I was just prescribed a drug (Dupixent) that requires refrigeration. Once its removed from the refrigerator it must be used within 14 days or it becomes ineffective. My question to the group is how are others handling biologics when traveling for extended periods? How do you keep it cold on the flight, ie are you using small ice bags and a bubble wrap envelope? Once you're in Europe how do you maintain cold? I was thinking about bringing chemical ice packs with me, but I don't know how TSA will like that and I havent seen them in Europe. We often stay in small hotels, so storing it in a kitchen fridge is an option, but my concern is forgetting it when we leave. Our trips are predominantly over two weeks and buying another fresh syringe while in Europe probably isn't an option (its insanely expensive without insurance). Any other Dupixent users out there or people that use medications with similar requirements?
Posted by
Vancouver, BC, Canada
1190 posts
Search "medication refrigeration" and there are a few threads on this issue.
Search Amazon for "medication cooler for travel". Some are simple inexpensive holders with frozen gel pack. Others are expensive electric powered holders about the size of a small insulated coffee mug which can be powered by a power bank.
At more than a thou a shot, it would behoove you to clean out the fridge before you check out. Good luck.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
What is the quantity and what temperature must be maintained?
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
4859 posts
As suggested, have a look online. You can also search for insulin travel wallets or cases. I used the FRIO travel wallet when I was taking Enbrel. Before that I used a small insulated cooler (a bit smaller than lunchbox size) with a rigid cold pack that would freeze solid. This stays cold much longer than the flexible cold packs intended for use on boo boos. If we didn't have a freezer section in our mini-fridge while traveling, the hotel always kept it frozen for me. I'm sure they would give you a small bag of ice to use while your cold pack is being refrozen, if you don't have a room fridge.
Posted by
OP
Kansas City USA/Birmenstorf, Switzerland
453 posts
@Frank: Just normal refrigerator temperature. The "pens" are about 3/4" in diameter and 7" long - I think that's a pretty normal size for an auto injector type syringe.
Posted by
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, USA
13942 posts
I've messaged a person I was recently on a Best of Italy tour with. There was a person in her group who was on insulin and was trying to keep her medication cold. I think they were trying to use the Frio but am not 100% sure.
Posted by
San Francisco/Marin County
9420 posts
For the plane, all you have to do is give it to a flight attendant and they will put it in a refrigerator for you. This is not an unusual request for them.
Posted by
Freedonia
15007 posts
Believe it or not, there are hotels in Europe that offer mini-refrigerators in the rooms. You just have to look for them. I've stayed in many.
Here's what the TSA says about gel packs:
https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/items/gel-ice-packs
Posted by
San Diego, CA, USA
472 posts
We flew on BritishAir in July, and their flight crew said they couldn't refrigerate a passenger med. The first attendant said they didn't have space, the second said it was against company policy now - who knows, but in any case not what you want to hear. Our icepack&insulated bag did okay, & they gave us extra ice, but be prepared.