Travelling with a chronic condition can feel overwhelming, especially when your treatment involves a medication like Enbrel (etanercept), which is fragile, needs to stay refrigerated, and has strict storage temperature requirements. But with a little planning, it doesn’t have to be stressful.
Although storing Enbrel at home is fairly straightforward, travelling with it calls for a bit of extra effort. Let’s explore some easy ways to keep your medication safe while travelling and making your trip as smooth as possible:
- How can you keep Enbrel cool when travelling?
- What’s the best travel kit for Enbrel?
- How to take Enbrel on a plane?
- What travelling internationally?
If you’re ready to travel with confidence, this guide will help you prepare every step of the way!
Related article: What happens if Enbrel isn’t refrigerated?
How to Keep Enbrel Cool While Travelling?
Enbrel is a biologic medicine, meaning it’s derived from living cells and highly sensitive to temperature changes. It needs to be kept refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C before use.
Once taken out of the fridge, it can stay at room temperature, below 25°C for up to 30 days, but only if it’s kept out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources.
Here are some practical tips to make sure it's kept cool when travelling:
- Invest in a quality medical travel cooler. These coolers are specifically designed to keep medications like Enbrel at the right temperature, whether you need refrigeration or protection from heat.
- Keep your medication in the shade. Even brief exposure to sunlight can affect Enbrel’s effectiveness.
- Never leave Enbrel in your car. Temperatures in parked cars can rise or fall rapidly, making them unsafe for medication storage.
- Use a thermometer to monitor conditions. Portable thermometers can help you check that your travel cooler is maintaining the correct temperature.
- Plan ahead for refrigeration. If you’re staying in hotels or other accommodation, confirm that they have a fridge you can use to store your medication safely.
- Prepare for delays. Carry extra cooling supplies in case of unexpected disruptions during your journey.
Related article: 8 Practical Tips for Travelling with Arthritis
Choosing the Travel Kit for Enbrel
4AllFamily offers a variety of medical-grade travel coolers to suit different travel styles and needs. Whether you’re going on a short holiday trip or a long-haul adventure, there’s an option for you. From compact cooling wallets for quick summer outings to advanced portable fridges for extended travel, these coolers are designed to keep your Enbrel safe.
Some travel cases even feature USB-powered cooling, which can be especially handy on long flights or road trips. Whether you prefer biogel packs or battery-powered solutions, you’ll find an option that fits your needs.
All 4AllFamily travel kits for Enbrel are all approved for air travel, giving you peace of mind when flying. Not sure which cooler is right for you? Reach out to our team—we’re always happy to help you find the perfect solution.
Related article: Tips for Travelling with Refrigerated Medications
Travelling by Air with Enbrel
Flying with injectable medications like Enbrel can feel intimidating at first, but it’s actually quite manageable with a bit of preparation.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has clear guidelines to ensure that travellers with medications face no issue at the airport.
Here’s how to pack your Enbrel injections to bring them on a plane:
- Always keep Enbrel in your hand luggage. This avoids the risks of extreme temperatures in the plane’s cargo hold. You're allowed to fly with medications and needles.
- Leave the medication in its original packaging. This helps airport security easily identify it and speeds up the screening process.
- Bring supporting documentation if needed. Although not required when flying within the UK, a letter from your doctor explaining your prescription can be useful, especially for international travel.
Traveling abroad
Travelling abroad with medications like Enbrel introduces another set of challenges. From knowing which documents you'll need to navigating international customs, there are several factors to consider to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
- Travel documents: Always carry a letter from your doctor detailing your Enbrel prescription and your medical condition. Also, keep a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it at customs or if you need to obtain more medication abroad.
- Navigating customs: Research the medication import regulations of your destination country ahead of time to avoid any surprises at customs. This preparation can help ensure you're allowed to bring your Enbrel into the country without issue.
- Local availability: Check the availability of Enbrel (etanercept) at your destination. In some countries, you might find it readily available, while in others, it may be more difficult to procure.
- Insurance coverage: Verify that your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions and includes coverage for medication loss or treatment related to your condition. This is crucial for avoiding potentially significant out-of-pocket expenses while traveling overseas.
Related article: Tips for Flying with Arthritis
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Have questions or tips to share? Drop a comment below—we’d love to hear from you!
