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Managing Prescriptions for Travel

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Passport? Check. Luggage? Check. Boarding pass? Check. Prescriptions…?
Did you know over 53 percent of millennials made travel plans this year?¹

Planning a trip involves handling many details like booking tickets and planning itineraries. In the midst of all these tasks, the important job of managing prescription medications can easily be overlooked.

Check out these medication management tips to ensure you always travel smoothly.

Up In The Air

When packing for your trip, keep necessary medications easily accessible in a carry-on bag. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), restrictions on liquids and gels do not apply to prescriptions as long as basic rules are followed:

  • Ask your pharmacy for travel-size medicine vials.
  • Ensure medications are in original containers with your name clearly marked on the outside.
  • Pack the containers in a quart-sized bag near the top of your carry-on.
  • Bring prescription documentation from your doctor and make sure TSA officers are aware of your circumstances.

Plan Ahead

It is crucial that you do not run out of medication doses while you are on vacation. Check to see if your current prescription will last you through your trip, or if you need a refill before you depart. If you are not eligible for a refill yet, call CVS/caremark Customer Care to see if your plan allows a vacation override.

A calendar that has a pill organizer on it and some loose pills outside the organizer

Stay on Schedule

With so many distractions while traveling, it is easy to forget to take your medicine. Missing a dose can lead to serious complications.

  • Download the CVS mobile pharmacy app, which tracks your remaining pill quantity and allows you to set recurring reminders.
  • Consider any time zone changes to ensure your schedule remains consistent.
  • Always consult your health care provider with any specific medication questions or concerns before travel.

Sources

  1. Newsdesk. “Stats: 53% of Millennials to Take Spring Break Vacation.” Travel Agent Central, 12 Mar. 2018, www.travelagentcentral.com/running-your-business/stats-53-millennials-to-take-spring-break-vacation.

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