Aa
international travel with meds
I have ticked booked for in 2 weeks. Leaving from Canada, stopping in the U.S. overnight, then on to Mexico the next day. My nurse said I had to carry on my meds and not check them in. She will give me a letter for customs. Has anyone had experience/problems taking pills and loaded syringes as carry on, on international flights? After achieving a SVR I really don't want to trust anyone but me with the drugs or let them out of my sight. The interferon has to stay cold. Is there anything specific the letter should say, or something I should know, or do? Thanks! Pedro007
Great news Pedro ! ... if you are UND @ week 12 with those test parameters .. you are looking real good ... in my opinion ...
You could double check Wk.4 and Wk. 8 VL results if they will give them to you ....... if you was clear at wk. 4 - 12 ... that would be very encouraging news !
Check the following link , if you want more info overload : lot's of folks get UND but the relapse rate is ... pretty high for Genotype 1a with SOC Tx ... this link is geared for using wk 8 & 12 results as a predictor of relapse in SOC Tx.
http://www.hepcassoc.org/News/article192.html
Ya, the 4x10^5 is the logarithmic way of writing .. VL 400,000 ... yours was a great VL to start Tx .. (if there is such a thing)
Most VL reports come back in log form ... and it's all about VL log response to this poison .... then you got to figure out what it means ..... take the first digit , add up the digits behind it and that gives you the x10^ number ....
1,000,000 = 1x10^6 = 6 log
100,000 = 1x10^5 = 5 log
after that , open your computers calculator application , open the View selection at the top - there is a scientific calculator option, open it, put in the number you want and select the LOG option on the calculator keyboard ..... more info overload ........ hopefully you don't need to know this ......
These are my VL's over 8 weeks Tx
Baseline VL 4,930,000 = 4.93 x 10^6
Wk. 4 VL - 349,000 = 3.49 x 10^5
Wk. 8 VL - 5480 = 5.48 x 10^3
So a 2.96 log reduction in 8 weeks ... could be better , could be worse ...
ya these drugs can be brutal ...
here's a bit more .... info overload ... the PEG in front of Interferon ... it stands for Polyethylene Glycol , if that does not ring a bell ... go to the link below, look at : Other uses ... down the page .... it's auto and boat antifreeze .... + has a bunch of other industrial as well as medical uses ... makes me feel all warm a fuzzy inside .....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol
Good thing your hands are healed ! No heisting cervesa's or aguave products while south of the border ! I don't know if the Mayan Indians or your friends are prone to drink ... if they are .. resist temptation ... one major thing about this crap is the negative impact of drinking while Tx .. , many friends find it hard to accept that I don't drink now ... ahhh come on Aaron just 1 ... ya right ha ha ... just 1 huh ... what I tell them is my liver isn't good & booze isn't worth the risk of making it worse , true story , .....so my social circle has gotten much smaller .... just the way it goes .....
Tight lines , Aaron
You could double check Wk.4 and Wk. 8 VL results if they will give them to you ....... if you was clear at wk. 4 - 12 ... that would be very encouraging news !
Check the following link , if you want more info overload : lot's of folks get UND but the relapse rate is ... pretty high for Genotype 1a with SOC Tx ... this link is geared for using wk 8 & 12 results as a predictor of relapse in SOC Tx.
http://www.hepcassoc.org/News/article192.html
Ya, the 4x10^5 is the logarithmic way of writing .. VL 400,000 ... yours was a great VL to start Tx .. (if there is such a thing)
Most VL reports come back in log form ... and it's all about VL log response to this poison .... then you got to figure out what it means ..... take the first digit , add up the digits behind it and that gives you the x10^ number ....
1,000,000 = 1x10^6 = 6 log
100,000 = 1x10^5 = 5 log
after that , open your computers calculator application , open the View selection at the top - there is a scientific calculator option, open it, put in the number you want and select the LOG option on the calculator keyboard ..... more info overload ........ hopefully you don't need to know this ......
