Quick Answer: When you're off on your travels with Lantus insulin, there are basically two big worries to tick off: keeping it at the right temperature and sticking to the travel rules, especially when flying.
Travelling with insulin can be a bit tricky, but with the right prep, you can make sure your injections stay safe, effective, and within reach no matter where you're headed.
This handy guide will walk you through everything you need to know about travelling with Lantus Solostar insulin pens, from keeping them cool during your travels to dealing with UK airport security checks and picking the perfect carrying case. We'll make sure your Lantus is sorted for every trip!
Related article: How to Travel with Insulin That Needs Refrigeration or Cooling!
How to Travel with Lantus Insulin?
When you're off on your travels with Lantus insulin, there are basically two big worries to tick off: keeping it at the right temperature and sticking to the travel rules, especially when flying.
Keeping Lantus Cool When Travelling
Remember, Lantus needs to be kept refrigerated before its first use, ideally between 2°C and 8°C.
Once you start using a new pen, it can be stored at room temperature for up to 28 days but should never be exposed to temperatures over 30°C. Even a short stint in higher temps can seriously affect your insulin. So, keeping your Solostar pens cool while you're travelling is absolutely crucial!
Here are some handy tips to keep your Lantus insulin pens chilled on the go:
- Opt for specially designed insulin travel cooling cases, like those from 4AllFamily (see more details below).
- Store your Lantus pens away from direct sunlight by placing them in a shaded, cool bag or tucked under a cloth in your personal bag.
- Never leave your insulin pens in the car. Car temperatures can skyrocket; always take your Lantus with you.
- When out for the day, only take the insulin you'll need and leave the rest in a cool spot back at your home or hotel room.
- Also guard against freezing. In colder weather, keep your Lantus Solostar pens in an inside pocket to use your body warmth as a shield against the bitter cold, as freezing can damage your insulin.
- Always have a plan B in case your insulin gets compromised, and double-check with your travel insurance for coverage of medication loss, especially when travelling internationally with insulin.
Lantus Insulin Pen Carrying Cases by 4AllFamily UK
As noted earlier, your Lantus insulin pens need to be kept cool during travels to remain effective. Here are two crucial scenarios to bear in mind:
- Travelling with unopened Lantus pens: These must be kept chilled between 2°C and 8°C to maintain their effectiveness until they're used. You should transport your Lantus Solostar pens in refrigerated travel cases, such as the Explorer Insulin Travel Cooler, the Voyager Mini Fridge for Insulin, or the Nomad Refrigerated Travel Cases.
- Travelling with opened, in-use Lantus Solostar pens: These can be stored at room temperature but need to be shielded from heat above 30°C, and are safe for up to 28 days. If you're heading to a hotter climate where temperatures might exceed this limit, be sure to carry your Lantus pens in cooling travel cases like the Rambler Small Insulin Pen Case, the Companion Diabetes Cooler Bag, or the newest Chillers Insulin Pouch Coolers.
How to Pack Lantus for Your Travels
When travelling with insulin, whether it's Lantus basal or your bolus insulin, always pack plenty for your entire trip, plus a bit extra just in case.
It's also good practice to pack your medical supplies into two different bags to cover any loss, delays, theft, or damage.
When flying, always keep Lantus and all your medical gear in your hand luggage, not in the hold.
You shouldn't face any issues at UK airport security screenings with your insulin, but it's recommended to carry a doctor's note. Depending on where you're headed, you might need to carry a few more documents like your prescription, a doctor's letter, or proof of travel insurance.
Related article: International Travels with Insulin: Carrying Insulin on International Flights and Managing Time Zone Changes.
Here's a rundown of what insulin and diabetes supplies to pack for your travels:
- Your Lantus Solostar pens.
- Your Bolus insulin pens, if that's part of your routine.
- Disposable needles and a sharps bin for safely disposing of used needles.
- Blood glucose monitor and accessories, including test strips, lancets, and spare batteries or chargers.
- Ketone test strips to monitor your levels if you're feeling unwell or if your blood sugar spikes while travelling.
- Quick sugar fixes for dealing with any sudden drops in blood sugar.
- Emergency contact info and a medical ID that outlines your diabetes for any unexpected situations while you're away.
This list isn't exhaustive and might vary based on your specific health plan. When in doubt, always check with your GP before you head out!
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Do drop us a comment below with your own tips, queries, or tales from your travels with insulin. And if you've got any questions about our travel cases for Lantus Solostar pens, contact us here. We're here to lend a hand, always!
