Traveling through the Airport with a Autoinjector. (e.g. Enbrel)

This tip is for those non-social media users, this was my experience.

​

Tip #1. If your trip is less than a week, and you can manage, take your medicine before or after your trip.

​

Tip #2. If you must travel with your shot (auto-injector) be prepared to be patient. Try and pick a slow TSA line. It is advised to hand your shot (auto-injector) to a agent in the small round gray circle bin. Your medication must stay with you and only you the whole time. TSA agents will x-ray the medicine and hand it back to you. Carry the top of your prescription box with the prescription info on it with you when you go through TSA. FYI: this is not a fun experience, so be prepared to let your bags or people go before you, there isn't always a TSA agent right there to take your medicine in the bin. 

​

Tip #3. If you are concerned about the temperature of your medicine, well, there just isn't a way to tell the temperature of it the whole way throughout your trip. If in doubt, call the Enbrel Help Line. Ultimately, it is your choice (and risk) to take your medication. I have taken my medication with me and have chosen not to take it due to various reasons such as uncertainty of temperature or possible injector damage while traveling.

(Note to Pharmaceutical makers: a temperature gauge would be helpful and provide a little piece of mind, after all, the medicine is very expensive and to just discard it due to uncertainty of safety is infuriating and egregious.)

​

Tip #4: Talk to your physician prior to your trip regarding any concerns you may have about traveling with your medication(s). Note: It is possible that your physician has never had to experience traveling overseas with an auto-injector and won't be able to give you comforting peace of mind advice.

​

Tip #5: Always wear comfortable shoes with good padding. 

​

Tip #6: Keep hydrated even if you are cold. You may not realize you are dehydrated when the weather gets cold. 

​

Tip #7: Pack a few turmeric and fish oil supplements so you can tame the inflammation in your body while traveling. 

​

Tip #8: Listen to relaxing music before you sleep.

​

Tip #9: Pack ear plugs and an eye mask to help you fall asleep faster.

​

If you would like to Donate your story or a travel tip to my blog send it to my email @: simplyrheumatoid@gmail.com