Travelling with injectable medications like Saxenda (Liraglutide) can be a bit tricky. Because of its specific storage needs, planning ahead is essential to make sure your weight-loss injections stay effective while you're on the move.
As you might already know, Saxenda's active ingredient, Liraglutide, is extremely temperature-sensitive. It needs to be refrigerated before first use and should never be exposed to temperatures above 30°C once opened.
So, how do you keep it cool while travelling? Can you take it on a plane? What documentation might you need? Keep reading for practical tips to help you travel worry-free with your Saxenda pens!
Saxenda Travel Cases
Travelling with refrigerated medications like Saxenda is not as simple as throwing your meds into your handbag—you need to take extra steps to protect it from heat and ensure it stays safe until you arrive at your destination.
Keeping Saxenda Cool When Travelling
Saxenda’s manufacturer, Novo Nordisk, provides clear instructions for storing the medication to preserve its effectiveness:
- Unopened pens: Store in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C until the expiration date.
- Opened pens: Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C or in the fridge, but use within 30 days.
Following these guidelines is essential, even when travelling. Not doing so can compromise the medication, reducing its effectiveness and potentially impacting your treatment.
Related article: How to Store Your Saxenda Pens Correctly!
Medical-Grade Travel Cooler
If you’re travelling with Saxenda pens, particularly to hot destinations, keeping your medication cool is critical. Here are your options:
- Use a DIY cooler bag with ice packs (this can be messy and unreliable).
- Invest in a medical-grade travel cooler for peace of mind, safety, and convenience.
Most people opt for medical-grade solutions like 4AllFamily’s travel case coolers, designed specifically to keep medications cool. These coolers ensure your Saxenda stays at the right temperature, whether you’re heading to the beach, hiking, or on a long-haul flight.
Some of our products include portable mini fridge options that even keep medication refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C for days when using biogel cooling packs or indefinitely when plugged into a USB power source.
All our travel cases for Saxenda are approved for air travel, so that you can travel by plane with your Saxenda pens and medical supplies.
Additional Travel Tips
Millions of people travel with refrigerated medications within the UK and beyond. With a reliable cooler and a few common-sense tips, they're doing just fine.
- Slip your in-use open Saxenda pens inside your travel cooler whenever the outside temperature gets above 30°C.
- Keep your stocks of unopened pens in the refrigerator at home or in your hotel room. If not possible, use a portable travel fridge.
- Always keep your Saxenda pens in the shade.
- Avoid direct sunlight.
- Never leave your medicine in the car.
- If you’re flying, bring your Saxenda pens on board.
Remember that freezing temperatures can also deteriorate Saxenda. So, if travelling to cold weather destinations, keep your injection pens close to your body (in an inside pocket) to prevent them from freezing.
Related article: How to Use a Saxenda Pen and Where to Inject!
Can You Take Saxenda on a Plane?
Yes, you can bring Saxenda on a plane!
Injectable medications, including needles, whether used or new, and any medical supplies and devices required for your treatment are permitted on the aircraft.
Security personnel at airport checks might ask for a visual inspection. Having your doctor's letter and prescription can facilitate this process, although it's not required when flying within the UK with less than 100 ml of medicine.
To avoid any complications at the airport, carry the following documents:
- Your prescription or a letter from your doctor.
- Original containers with labels clearly showing your name and medication details.
- Travel insurance details, if travelling abroad.
Always pack your Saxenda pens in your carry-on luggage rather than in checked baggage, as temperature fluctuations in the cargo hold can damage your medication.
Although X-ray machines are safe for medications, you can request a manual inspection if you prefer.
If you're travelling internationally with Saxenda or other medications, check the rules of your destination country regarding prescription medications.
Related article: How to Travel With Wegovy: Storage, Packing Tips, Travel Cases, and Regulations!
Packing Saxenda for Your Holiday
- Always pack your medication in your hand luggage.
- If flying, make sure your Saxenda Travel Case is approved for air travel like the ones from 4AllFamily.
- Ensure the medication remains in its original packaging for easy identification.
- Always bring extra pens in case of delays or emergencies.
- Carry the necessary paperwork, especially if flying abroad.
We'd Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Have you travelled with Saxenda pens before? We'd be delighted to read your experiences, tips, and questions!