These are my VL's over 8 weeks Tx
Baseline VL 4,930,000 = 4.93 x 10^6
Wk. 4 VL - 349,000 = 3.49 x 10^5
Wk. 8 VL - 5480 = 5.48 x 10^3
So a 2.96 log reduction in 8 weeks ... could be better , could be worse ...
ya these drugs can be brutal ...
here's a bit more .... info overload ... the PEG in front of Interferon ... it stands for Polyethylene Glycol , if that does not ring a bell ... go to the link below, look at : Other uses ... down the page .... it's auto and boat antifreeze .... + has a bunch of other industrial as well as medical uses ... makes me feel all warm a fuzzy inside .....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyethylene_glycol
Good thing your hands are healed ! No heisting cervesa's or aguave products while south of the border ! I don't know if the Mayan Indians or your friends are prone to drink ... if they are .. resist temptation ... one major thing about this crap is the negative impact of drinking while Tx .. , many friends find it hard to accept that I don't drink now ... ahhh come on Aaron just 1 ... ya right ha ha ... just 1 huh ... what I tell them is my liver isn't good & booze isn't worth the risk of making it worse , true story , .....so my social circle has gotten much smaller .... just the way it goes .....
Tight lines , Aaron
After reading a bit about Viral Load, I did not know anything about viral load till well into treatment, I asked my nurse, "What was my viral load before I started TX."? She said it was low at 409,000.The last test she said it was UND. Then I read that there were many different types of tests, so I asked her "How low a number will the VL test done on me , detect. She said" Hey, they are using the Roche HCV COBAS TaqMan HPS Test v2.0. The Limit of Detection is <10 IU.mL, and the Level of Quantification is 25 IU/mL" What should I double check? Don't know what apx. 4 x10 5 at baseline is. I assume it's another way of describing a viral load. My hands have all healed up. No problem . It never did stop me from doing anything. They were a bit soar but so what. It's the DRUGS that are kicking the $hit out of me. Pedro
Hector's very detailed post are exact and excellent definitions used in Tx of hcv & GSDgirl's link is a very complete list of abbreviations used about hcv ..
unless the PCR RNA report says ... HCV Undetected .....
RVR - HCV Undetected @ 4 weeks
cEVR - HCV Undetected @ 12 weeks
EVR - a 2 log or greater drop from baseline
What exactly is your HCV RNA level now , HCV Undetected <10 IU/ml ?
You said you were 409,000 IU/ml or apx. 4 x 10^5 at baseline ...
Take your time typing and double check what you wrote
I figure your hands , in the shape they are ... probably making working with them difficult ...
unless the PCR RNA report says ... HCV Undetected .....
RVR - HCV Undetected @ 4 weeks
cEVR - HCV Undetected @ 12 weeks
EVR - a 2 log or greater drop from baseline
What exactly is your HCV RNA level now , HCV Undetected <10 IU/ml ?
You said you were 409,000 IU/ml or apx. 4 x 10^5 at baseline ...
Take your time typing and double check what you wrote
I figure your hands , in the shape they are ... probably making working with them difficult ...
here is a link. You might have to cut & paste
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64
http://www.medhelp.org/health_pages/Hepatitis/Common-Hepatitis-C-Acronyms/show/3?cid=64
Terms for you Pedro...
Viral Kinetics during and after treatment:
"Undetectable" is when the RNA test can't find any virus in your blood. You must remain undetectable for many months in order to achieve SVR.
Rapid Virological Response (RVR):
Negative HCV RNA (viral load) after 4 weeks of therapy. Clinical
trials have found that RVR is highly predictive of achieving an
SVR. However, it is less useful when predicting who will not
achieve an SVR.
Non-responder: Some have no decrease in HCV viral load during therapy, or experience only a modest decrease of 1-2 logs.
Partial Responder: HCV RNA decrease of at least 2 logs, but their viral load remains detectable during therapy
Early Virological Response (EVR):
An HCV RNA (viral load) reduction of 99% (2 logs), or HCV RNA negative after 12 weeks of treatment. If someone does not achieve this measurement, there is little chance that they will go on to achieve an SVR. This is a well established measurement that is used to decide whether to continue or stop treatment.
cEVR (complete EVR) is defined as undetectable HCV RNA (viral load) after 12 weeks of treatment, which will lead to a better chance of achieving a SVR.
Breakthrough: If HCV RNA rebounds and becomes detectable in such a patient before treatment is completed, this is referred to as virological "breakthrough".
