traveling with sharps

[JENNIEO]

I can call the copaxone folks in another hour but thought I'd float this question to the group too.... I'm leaving for a week in FL (first time travelling since starting copaxone) and wondering what is the protocol for travelling with sharps - do I take my whole sharps container with me?  in my checked back or carryon? any other tips for a new traveler?

[sllowe]

Just as an aside - You can always bring used syringes to the local hospital too.  Many of them have disposable sharps programs (not always well publicized) and you can bring them your coffee can, container, or whatever you use, and give it to them, and then they will give you a brandy new disposable container to fill er' up with!

ttys,
have fun!
Shell

[essdipity]

You've been given some excellent advice. I'd only add that an empty small water bottle (with cap) makes a great container for used sharps and takes up little room. You can put this into your checked baggage on the way home and then just dispose of it as you normally would after you get back. Have a great trip!

ess

[JENNIEO]

thanks - a friend of mine that is a nurse suggested using the fire department - I think I'll go that route.  I am waiting to board the plane now - made it through security fine with the plastic boxes and prescription cut-out.

TTFN!

Jennie

[amas]

Hi I'd like to add that in California a new law that was effective this month makes it illegal to dispose of them into the trash or recycling containers.  So this might be true to others states as well.  I go to my local fire department.  They give me empty sharp containers and take my full containers.

[JENNIEO]

What a wealth of knowledge - thanks so much for reducing my stress level!  I've got the travel boxes, am cutting out my prescription label right now, and away I will go!  I will check with the hotel about the sharps, but if they don't have a way to dispose of them, then I'll truck them hope in my checked bag, in the sharps collector.  

Be well, and thanks again for all of the info and support!

-Jennie

[Heather3418]

Oh...and always carry your Copaxone on board with you, not in your luggage.

[Heather3418]

Let me add that Copaxone does NOT have to be refrigerated for 30 days.  It should be kept from extreme temperature variances, but refrigeration is NOT needed.

I also do not believe that disposing of the used syringes should be a problem.  Since with Copaxone, we re-cap the needles, I just place them in a milk container and throw them away along with the other trash.  I do not go to any special lengths to dispose of the syringes.  That's what I did when I was an insulin diabetic and that's what I do with the Copaxone.

Carrying a doctor's prescription for the Copaxone is always best, when you are traveling anywhere you have to show your medication.  AND include the box label from your Copaxone box.  This is what I was told at the Passport Office.

Heather  

[amas]

Hi just too add to all the other comments.

I recently took a cruise (5 days after starting Copaxone).  I pick up my medication at the pharmacy and they put a seperate label on a ziploc type bag for me to travel with.  Which I then in turn put in a lunch bag with ice packs so I could carry it on with me.  Copaxone will send you a travel container but I did not have time before my trip to receive it. The cruise line also had requested a form to be filled out by my doctor but they never asked for it but when I boarded the guy assigned to our room (forget what they call them) was well aware of my needs.

In our room they cleared out the mini fridge of drinks so that I could use it to keep my medication for the duration of my trip and they also provided me with a Sharps container which they disposed of at the end of the cruise.  I don't know where your staying but if its in a hotel I would think they would have similar service.

I also recently went camping for about 5 days and forgot to plan on how to dispose of the needles.  So after I emptied a water bottle I just stored them in there and added them to my sharps container when I got home.

Anamaria

[sllowe]

Laura and All,

Specifically, here is what it says:

More Information on Medication

All medications in any form or type (for instance, pills, injectables,
or homeopathic) and associated supplies (syringes, Sharps
disposal container, pre-loaded syringes, jet injectors, pens, infusers,
etc.) are allowed through the security checkpoint once they have
been screened. Liquid, gel and/or aerosol medications are permitted
in reasonable amounts and should be declared to a security
officer at the checkpoint. We recommend that they are labeled to
assist with the screening process.

[sllowe]

Hi there!

It's not a problem to travel with your needles.  Diabetics do it all the time.  Did SS give you a travel pouch?  Your meds to you w/a script label on them right? I know mine did w/the Rebif.

You can tell them about it, and then just show the script, and the travel pouch etc.  They will screen them, and wont be a problem.  

Here is a great doc I use from tsa website as it has "everything" down to the size of shampoo bottle you can bring, how it has to be presented (in plastic bage) etc.

http://www.tsa.gov/assets/pdf/prohibited_and_permitted_items_10-24-07.pdf

Wishing you an awesome trip!
-Shell

[JENNIEO]

I did speak to the Shared Solutions (SS) person - she seemed almost as puzzled as I am about the best way to handle this.  My overactive imagination (aka scatterbrain) has me thinking that I will be stopped at security check and a big scene will ensue (and I shudder at the thought).  However, SS said that it is sufficient to cut out the prescription label from the box o'syringes, have that in my nifty plastic syringe box (there's a little window to put it in) and disclose that I have that when I go thru security.  She then backtracked a little and said I should check with the airline    ...... sooooooo I called Southwest and the nice person there told me pretty much the same thing - just said to be sure I had the prescription, disclose it up front and it shouldn't be a problem.  The thing is, the video that 'covers' travel with copaxone talks about having a letter from your doc as well as the prescription label - but I guess you don't need both - scrip alone is supposed to be ok.  Southwest also told me that I can bring my sharps container - but what I have decided to do is buy a new smaller one, bring that with me, and find a place to accept disposal of it down in FL before I fly home.  The thought of used sharps getting lose in baggage or lost somewhere makes me nervous (see the trend?)  Wish me luck!!!  (I'm still uptight about it).

Peace (for you and for me)-
Jennie, rrms dx'd 8/08-copaxone

[Lulu54]

Jennie,
I hope you will share their answer with all of us - I don't know either but am not on anything (yet!).  

In all my reading the one thing I do know for sure is NEVER pack your drugs or supplies in your checked luggage.  There is always the possibility that it will not arrive at your destination and you will have to go without your meds.  Also, the cargo holds on airplanes flucturate greatly in temperature, from scorching hot on the runway to below zero at upper altitudes.  Those extreme changes are not good for any meds, let along ones that can be heat sensitive or should neer be frozen.

Please let us know what they tell you.
Be well,
Laura