If you are travelling while taking Wegovy®, it is essential to store your medication correctly to ensure the treatment remains safe and effective. Improper storage, such as accidental freezing or overheating, can compromise the integrity of the medication.
Use this guide to understand:
How to safely use cooler bags and ice packs.
Important airline and security rules for pens and needles.
Mandatory documentation for international travel.
General travel tips for Wegovy®
Maintaining the correct temperature is the most critical factor when travelling. Wegovy® can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 6 weeks, but extra care is needed in warmer climates.
Temperature Control: If you are travelling to a destination where temperatures may exceed 30°C, you must keep Wegovy® in a cooler bag between 2°C and 8°C.
CRITICAL: Avoid Freezing: When using a dedicated medication travel case or cooler bag, do not place the Wegovy® pen directly against ice packs. Direct contact can freeze the medication, making it unsafe to use. Use a cloth or a layer of padding to separate the pen from the ice.
Light Protection: Always keep your pens in their original packaging to protect the medication from direct heat and light exposure.
Flying with Wegovy®
When flying, follow these safety steps to protect your medication and ensure a smooth boarding process:
Hand Luggage Only: Always pack Wegovy® in your carry-on luggage. Never put Wegovy® in checked (hold) luggage, as extreme pressure changes and freezing temperatures in the cargo hold will damage the medication.
Security Prep: Place your Wegovy® pen and needles in a transparent plastic bag for security screening, similar to other liquids.
Sharps Bin Disposal: While a sharps bin is usually placed in checked luggage, rules vary. You must check with your airline and departure airport before you travel to confirm if your specific sharps container is allowed in hand luggage or must be checked in.
Identification: Keep the original Wegovy® box with the dispensing label visible so that the medication can be easily identified by airport staff.
Before you travel
To ensure a smooth journey, we recommend taking the following preparatory steps:
Check Airline Rules: Review your airline’s specific guidelines for carrying prescription medications and needles.
Documentation: Consider carrying a copy of your Wegovy® prescription. You can request a copy of your prescription from the MedExpress support team before you depart.
Customs Requirements: Research the customs regulations for your destination country regarding injectable treatments to avoid delays.
Key Takeaway
Always carry Wegovy® in your hand luggage and never in the hold. If using ice packs for travel, ensure the pen is never in direct contact with the ice to prevent freezing. Finally, verify with your airline whether your sharps bin should be in your hand luggage or checked bags.