With summer in full swing, you’re definitely dreaming about that relaxing vacation you have been waiting to take. If you’re receiving infusion therapy, your treatment shouldn’t hold you back from enjoying some fun in the sun. However, patients are often daunted by the preparation and possible issues of traveling with a medical condition; this doesn’t need to be the case. In fact, with proper planning and considerations, traveling as an infusion patient is not only possible but usually simple. Today, we’re breaking down the best practices for traveling while receiving infusion treatment.
1. Contact Your Specialty Infusion Pharmacy and Physician
One of the first steps you can take when planning a trip is contacting your specialty infusion pharmacy and physician. Communicating with your healthcare team is essential for ensuring a stress-free and safe journey ahead. In addition, by contacting your team, they can provide you with helpful travel information regarding your condition and give you contact information in case of an emergency.
2. Plan Ahead
Plan, plan, and plan some more! It’s always better to be over-prepared than to find yourself without the right equipment and having to turn back. Our team at ContinuumRx can give you a checklist of the supplies to pack, depending on how far you’re going and the length of your stay.
Another aspect to consider ahead of your trip are special instructions for your particular treatment. For example, if your medication requires a temperature-controlled environment, then be sure to bring a cooler or any other equipment that you may need to avoid spoilage.
3. Pack Extra Supplies
As we all are well aware, anything associated with travel is not always guaranteed. Items can get lost or become damaged easily, especially with air travel. So, making sure you pack extra infusion supplies is an important step in being prepared and ultimately at ease. Ideally, you should determine the list of supplies you’ll need and pack extras of anything that won’t be readily available where you plan to go. Packing backup supplies will give you peace of mind in the event that your luggage gets lost or damaged in transit.
4. Establish an Emergency Plan
Having an emergency plan is also extremely important. An emergency plan could be something as simple as acquiring local emergency contact information and remembering to carry your medical cards and records with you at all times.
An added step you can take is communicating with your specialty infusion pharmacy provider and finding out if they have locations in the area you’ll be traveling to. This could be useful for providing extra supplies if needed and having a place to go if complications occur with treatment. For ContinuumRx patients, if you are traveling to the Nashville, TN, Knoxville, TN, Chantilly, VA, Birmingham, AL, or Huntsville, AL areas, be advised that we have offices in all of these locations and are happy to help if any issues arise.
5. Navigating the TSA
If you’re flying, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), allows larger quantities of medically-necessary fluids, gels, and aerosols. However, you must declare these items to the TSA agent at check-in. Also, all of these supplies will need to be examined in security, so be sure all medications are clearly labeled.
One way to streamline the security process is with TSA PreCheck®, which exempts you from removing flip flops, hats, jackets, and liquids from your luggage. It’s easy to sign up too, and your medical condition won’t limit your chances of getting approved. In fact, according to an article published by Forbes, more than 99% of those who apply for the program are accepted.
Our final tip is to arrive early and inform your TSA officer if you require transportation to your gate. Arriving early at the airport will also avoid rushing and the overall stress that often comes with traveling in general.
Don’t miss out on summertime bliss due to your infusion therapy. Call us at ContinuumRx for help in maintaining safe and effective treatment from wherever this season may take you!