End of Treatment Response (EOT):
A negative HCV RNA (viral load) once treatment has been completed. This measurement is highly predictive of achieving an SVR. Sustained Virological Response
(SVR): Sustained Virologic Response
This means the virus has been undetectable achieving an undetectable viral load at the start of treatment and the virus continues to remain undetectable after stopping treatment.
SVR12: Continued lack of detectable serum HCV RNA 12 weeks after the completion of treatment. This response term is being evaluated to see if measuring HCV RNA 12 weeks after treatment has been completed is comparable to measuring HCV RNA after 24 weeks (SVR24) with regard to achieving an SVR.
SVR24: Continued lack of detectable serum HCV RNA 24 weeks after the completion of treatment. In on-going clinical trials when a person achieves an SVR24 there is more than
a 99% chance that the virus has been eliminated from the body.
Relapsers, experience reappearance of serum HCV RNA after achieving an undetectable level at the conclusion of a course of therapy (an end-of treatment response).
Cheers!
Hectorsf
Viral Kinetics during and after treatment:
"Undetectable" is when the RNA test can't find any virus in your blood. You must remain undetectable for many months in order to achieve SVR.
Rapid Virological Response (RVR):
Negative HCV RNA (viral load) after 4 weeks of therapy. Clinical
trials have found that RVR is highly predictive of achieving an
SVR. However, it is less useful when predicting who will not
achieve an SVR.
Non-responder: Some have no decrease in HCV viral load during therapy, or experience only a modest decrease of 1-2 logs.
Partial Responder: HCV RNA decrease of at least 2 logs, but their viral load remains detectable during therapy
Early Virological Response (EVR):
An HCV RNA (viral load) reduction of 99% (2 logs), or HCV RNA negative after 12 weeks of treatment. If someone does not achieve this measurement, there is little chance that they will go on to achieve an SVR. This is a well established measurement that is used to decide whether to continue or stop treatment.
cEVR (complete EVR) is defined as undetectable HCV RNA (viral load) after 12 weeks of treatment, which will lead to a better chance of achieving a SVR.
Breakthrough: If HCV RNA rebounds and becomes detectable in such a patient before treatment is completed, this is referred to as virological "breakthrough".
End of Treatment Response (EOT):
A negative HCV RNA (viral load) once treatment has been completed. This measurement is highly predictive of achieving an SVR. Sustained Virological Response
(SVR): Sustained Virologic Response
This means the virus has been undetectable achieving an undetectable viral load at the start of treatment and the virus continues to remain undetectable after stopping treatment.
SVR12: Continued lack of detectable serum HCV RNA 12 weeks after the completion of treatment. This response term is being evaluated to see if measuring HCV RNA 12 weeks after treatment has been completed is comparable to measuring HCV RNA after 24 weeks (SVR24) with regard to achieving an SVR.
SVR24: Continued lack of detectable serum HCV RNA 24 weeks after the completion of treatment. In on-going clinical trials when a person achieves an SVR24 there is more than
a 99% chance that the virus has been eliminated from the body.
Relapsers, experience reappearance of serum HCV RNA after achieving an undetectable level at the conclusion of a course of therapy (an end-of treatment response).
Cheers!
Hectorsf
I'm sure someone will give you the glossary, but until they do:
SVR: Sustained Virological Release
UND: Undetectible
TX: Treatment
Kathy
SVR: Sustained Virological Release
UND: Undetectible
TX: Treatment
Kathy
I'm new here. Is there a glossary, for the meaning, of all the abbreviations, used here? Don't know what an eVER is. I guess a SVR is different than undetectable.My virus is responding to treatment, so when is it considered sustained? My last VL test was <10, down from 409,000 when I started TX. I assume TX is treatment. Is that an RVR? Rapid virologic response? I may be slow, but I'm sure. Thanks for the info folks! Pedro007
There are tons of diabetics out there that travel and need to inject themselves so the
TSA knows about syringes.
I would not put the INF through x-ray machine
TSA knows about syringes.
I would not put the INF through x-ray machine
Same as Andiamo1 , I took INF with cool packs supplied by a dear forum member friend
and travelled to Europe.
What is important when you get to the airport and approach security let them know
you need to be hand searched and show them the letter from your doc.
They will pull you over to the side and do their thing.
No problem.
and travelled to Europe.
What is important when you get to the airport and approach security let them know
you need to be hand searched and show them the letter from your doc.
