COVID-19 and influenza). Do get back to your normal diet as you likely indulged during your trip.
I hope these tips were helpful!!! As always, enjoy life, but stay healthy and happy in 2024.
Sincerely,
Keith Williams (Your personal pharmacist)
Owner of Deeper Dive Horizons
Visit deeperdivehorizons.com for details on how I can help you navigate the health care world!!!
As the summer heat intensifies across the country, dehydration becomes a common and potentially dangerous concern. This condition can have severe implications, particularly for seniors who are more vulnerable due to several physiological factors. Seniors face unique challenges, especially when it comes to the impact of their medication on hydration. Why Are Seniors More Prone to Dehydration?Seniors are at an increased risk for dehydration for several reasons: Reduced Thirst Signal: As people age, their bodies lose their ability to recognize thirst, making it harder to drink fluids. Lower Body Water Volume: Older adults generally have a lower total volume of body water, meaning they have less fluid to lose before dehydration sets in. Kidney Function Decline: Kidneys become less efficient at conserving water with age, further contributing to fluid loss. Chronic Illnesses: Conditions such as diabetes can worsen the risk of dehydration since they affect the body's ability to control water. In addition to these factors, medication plays a significant role in influencing fluid balance in seniors.The Impact of Medication on DehydrationAs a clinical pharmacist, I've seen firsthand how medications can contribute to dehydration, especially in older adults. One of my clients, an active senior, nearly passed out while cycling in the summer. As it turned out, he was on a diuretic medication, commonly referred to as a "water pill." Diuretics are a class of drugs that increase urination, leading to reduced fluid levels in the body. These medications, often prescribed for conditions like hypertension and heart failure, can inadvertently lead to dehydration if fluid intake isn't carefully managed. Some commonly used diuretics include bumetanide, chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide, and furosemide (Lasix). But diuretics aren't the only medications that can cause dehydration. Other drugs like these can also affect your body's water balance. Antihistamines: Often used for allergies, these can cause dry mouth and reduced fluid intake. Blood Pressure Medications: Certain blood pressure medications can increase urine output. Laxatives: They can cause fluid loss through increased bowel movements. Chemotherapies: These treatments often lead to side effects like vomiting and diarrhea, contributing to dehydration.Managing Dehydration RisksIt's important to be aware of dehydration risks, particularly for those taking medications that impact fluid balance. Regardless of whether one feels thirsty, its important to drink water throughout the day. Staying alert to the signs of dehydrationsuch as increased thirst, dry mouth, dark urine, fatigue, and dizzinesscan also help address the issue early. These symptoms are early warning signs that the body may need more fluids. Finally, anyone concerned about dehydration should consult a healthcare provider. They can adjust medication and advise seniors on managing fluid intake to prevent dehydration. At Deeper Dive Horizons, one of my priorities is to guide you and your loved ones through the complexities of medication management to improve your well-being. With over 22 years of experience, my goal is to dive deeply into your health and ensure you maintain a balanced and healthy life, even in challenging conditions like extreme heat. Schedule a consultation today to get started 888-984-8895.
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Transitioning into the senior years can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when faced with the challenges of clutter and disorganization. At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we understand the importance of bringing calm and order to seniors' lives. In this blog post, we'll explore how professional organizers can transform chaos into calm for seniors, providing practical tips and guidance along the way.Understanding the Impact of Chaos on SeniorsFor many seniors, maintaining a clutter-free and organized living space becomes increasingly challenging as they age. Clutter can contribute to stress, anxiety, and even safety hazards, impacting both physical and mental well-being. Understanding the impact of chaos on seniors is crucial in recognizing the need for professional organizing services.The Power of Professional Organizers for SeniorsCompassionate Guidance: Professional organizers specializing in senior care offer compassionate guidance and support throughout the organizing process. They understand the unique needs and challenges seniors face and provide non-judgmental assistance in decluttering and organizing their living spaces.Customized Solutions: Every senior's situation is unique, which is why professional organizers tailor their services to meet individual needs. They assess the client's living environment, preferences, and mobility considerations to develop customized organizing solutions that promote functionality and independence.Decluttering Expertise: Seniors may accumulate belongings over the years, leading to clutter and disorganization. Professional organizers have the expertise to help seniors declutter their homes efficiently and effectively. They assist in sorting through possessions, identifying items to keep, donate, or discard, and implementing practical storage solutions.Safety and Accessibility: Safety is paramount, especially for seniors living independently. Professional organizers prioritize safety by creating clutter-free and accessible living spaces. They address potential hazards, such as tripping risks and blocked pathways, and implement safety measures such as installing grab bars and improving lighting.Emotional Support: Sorting through belongings can evoke strong emotions for seniors, particularly when parting with sentimental items. Professional organizers offer emotional support and encouragement throughout the process, helping seniors make decisions that align with their goals and values while respecting their emotional attachment to certain belongings.Long-Term Solutions: Professional organizing is not just about tidying up; it's about establishing sustainable systems that promote long-term organization and well-being. Organizers teach seniors practical strategies for maintaining order in their homes, empowering them to stay organized and clutter-free in the future.At A Call to Order Professional Organizer, we recognize the transformative power of bringing order to seniors' lives. Our team of experienced organizers is dedicated to helping seniors transition from chaos to calm, providing compassionate guidance, customized solutions, and ongoing support every step of the way. With our expertise in decluttering, organizing, and promoting safety, we create harmonious living environments where seniors can thrive independently. Let us be your partner in reclaiming peace, order, and tranquility in your home.
With over 22 years in the industry, we equip seniors and caregivers with the knowledge and tools to enhance the elder's health and well-being. Our goal is to guide you through the challenges of senior care with safe medication use, healthy living, support for independent living and provision of senior resources. Are you an independent senior, or caring for a senior loved one? We're here to help. Our 6-week program equips you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this challenging journey. We dive deep into medications, offer expert recommendations, and assist you in advocating for your loved one effectively.At Deeper Dive Horizons, we prioritize treating each patient like family, providing the attention and accountability you seek in healthcare. Our services include a one-time deep dive medication management review and a comprehensive 6-week program. The program begins with a thorough medication history and supplement analysis, followed by personalized recommendations. Throughout the sessions, we'll equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to support your loved one, covering nutrition, blood glucose monitoring, physical activity, sleep, and complete assistance. Our goal is to help you make lasting lifestyle changes and ensure your loved ones' well-being, reducing stress and empowering you for a happy and healthy family life in their golden years.