August 12, 2006

Flying with Diabetes Medications

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Update September 26:

The TSA has updated their webpage on medications for Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions,

You may bring all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for medical purposes.

Additonal items you may bring include:

  • Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition;
  • Life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs;
  • Items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids; and,
  • Gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions.

You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection.

Update August 17, 5:30AM Eastern Time:

Maybe I missed it, or maybe it's new, but the TSA does discuss something vaguely called "associated supplies" and "related supplies" at its undated webpage Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions:

To prevent your medication, associated supplies or fragile medical materials for contamination or damage, we will ask you to display, handle, and repack your own medication and associated supplies during visual inspection. Any medication and/or associated supplies that we can’t clear visually will be X-rayed. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.

This may well be the loophole allowing PWD to carry syringes, meters, and cooling containers through security checkpoints to carry onto airplanes.

My advice:

  1. Print out the entire TSA page (CLICK HERE)
  2. Circle the paragraph mentioned above.
  3. Ask your physician or diabetes educator to put a note on office letterhead stationary and sign it, verifying that you have diabetes and require these supplies (insulin, Byetta, Symlin, pills, syringes, meters, strips, cooling containers). Be sure that the "associated supplies" are clearly identified as such!
  4. Bring the letter as well as your supplies and be prepared for some warm smiles from the overworked TSA employees!

Update August 16, 7AM Eastern Time:

TSA has revised the exception list again. Now medical prostethics are okay, but still no mention of cooling devices for insulin, Byetta, and other medications:

Small amounts of Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling
Liquid prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket
Up to 4 oz. of essential non-prescription liquid medications
Gel-filled bras and similar prostethics worn for medical reasons

Update August 14, 7:30PM Eastern Time:

TSA fixed the exception list.

Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz. of liquid or gel low blood sugar treatment and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.

Update August 14, 7AM Eastern Time:

As of August 13, the TSA has loosened its restrictions somewhat, and now lists restrictions as

Exceptions: Baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling; prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger’s ticket; up to 8 oz of liquid or gel insulin and up to 4 oz. of non-prescription liquid medications.

Although this says "liquid or gel insulin", there is no such thing as "gel insulin" and many news reports identified the gel as the gooey sugar products that some PWD use to treat hypoglycemia.

They also have a nice summary page called Travelers with Disabilities and Medical Conditions.

August 12:

After the recent terrorism threat about exploding liquid bombs on airplanes, there's been a lot of concern about the TSA's new restrictions on carry-ons. As of this morning (August 12), the TSA website states:

Q: Will there be any exceptions to the banned liquids?

A: The following items are permitted to be carried aboard the aircraft:
  • Passengers traveling with infants may bring baby formula.
  • Prescription medicine that matches the passenger’s name.
  • Essential non-prescription medicines such as insulin are permitted.

It's such a specialized topic that I'm opening a new Discussion Forum to address this topic. Here are some potential solutions that have been suggested:

  • Traveling forum, entry 767: I emphatically do not suggest putting Byetta in checked luggage, not even in the thermos. There is no way to be sure that you'll get your luggage at the same time you arrive. I have had my luggage lost so many times.
  • Byetta forum, entry 3752: It appears that you can bring your Byetta to the airport check-in line in any disposable carrier you want, then hand off the carrier to a friend who's not flying, and that you can plan to have someone meet you at the arrival area and have another one ready to go. Or you can do a last-minute switch, moving your carrier into your checked luggage. But also keep close track of how long your Byetta is out of refrigeration, and carry extra prescriptions so that you can buy more whereever you land (remembering of course that Byetta is available in only a few countries, so that's probably not possible if you're flying internationally).
  • Byetta forum, entry 3753: Suggestion from a frequent flyer: ice baggie pen on way to airport, pitch bag at door. Drinks are available after check-in while you're waiting for flight, get ice from vender to keep pen cool, pitch before boarding plane. Get ice from attendant during flight.

Since the rules have now been in effect for a few days, perhaps some of our readers have flown, and can report what happened. If you have flown, please indicate if it was a flight totally within the United States or which countries were involved.

Bill the diabetesdoc
wwq@diabetesmonitor.com

Diabetes.Blog.Com is a blogcompanion to our main website, the Diabetes Monitor, which you can find at http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/




Posted by Bill the diabetesdoc at 00:00:04 | Permanent Link | Comments (123) |
Comments
1 2 3
1 - Flew NYC to FLA on thursday, the first day of the now liquids policy. Because I read the transcpipt of the Amylin conference call that stated that Byetta was stable at room temeratures for 30 days (at
http://richandthin.bravehost.com/achive7312006.html
I did not woory much about keeping the Byetta refrigerated. However, I did put the pen, (in its original box and plastic holder) in a ziplock baggie with a very small (3 0z) cool pack. The airport security people did not notice it in my carry on bag. By the time I arrived in the hotel it had been out of the refrigerator for about 7 hours. The cool pack was only slightly cool to the touch. I got ice from the ice machine and put the byetta in the baggie on top of the ice bucket which kept it slightly cool.
So far no apparent problem with the byetta.
 (Comment this)

Written by: Lance 5mcg Byetta since 7-17-06 2000 metaforin -13lbs at 2006/08/12 - 09:33:14
2 - Thanks for the new place, Dr. Bill!

