Travelling with refrigerated medications like Wegovy might initially feel overwhelming. Questions such as can you bring Wegovy on a plane, how to manage injections and needles under airport security rules, or how to ensure your Wegovy pens stay cold during your journey are common concerns for travellers.
You’re not alone in this! This guide provides expert advice to address these queries, ensuring that you can travel with peace of mind while keeping your medication effective, regardless of your destination.
Related article: Does Wegovy Need to Be Refrigerated? Tips for Storage.
Want more details? Watch the video below!
Pre-Departure Checklist for Travelling with Wegovy
Before heading out with your Wegovy pens, it’s important to be prepared to ensure a seamless journey. Travelling with Wegovy requires more than just packing your medication; careful planning is essential.
Here’s a handy checklist to help you prepare:
- Temperature Management: Ensure your Wegovy pens remain at the correct temperature. Whether travelling by car, plane, or train, keep unopened pens refrigerated and opened pens cool.
- Consult Your GP: Discuss your travel plans with your doctor to address any concerns, such as adjusting injection schedules for time zone changes.
- Travel Documents: Carry a doctor’s note, prescription labels, and any necessary documentation, especially if you’re travelling abroad.
- Pack Carefully: Include all necessary supplies like needles and cooling solutions, with extras for unexpected delays.
- Meal Planning: Stick to your Wegovy weight-loss plan by researching local dining options before departure.
- Travel Insurance: Ensure your policy covers medication loss and health-related incidents involving Wegovy.
- Check Local Regulations: Research medication rules at your destination to avoid issues at customs.
- Backup Plans: Know where to obtain additional Wegovy if needed and have emergency contacts ready.
- Airport Security: Prepare for screenings by properly packing Wegovy and having documentation at hand.
- Learn Key Phrases: Familiarise yourself with medical terms in the local language to communicate effectively if required.
We’ll explore these steps in greater detail below!
Related article: How to Inject Wegovy: A Step-by-Step Guide.
Wegovy Travel Cases
Maintaining the correct storage temperature for Wegovy is essential, especially when travelling. Semaglutide, the active ingredient, can lose its effectiveness if not stored properly, which could impact your treatment.
Investing in a high-quality Wegovy Travel Case is crucial for protecting your medication. In the following sections, we’ll cover the best travel cases and strategies for keeping Wegovy at the right temperature, whether you’re travelling within the UK or abroad.
Related article: How to Travel with Semaglutide: A Complete Guide.
Temperature Guidelines for Wegovy
Let’s start with the storage instructions provided by Novo Nordisk UK:
- Unopened Wegovy pens: Must be refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C.
- Opened pens: Can be kept at room temperature but must not exceed 30°C and should be used within 28 days.
These guidelines determine two scenarios for travelling with Wegovy:
- Short Trips: For journeys under 28 days, ensure opened pens stay cool and are protected from heat, particularly if temperatures exceed 30°C.
- Extended Trips: For longer travel or large supplies, unopened pens must remain refrigerated using a reliable travel fridge or cooler.
Best Refrigerated Travel Cases for Wegovy Pens
When you need to keep your Wegovy pens refrigerated while travelling, investing in a medical-grade refrigerated travel case is a no brainer. Here are some top choices:
- Voyager USB Mini Travel Fridge: Maintains refrigeration indefinitely when powered or up to 33 hours using cool packs.
- Explorer 3-in-1 Medical Travel Case: Offers multiple cooling options for up to 5 pens and keeps them cool for 72 hours.
- Nomad Cooling Cases: Compact solutions using freeze packs for shorter trips.
Cooling cases to carry Wegovy pens cool
If you’re travelling for less than 28 days or only with Wegovy pens that will be used within this time frame, you do not need a refrigerated travel case. A simple cooling case that protects your Wegovy pens from heat and keeps them cool below 30°C would be sufficient.
In that case, we recommend using one of the following travel case coolers to transport your Wegovy pens:
- Chiller Medical Cool Pouches: These compact cooling bags work with evaporative cooling technology to protect your medication from heat for over 45 hours. And all you need is water!
- If you need to carry up to 5 Wegovy pens, have a look at the Companion Insulated Medical Cooler Bag which works with Biogel Cool Packs and keeps your injections cool below 26°C for 14 hours of travel.
- The Rambler Mini Cold Box for Medicine is also a great Wegovy Travel Case. Your in-use pen will be kept cool for up to 16 hours.
How to Keep Wegovy Cool When Travelling: More Tips!
To ensure your Wegovy pens remain effective during travel, follow these additional tips:
- Store pens in the shade and avoid direct sunlight.
- Use a thermometer to monitor storage temperatures.
- Avoid leaving pens in cars, as temperatures can quickly rise.
- Keep Wegovy away from heat sources like ovens or fireplaces.
- If a pen is exposed to high temperatures or exceeds its time limit, replace it and consult your healthcare provider.
Remember: If you suspect your Wegovy pen has been exposed to high temperatures, even briefly, or has been unrefrigerated for over 28 days, it’s safer not to use it. Replace it with a new one and consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.
How to Take Wegovy on a Plane!
Yes, you can bring Wegovy on a flight for your holidays! Liquid restrictions from UK and international airports don’t apply to medications like Wegovy, so you can carry the necessary quantity for your trip in your hand luggage. Pack extra pens in case of delays.
Airport Security Tips
- Store Wegovy in your carry-on bag to prevent exposure to extreme temperatures in the cargo hold.
- Ensure all labels are visible and intact to facilitate security checks.
- Make sure your Wegovy Travel Case Cooler is approved for air travel to keep pens chilled during the flight.
- Split supplies between bags to avoid losing all medication in case of luggage issues.
Travelling internationally with Wegovy
Semaglutide is widely used globally, but always check local regulations before travelling. Carry supporting documents such as:
- A letter from your doctor explaining your need for Wegovy.
- A copy of your prescription.
- Travel insurance details covering medication loss or emergencies.
Contact the local embassy or consulate of your destination country to ensure compliance with medication laws.
Related article: Tips for Travelling Abroad with Medication!
We’d Love to Hear Your Thoughts!
Have tips or experiences to share about travelling with Wegovy? Comment below to help others on their journey!