Kim Walsh, Director of Pharmacy Services at Kimball
Medical Center in Lakewood and the Saint Barnabas Behavioral
Health Center in Toms River
I take multiple medications on a regular basis. What
do I need to do to protect my prescription medications when
traveling this summer?
Whether your summer plans have you staying close to home
or heading off to a more exotic locale, you don’t want
an illness or a reaction to medication to disrupt your vacation.
With a little planning and preparation you can effectively
manage your medications and stay safe and healthy during
your vacation.
Many medications can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.
Before you leave, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the
possibility of this side effect and increase the level of
SPF in your sunscreen, especially if you plan to spend more
time out in the sun.
If you are traveling by airplane, keep your medications
in your carry-on luggage. This way you have them
during your flight, and in the event that your luggage gets
misplaced on your flight, you will still have them. In
addition, keep in mind that airport security requires that
your medications be transported in their original, labeled
containers. If your medication requires you to use a syringe – you
take insulin, for example – you may need to carry your
prescription with you to ensure that you can pass through
airport security.
Be sure to bring your doctor’s phone number and pharmacy
information with you when you’re away from home. If
for some reason you misplace your medications, or need a
refill, you will have what you need to call for a new prescription.
If your travel plans will take you through different time
zones, talking with your doctor or pharmacist prior to your
trip to work out a plan for adjusting the timing and dosage
of your medications. This will prevent you from taking too
much or too little of your medication and avoid complications
or flare-ups of chronic conditions.
Following these simple guidelines to effectively manage
your medications on the road can help keep you healthy this
summer and ensure you and your family enjoys a happy, safe
vacation.
For more information on managing your medications, speak
to your doctor or pharmacist. For a referral to a physician
on staff at Kimball Medical Center, please call the Saint
Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123 (888-724-7123).
Date: August 7, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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