I’ve done some searching on the forum as well as the web, and there are some great solutions out there for refrigerating meds during travel. We have a med that is supposed to remain frozen. Has anyone used anything besides the homemade ice pack-in-a-small-cooler route? Trying to avoid that hassle. Looking for advice from someone with personal experience. We’re flying SAS in August.
Thanks so much!
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
8702 posts
I could be wrong, but maybe you do not mean "frozen", I can't think of any self administered prescriptions that require maintaining it frozen, but many ideally like to be refrigerated.
I would first talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist. Many drugs that you are instructed to refrigerate, are fine at room temperature for weeks. Refrigeration is used for storage and to maintain long term (months). For example, Semaglutides and similar drugs (Wegovy) can be at room temp for 28 days. Some insulin as well tolerates room temperatures. Once you know the requirements, finding a solution is easier.
Till, a small insulated bag is a prudent caution, there are lots out there, some made specifically for the several pen type drugs, but all sized more for travel (Yeti even makes one). As for keeping cool while traveling, hotels will keep medicines for you, or look for places that specifically have a refrigerator or mini-bar
Posted by
OP
32 posts
Actually, I do mean frozen. You remove for 30 mins before administering. Not sure if that's doable. Thanks for the Yeti heads up! :-)
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3299 posts
Besides your doctor and pharmacist, you might also try searching in support groups for people with your condition that take the same medication, as there are probably many people who have need to travel with it and have come up with solutions.
Also there are two threads (one quite old) on this topic:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/england/traveling-with-frozen-meds
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/packing/traveling-with-frozen-medicine
Posted by
OP
32 posts
We have confirmation from the pharmacy that we can refrigerate up to 14 days once out of the freezer. Has anyone had personal experience with the 4ALLFAMILY cases such as these? They are used mostly for insulin, but it looks like a possibility.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SYZ22GS?tag=highlightreviews-180349-20&th=1
I so appreciate the feedback.
Posted by
Salem, Oregon, USA
3299 posts
I don't have experience with the item you located on Amazon, but it just occurred to me if you have a FSA or HSA it may also be an allowed expense. The one you linked to is doesn't appear to be so you'd have to check into it. You might also contact your medical insurance to see if they will cover it under durable medical equipment (DME). Best of luck.