The summer holiday season is upon us and we’re all dreaming of a sunny getaway! If you’re using our weight loss service, then there’s a little extra planning this year other than checking your passport hasn’t expired or picking up your currency. It’s essential to coordinate your weight loss treatment schedule and understand the do’s and don’ts of travelling abroad with medication. Our expert team have shared their top tips & guidance for a stress-free holiday.
1. Check your dates
Plan ahead by working out if you have enough doses left in your current pen to last through your holiday and until you’re back home. Check your calendar to see how many doses you have left and when your next order date is due. Remember, our weight loss pens are taken once weekly, and each pen contains 4 doses.
You can re-order your weight loss pen from 15 days after the successful clinical approval of your current pen. If you think you may run out, contact our Patient Care team to discuss your options.
2. Get your paperwork in order
The UK Government advises people travelling outside of the UK to carry physical proof that any medication they’re travelling with is prescribed to them. This should be in the form of a letter or a copy of your signed prescription. We can provide this if you contact our Patient Care team in good time before your departure date. Please allow at least 7 days’ notice so we can arrange this. You should then pack a physical copy alongside your medication.
3. Understand the rules
UK Government rules on travelling with medication should be followed at all times and it’s also essential to check the rules of your specific airline and airport. It’s worth noting that your destination country may also have different rules for certain medications. It’s your responsibility to understand and follow the rules. Read the UK Government’s country A-Z foreign travel advice for current rules and guidance.
4. Pack your medication properly
It’s vital to make sure you pack your weight loss medication properly for travelling – especially if you’ll be flying. Again, make sure you always check with your airline for specific information.
- You should always pack your weight loss medication in your hand luggage. Hold luggage can unfortunately go missing and is subject to freezing while in the plane hold. Read more about which medical items are allowed in your hand luggage.
- Keep your medication in its original packaging so that it can be easily identified by airport staff and border control.
- If you’ve not started using your weight loss pen, then it needs to be kept cool whilst you’re travelling. You can use a compact cool bag and line it with the cooling gel packs and Woolcool packaging that we sent your medication in.
- If you’ve already started using your weight loss pen, then it can be transported at room temperature up to 30°C. But be careful to keep it out of bright light and away from direct sources of heat.
- For extra peace of mind, retailers such as BreezyPacks and FRIO offer a range of specially designed temperature-controlled travel pouches*.
5. Store your medication safely while abroad
The same rules apply to storing your medication on holiday as when you’re at home. If you’ve started using your pen then it can be kept outside of a fridge at room temperature up to 30°C for no more than 30 days (out of direct sunlight, heat and from the sight & reach of children). If you’ve not used your pen yet, then it should be refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C before first use. Check in advance that your accommodation has a private fridge, and you can cheaply buy a digital fridge thermometer to make sure the temperature range is suitable.
Travelling with your weight loss pen takes a little extra preparation, but following the official guidance can make it hassle-free so you can get on with enjoying your trip. Visit our weight loss help centre for more top tips and insights.
Helpful UK Government travel links
Hand luggage restrictions at UK airports
General travelling abroad advice
Country A-Z foreign travel advice
National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC)
* Phlo Clinic isn’t affiliated with any 3rd party medical retail brands and is not liable for the efficacy of their products.
