8 Things to Consider When Traveling with Psoriasis Medication

Part of preparing for a trip with a chronic condition is planning and organizing your treatment. Here are some tips for getting ready for your next getaway.

If you have psoriasis (PsO), you might know that many treatments are available, including specialty medications that come in various forms and have unique storage needs. This means that traveling with PsO medications can be tricky sometimes.

Here are some general rules for traveling with prescription and specialized medications.

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1. Bring them in your carry-on

Always travel with your medications in your carry-on luggage. Never check your medications.

Not only does this help avoid loss and damage, but it can also help you manage the temperature. The checked baggage area isn’t usually temperature-controlled, which can make it an unsafe environment for temperature-sensitive medications.

2. Protect them from the sun

Avoid exposing your medications to direct sunlight or any direct light for long periods.

3. Be mindful of packaging

Keep the medication in its original packaging when possible.

Also, consider investing in a hard case created for traveling with medication pens and needles to avoid any damage to the medication packaging, misfirings of the medication, or even accidental injection by someone handling your luggage.

This MEDMAX Hard Shell Medication Case may be a good option.

4. Bring ice and a cooler

If you’re flying and your medications require refrigeration, invest in a cooler and ice packs that can stay cold for your entire flight, plus a few extra hours. Some coolers even serve as hard cases too!

For example, this SHBC Medical Cooler Travel Case is relatively affordable and can keep your medication cool and protected. If you’re looking to invest in more precise temperature control, the battery-operated Luzrise Insulin Travel Cooler may help, and it comes with a car charger.

If you’re going the cooler route, you can usually request ice once on a flight, but it’s a good idea to bring extra zip-top bags to put the ice in so you’re not dealing with melting ice and wet luggage.

Some flights even allow you to put your medication in the refrigerator while in the air — just remember to get it before you disembark!

5. Gather your paperwork

Getting documentation stating the medical necessity of traveling with your specific medications is always a good idea.

Additionally, bring a copy of your up-to-date prescription for the medications. Although this is likely unnecessary, having these details alongside your medication may help.

It’s also vital to dispose of needles properly and safely. Depending on how you’re traveling, this may mean traveling with a sharps container or finding them in public places along your journey.

6. Don’t underestimate how much you need

Bring enough medications to last your entire trip, plus a little extra. Travel plans are subject to last-minute changes. Even with your best intentions, there’s always a risk of damage or loss.

If you plan on being away for more than 30 days and need additional prescriptions, talk with your healthcare professional and pharmacist. They can accommodate your needs with appropriate documentation by filling your medications through your travel dates.

A general guideline is to only bring up to 90 days’ worth of medications. If you’re staying longer than that, you can receive more medication through the mail or a courier.

7. Do your research

When in doubt, contact your medication’s manufacturer or healthcare professional for specific instructions on traveling with your medications.

Also, check the travel restrictions of your destination state or country. Each state in the United States has different laws regarding medication labeling, and many countries have restrictions on specific medications and certain classes of medications.

8. Look into international guidelines

You can view the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) travel guidelines when you’re traveling abroad. If you’re flying, check out the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) website for rules and regulations.

The CDC advises avoiding medication purchases in other countries due to the possibility of buying counterfeit products. People sell counterfeit medication and health products worldwide, but you can also find them in low and middle-income countries, where it may be hard to enforce drug quality standards. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t recommend bringing medications back to the United States from another country, either. When you come into the United States with medications, you fall under the authority of the FDA, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the TSA agents operating the nation’s airports.

Varying restrictions exist, and different agencies may have other requirements or jurisdiction over a product or medication. Check with each agency before you bring medications back into the United States.

For more specific guidelines, here are some travel tips for the most common medications prescribed to treat PsO.

The bottom line

Traveling with medication can feel stressful, but planning and researching the proper handling and regulations is a great way to avoid an emergency.

These tips are a great place to start if you’re unsure how to navigate your treatment on your next trip.