They will pull you over to the side and do their thing.
No problem.
I have traveled with Interferon and syringes in an insulated bag packed with plastic cold packs. I had a letter from my doctor and a copy of the prescription. I did carry it on board with me and didn't have a problem. This was in 2008 and I don't know if anything has changes since then.
I have had experience bringing lactulose (1 pint) through various U.S. airports. Remember the TSA security guards screen thousands of insulin-dependent diabetic patients every day. But having cold injectables could be a little different. Here is what I found on the TSA website and a few other places.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#4
Currently U.S. airports threat level is High, or Orange. So there is heightened security. Hopefully that will change before you travel.
If you have additional concerns or questions you can also contact TSA's Contact Center or call the airline.
E-mail - tsa-***@****
Phone - 1-866-289-9673
Enjoy your trip!!!
Hectorsf
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.
* You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
* If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.
* Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.
* In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
* Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TSA's checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.
Additionally, we are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes:
* All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
* Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
* Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 requirements.
However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) each, they may NOT be placed in the quart-size bag and MUST BE DECLARED to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member.
Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI: Travel Notice - Elevated Security
http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/Copy_of_press_release_0046.shtm
Current as of Wed., Jan. 26, 2011 6:00 p.m. Central. Information is updated as it is received.
For all flights departing from the United States
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined that there is a high risk of terrorism against U.S. civil aviation, and there is a need for extra restrictions to assure the security of air travel.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1374.shtm#4
Currently U.S. airports threat level is High, or Orange. So there is heightened security. Hopefully that will change before you travel.
If you have additional concerns or questions you can also contact TSA's Contact Center or call the airline.
E-mail - tsa-***@****
Phone - 1-866-289-9673
Enjoy your trip!!!
Hectorsf
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Medication and related supplies are normally X-rayed. However, as a customer service, TSA now allows you the option of requesting a visual inspection of your medication and associated supplies.
* You must request a visual inspection before the screening process begins; otherwise your medications and supplies will undergo X-ray inspection.
* If you would like to take advantage of this option, please have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property in a separate pouch/bag when you approach the Security Officer at the walk-through metal detector.
* Request the visual inspection and hand your medication pouch/bag to the Security Officer.
* In order to prevent contamination or damage to medication and associated supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during the visual inspection process.
* Any medication and/or associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for X-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TSA's checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening.
Additionally, we are continuing to permit prescription liquid medications and other liquids needed by persons with disabilities and medical conditions. This includes:
* All prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including petroleum jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes;
* Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
* Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
* Frozen items are allowed as long as they are frozen solid when presented for screening. If frozen items are partially melted, slushy, or have any liquid at the bottom of the container, they must meet 3-1-1 requirements.
However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3.4 ounces (100ml) each, they may NOT be placed in the quart-size bag and MUST BE DECLARED to the Transportation Security Officer. A declaration can be made verbally, in writing, or by a person's companion, caregiver, interpreter, or family member.
Declared liquid medications and other liquids for disabilities and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FYI: Travel Notice - Elevated Security
http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/Copy_of_press_release_0046.shtm
Current as of Wed., Jan. 26, 2011 6:00 p.m. Central. Information is updated as it is received.
For all flights departing from the United States
The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has determined that there is a high risk of terrorism against U.S. civil aviation, and there is a need for extra restrictions to assure the security of air travel.
I think you meant to say you achieved cEVR ... clear at 12 weeks ....
If you had SVR'd ... you wouldn't have to carry meds : )
Your nurse or doctor should have the form letter for International carrying of the meds ...
Your right Pedro , definitely carry them with you ... who knows where your check in could end up , or be delayed or lost .....
Have a good trip !
If you had SVR'd ... you wouldn't have to carry meds : )
Your nurse or doctor should have the form letter for International carrying of the meds ...
Your right Pedro , definitely carry them with you ... who knows where your check in could end up , or be delayed or lost .....
Have a good trip !
Hey there.. I am in Canada and travelled to the U.S at Xmas..I didn"t take my INF with me as I only went for a week and did my shot before I went..so I am not so sure bout that. I did take my RIBA with a letter from my doc. on what they were for and I had no problem.
Hope that helps some
WILL
Hope that helps some
WILL
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