I have written to the TSA, to ask for a clarification as to whether we can carry ice or ice-packs to keep prescription medications cool while traveling. I'll post the answer when I get it.

I have air travel scheduled for later this month. My current plan, pending the answer from the TSA, is to pack my thermos set up in my checked luggage for use at my destination, but to carry the Byetta pen on-board in the travel pack. I'll insulate it well with bubble wrap, and be prepared to jetison the blue ice if told I must.

I considered using the MediCool travel pack, since it is transparent to x-rays, but the cost of the insert is high enough that I'd hate to have to toss it if they won't let it onboard.

It does mean that I'll be relying on Byetta's tolerance for room temperature storage during part of the flight. I hope it really can take more than 144 hours. (Comment this)

Written by: Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg at 2006/08/12 - 10:21:59
3 - Um, obviously I'm talking about the modified Travel Pack set up, with blue ice and bubble wrap, not the basic version with the gel packs. (Comment this)

Written by: Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg at 2006/08/12 - 10:24:00
4 - I called the ADA and here is their latest statement:

"New Airline Travel Security Information from ADA

Due to stepped-up airport security measures on August 10, 2006 concerning liquids and gels, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued new guidelines related to what passengers can and cannot bring on board the airplane. The TSA announcement specifically states that insulin will still be permitted aboard airplanes along with prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket. The general guidelines for traveling with diabetes supplies are still in effect.

More information about traveling with diabetes supplies, which TSA has developed in conjunction with ADA's assistance, can be found at:

CLICK HERE

These tips will help ensure the safety and convenience of travelers with diabetes, while also keeping the traveling community as a whole safe."

Unfortunately this statement does not address the unique concerns related to travelling with Byetta. Also the lady on the phone did not seem to have a clue about Byetta. However, I think the ADA could be a good advocacy group for those of us who need to travel with Byetta. Perhaps if MANY of us wrote to them, it would raise their level of consciousness concerning our plight. I also wrote an emial to TSA with our specific questions about the thermos setup. I will let you know if and when I get a response.

Elaine (Comment this)

Written by: Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg at 2006/08/12 - 13:15:40
5 - Good news, I successfully carried my byetta travel pack and frozen gel pack through security at DFW airport. My purse was checked carefully and the TSA person told me that frozen gel packs for meds are permitted. She said there was much confusion concerning the gel packs, but they are legal as long as I carry my Rx labels with the meds.

Of course this was a domestic flight, I think international has a different set of rules. (Comment this)

Written by: ecuadorjanine at 2006/08/13 - 10:37:16
6 - Ecuadorjanine, that is most excellent news! Thank you for testing it and posting.

I'm thinking that using the Byetta travel pack (modified with blue ice) may be the best way to travel -- it's easily identifible, and has those handy pockets to hold the box and prescription label. (Comment this)

Written by: Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg at 2006/08/13 - 13:47:51
7 - ecuadorjanine, That IS good news. Now I wonder if they would accept our standard thermos setup but using the Rubbermaid pillows instead of ice? For that matter, since it's medication, will they accept the use of ice in our standard thermos setup?

Elaine (Comment this)

Written by: Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg at 2006/08/13 - 17:17:48 in reply to: 5
8 - Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg, Side Effect - I've been drinking a lot more water since starting Byetta, 1/2 - 1 liter/hour in the morning. I tend to black out when I stand up, and it's lots worse if I'm not well hydrated. Beverage service, with the itty-bitty cups, won't be enough. Does TSA object to carrying on empty bottles, which I can then have refilled?

Room Temperature - I have no confidence in keeping Byetta at/below room temperature (77 degrees) without cooling, especially this time of year. So, I don't think carrying Byetta without some type of cooling is a very good idea. (Comment this)

Written by: Bill - byetta since 7/06, glyburide, glucophage, actos at 2006/08/13 - 18:40:44 in reply to: 7
9 - Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg, I have my doubts whether they'd let a thermos pass through at this point. (Comment this)

Written by: Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg at 2006/08/13 - 20:05:02 in reply to: 7
10 - Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg, Byetta instruction state the storage requirement is 36-46 degrees. Letter from my physician includes cooler. I'll also carry a copy of thermos setup instructions.

It appears the restriction is on liquids and gels, not containers. I'll be flying on the 21st, we'll see what happens.

