Storing medications while traveling
Medications can lose their effectiveness or even become harmful if stored improperly. During a trip, temperature fluctuations, sunlight or poor hygiene can put the quality of your medication at risk. So proper preparation is essential.
General use
- Take enough medication with you for the entire trip, including extra for unforeseen delays.
- Please follow the intake instructions. When traveling across time zones, it is wise to seek our advice in advance.
- Save medication in its original container with label so it is clear what it is, who is taking it and how it should be taken.
- Use a medication passport or pill box to keep track. A medicine passport contains information about your medicines in multiple languages - useful for customs control or emergencies.
Storage tips while traveling
- Don't leave medications in full sun or a hot car. Temperatures can easily exceed 40°C there.
- Use a cooler bag with cooling elements for medications that need to be kept cool (2-8°C), such as insulin or certain injections.
- Use an insulating cover for tablets or capsules when traveling in hot areas.
- Always store medications out of reach of children. Preferably use child-resistant packaging.
- Take medications in your carry-on luggage during air travel. It can freeze in the baggage hold, which is harmful to many medicines.
Examples of temperature-sensitive medications
| Medicine type | Storage advice |
|---|---|
| Insulin | Refrigerator (2-8°C); may temporarily be stored to max. 25-30°C |
| Antibiotic drink (liquid) | After making often in refrigerator |
| Set pills | Not above 25°C; may melt with heat |
| Hormonal contraception | Preferably below 25°C |
| Biological medications (such as TNF-α inhibitors) | Always keep refrigerated (2-8°C) |
Please note: Other medicines may also be sensitive to heat or freezing. Ask us when in doubt.
Additional travel tips
- Travel Documentation: Ask us for a medication summary and an English-language statement for medications that fall under the Opium Act (such as certain sleep aids, strong painkillers, ADHD medication).
- Medicine locker: If you are traveling to an area with high humidity or heat, a water- and airtight box may provide additional protection.
- Check shelf life: Especially with liquid agents and eye drops, the shelf life is limited after opening.
