Traveling with your immunoglobulin therapy.

Traveling with your immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy

Planning a trip? We’re excited for you. We also know it can be stressful to travel with immunoglobulin (Ig) therapy. Whether you’re traveling in the United States or to another country, your CVS Specialty CareTeam is happy to help. We’ll walk you through important details as you prepare for your trip with your therapy.

• Let both your doctor and your CVS Specialty CareTeam team know about your travel plans. Do this at least two weeks before your trip, if possible. If you plan to travel out of the country, let us know at least one month before you leave. This gives us time to help you address how you can safely travel with your therapy.
  
• Look at your list of supplies and check to see what you may need to order to last 1) until you leave for your trip, 2) for the entire time of your trip, and 3) for a few days after you get back home. Make sure you remember to bring a back-up pump and batteries if the pump uses batteries. Also, if you are traveling internationally, make sure you pack the right plug adapter.
• Look at your list of medications and do the same.

Documentation

• Make sure your contact list is up to date, including:
  • Your address and phone number
  • Who to contact in case of emergency
    • In Case of Emergency (ICE) on your phone
    • Your doctor and clinical team
    • Your pharmacy (local and CVS Specialty)
  •  Additional contacts
    • Your insurance company
    • Your supply company
    • Your oxygen company if you are on oxygen
• A complete list of your medications. List all your medications, whether they are prescription, homeopathic, supplements, or over the counter.
  • Include the medications you take regularly plus those you take “as needed.” Medical professionals need a complete list to make sure they don’t give you something that you shouldn’t be taking.
  • Make sure oxygen (and your dose/flow rate) is on the list if you are using oxygen.
  • Keep a kit of your medications handy, for example three days’ worth of meds.
  • If you do have to go to the hospital while on your trip, take your meds with you. Some medications may not be on-hand at a local hospital.
  • Letter of medical necessity from your doctor.

Traveling by car

• Make sure you have enough storage for your medications and supplies, including ways to keep it cool if necessary.
• Plan your route and know where the nearest hospitals or urgent cares are throughout your trip.

Traveling by bus or train

• Same as for traveling by car, plus
  • Find out if there are weight limits for your bags
  • Find out if there are medical services on board

Traveling by cruise or ship

• Find out if the ship has enough storage for your medications and supplies, including ways to keep things cool if necessary.
• Find out what medical services are available on board the ship and at the ports of call.

Traveling by air

• The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) doesn’t require that your medications be in their original, labeled prescription containers so you can pack them in a pill box. However, it’s strongly recommended that you do keep your medicines in the labeled containers you got from the pharmacy. This is especially important for pain medications or other controlled substances. And remember, different states may have specific laws about how medication is labeled, so it’s best to call a pharmacy in the state to which you are traveling to learn what you need to do.
• TSA Cares  is a program that can help make going through security easier. You can fill out a form online or, if your flight is within the next 72 hours, call 1-855-787-2227. You can also send an email to TSA-ContactCenter@tsa.dhs.gov. You’ll still need to call the airline if you need help, for example a wheelchair, to get on and off the plane, but with TSA Cares, a specially trained passenger support specialist will meet you at security and help you through the screening process.
• The airlines aren’t under the authority of the TSA so it’s important to check the airline’s website or call the airline beforehand and let them know your situation, if you need oxygen, if you are exceeding carry-on limits, etc.
• Your CVS Patient Advocate can also work with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). If you let us know at least 72 hours before your departure, CVS can let the TSA know about your medically necessary liquids and specific medical needs.
• Leave enough time. The TSA Disability Branch recommends arriving at least 2 hours ahead of time for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
• TSA asks that you clearly communicate with each agent you encounter.
• Always inform the TSA officer of your medical condition or disability before you start screening 
• You can pack your refrigerated medications in freezer packs, insulated lunch boxes, or coolers and take them onto the plane in your carry-on luggage. You can pack your medications in either your carry-on or checked bags. It’s usually best to pack them in a carry-on bag (because of temperature variations in the cargo area and in case your bags get lost). Be sure to pack at least a few days’ worth of medication in your carry-on.
• You can take your injectable medication on a plane. You can bring unused syringes, too, when they are accompanied by injectable medication. You have to declare these items to security officers at the checkpoint for inspection. Used syringes need to go into a hard-surface container.
• You only have to show your medication or tell an officer about any medication if it’s a liquid. And while the official limit for any liquid is 3.4 oz containers that must fit in 1-quart bag, “medically necessary” medications can be taken on the plane in larger volume liquids with approval.

If you need nursing services

• You may need an order from a doctor with a license in the state you are visiting. We can let you know if you will have continued coverage for your therapy in the state or country you are visiting. 
• If your trip will last for more than one week out of your home state, we may need extra time to check if your insurance will cover shipments from another state.

We’re here to help.

If you have questions or want to learn more, talk to your doctor or contact us.