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1394098 tn?1385960134

Going through an airport with interferon injections

Hi everyone,
I am going on a trip to visit my family in another state.  I need to get my interferon down there.  My question is about airport security.  How do I get my meds through security?  I really dont want to pack them in my checked luggage because of the temperatures at this time of the year while leaving Minneapolis.  They might freeze even in a small cooler.  And can they go through the xray machine without damage?  Do I need a doctors note or will the RX label be sufficient?  I know I can check with the airlines but sometimes different ppl at the airlines give different answers.  I just wondered if any of you have traveled with your injections.  Its possible that I could send it overnight by UPS or the postal service but again, Im afraid of freezing. Thanks for your input.
10 Responses
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1148619 tn?1332010984
Oh yes, the sun! Mykids247  brought up a good reminder. I went from pacific northwest to south and first day at pool got a rash from the sun! Be careful.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
careful of the sun going from Mn to Tx the sun will raise Heck with your skin, this I know to be true.............  :( made that mistake on an overcast 70degree day in fla during the winter. Oh ya!
Helpful - 0
2064241 tn?1330998044
you should have gotten a travel kit with the meds just put a cold pack in with the meds and go
Helpful - 0
1148619 tn?1332010984
Good question. I traveled over the holidays and this is what I did.

Got a note from doctor.
Packed injections and pills in small cooler.
Told the security folks I was carrying on injections.
Open up cooler with boxes in it,  with label showing and sent them through x ray.   No problems. All went well. I told my doctor I was traveling and she was not concerned about meds going through x rays. Security folks were not also.
Have fun!
Helpful - 0
1394098 tn?1385960134
Opps Terry not Terru.  Although, I have been called a little terror before.  LOL
Helpful - 0
1394098 tn?1385960134
Thank you for the link.  I will check it out.  I have so much to do before I leave on March 13th.  But leaving MN for TX will be a welcome change.  Im visiting my daughters and my sister.  They will try to "mother" me the whole time, Im there. So I can just relax.  It will be so nice.  Although, even here at home, I have a very supportive husband.  But I cant wait to go and sit outside in some warm weather.  Im surrounded by snow and ice right now.
Terru
Helpful - 0
1394098 tn?1385960134
Thank you for the answer.  Thats what I thought.  My interferon doesnt have my name on the individual syringes but they come in a box with my RX label on the outside.  As costly as this medicine is, I dont ever like to let it leave my control. I may go to the airport a little early in case I have to deal with the TSA.
Helpful - 0
2062453 tn?1350332942
I think the following web site will address al of your questions,

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/index.shtm

Happy travels, Sentinel
Helpful - 0
1765684 tn?1333819168
Oh, and xray machines won't do anything to your meds.
Helpful - 0
1765684 tn?1333819168
Never, ever, EVER pack your meds (no matter what they are) in checked baggage.  I've had baggage take trips to cities I've never seen.  ;)

While I didn't fly with interferon, I have flown many, many times with insulin.  As long as the syringes/vials are labelled you're fine.  My insulin bottles NEVER had a script label on them and I never got a hard time about them.

No problems putting them in a small lunch bag with an ice pack.  I've taken my interferon back and forth to the hospital that way many times.  They don't freeze.  Just put a sandwich in between the ice pack and your meds.

Don't use a courier.  Always travel with your meds on your person.
Helpful - 0
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