Travel
Smart with Medication -
Tips
to Know Before You Go
 Traveling,
whether for business or pleasure, alters our daily routine. We may be required
to follow an itinerary that disrupts our schedule, including our health-care maintenance.
When taking prescription or over-the-counter medicines, the American Pharmaceutical
Association (APhA), the national professional society of pharmacists, urges consumers
to practice safe medication use when traveling, whether for short or extended
periods of time.
When
preparing for a business trip or vacation, consider the following: •
Bring your medication schedule with you, including both prescription and over-the-counter
medications. If
you take different medicines at different points in the day, a schedule may be
necessary to help adjust to time changes and changes in routine.when traveling
outside of your usual environment. Accompany this schedule with a list of Include
the reasons why you take each medication. If you are unexpectedly admitted into
a hospital, or must see a doctor while on traveling, the list can help the doctor
understand your condition. If you are unsure why you are taking a medication,
consult both your doctor and pharmacist for clarification. A
schedule is also helpful when traveling to a different time zone. Decide whether
you will stay on your standard medication schedule or if you will accommodate
the new time zone. If maintaining your standard medication schedule proves impossible
due to time zone changes, consult your pharmacist about how to alter your schedule
to fit your health-care needs. •
Keep your medication in your carry-on bag when traveling by plane. Should your
luggage become lost or stolen, you ensure immediate access to your medications.Follow
this procedure for all flights-short or long-because you cannot prevent flight
delays due to weather conditions or other unexpected events. •
Store your medication in their original labeled containers, and bring more
than you expect to use during your travels. Unexpected delays and extended
stays can upset your medication regimen. Being prepared helps ensure safe and
effective medication use. •
Ask your pharmacist if there are any foods or beverages that conflict with
your medicines. You may be more inclined to eat unfamiliar foods when traveling
to foreign countries or big cities. In addition, avoid drinking alcohol, especially
when flying in high altitudes. Alcohol conflicts with many prescription and over-the-counter
medicines. Your pharmacist is your medication expert. He or she can help you understand
how to manage your drug therapy whether at home or abroad. You
take your illnesses, conditions, and common ailments with you when traveling.
Managing your health starts with you, but your physician and pharmacist complete
the health-care team. Ask questions about your medications -- get answers.
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