One thing we really need is to flood TSA and American Daiabetes Association with request to update TS's diabetes travel info to specifically include Byetta. (Comment this)

Written by: Bill - byetta since 7/06, glyburide, glucophage, actos at 2006/08/13 - 21:37:47 in reply to: 9
11 - I just bought an interesting item at the local supermarket: the InnerCool lunch tote. It has cool-able gel sandwiched inside it's walls. It can be folded up and placed in either the frige or the freezer. The tag claims that when 6 pre-chilled soda cans are inside, the temp only rises from 40 F to 50 F in 10 hours after the InnerCool is frozen first. The size I got is just big enough for the thermos.

I think that no TSA person would see the bag as having gel inserts. It just looks like a regular insulated bag.

I haven't been able to find a web site for it, but the company that makes it is:

Pint Size Productions, Inc.
Crystal Lake, Ill
800-544-9183

I have mine chilling in the freezer now -- and will try it without the thermos and the pen in bubble wrap and a ziploc inside. If that doesn't work, I could still use it with the thermos inside and rubbermaid ice pillows. (Comment this)

Written by: Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg at 2006/08/13 - 22:09:35
profile
12 - I've added an update on the TSA's advice -- it's at the top of this page. (Comment this)

Written by: Bill the diabetesdoc at 2006/08/14 - 07:21:10
13 - Has anyone tried the FRIO wallet which is activated by cold water? My DE told me about it this morning and showed me the sample she had in her office. It is small and apparently works great for insulin. I have a call in to the company in CA, but it sounds like a 1-man outfit since I'm getting a cellphone recording. A couple of patients have used it successfully on long flights with Byetta so I hope one of you may be familiar with it. It's size would make it less of a headache. Otherwise I'm willing to try the thermos with ice again. We leave on a trip in 2 weeks and I'd really like to get a comfort level with all this :) (Comment this)

Written by: petra1 at 2006/08/14 - 17:44:16
14 - Petra1:

My daughter's name is Petra!

Unfortunately, the Frio's won't work for Byetta with the current recommendations. The Byetta is supposed to stay at 36-46 degrees and the Frio's only keep their contents at around 68 to 70 degrees. If what was said at the Amylin conference call recently goes into the FDA approved new package insert next year, then the Frio's would do, because the pen you are using will only have to stay at room temp (backup pens should still store between 36 and 46).

But for now, Frio's wouldn't meet guidelines. Sorry. You should tell your DE about this difference, so she doesn't misinform more patients (I'm assuming "DE" stands for "Diabetes Educator.") (Comment this)

Written by: Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg at 2006/08/14 - 18:36:59
15 - Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg, Hi Elaine - thanks for the response re FRIO. I finally spoke to the RN who has the dealership on this and she basically told me the same thing. I'm going to hope that armed with prescriptions etc that I'll be able to take the thermos with me in my carryon. Perhaps we'll be getting more useful feedback on this great blog as the days go by. (Comment this)

Written by: petra1 at 2006/08/14 - 19:43:16 in reply to: 14
16 - I'm taking off early Tuesday morning on United. I'm taking the Thermos with my Byetta in it. The TSA never returned my email, but I don't think I will have a problem. Let you know when I get back. (Comment this)

Written by: Judy from IA, Byetta since 12/05, at 2006/08/14 - 21:57:33
17 - Judy:
Good luck and hope it gets through. Have a safe and great flight! (Comment this)

Written by: Danielle in New Jersey,T2since1985,byetta 9/05,metformin2000,bedtime8other scripts, n/a at 2006/08/14 - 22:08:08
18 - I flew the day after the new restrictions started and had very little trouble. I use the Medicooler and have this suggestion: Put the medicooler or thermos AND the box the pen came in(it will have the prescription label on it) in a SEPARATE TRAY.
The screeners have always had to take a second look at mine or in fact have opened it up even when I flew before the new restrictions. This time during my departure the TSA person asked if it was an epi-pen, and when I said yes, she got the x-ray person's attention & told him what it was and he sent it through on a single scan. On my return flight, it went through O.K. but I noticed that the screener stopped and reversed the belt to get a second look at it. Our departure gate was one chosen to have a secondary screening before boarding and had a TSA supervisor, a screening employee, and four soldiers at a table. I showed him the prescription box and showed him how to open the pack and look at the pen. I got through that part fine, but was the person chosen to be patted down by a woman TSA employee. They must choose little old ladies so that they can prove that they are not "profiling".

Beth--I am also little concerned that they won't let the ICE CUBES go through for those using the thermos method. However, once you are through the screening you could replace the cubes from a fast food place in the airport(unless you are getting directly on the plane). (Comment this)

Written by: Toni in California Byetta 10 since 10/05 formerly on Glucotrol, Actos & GlucophageXR at 2006/08/15 - 09:35:16
19 - Toni Thanks
Hi Toni thanks for sharing that important info with us. Did you use the frozen gel pack in the medicooler?? (Comment this)

Written by: Danielle in New Jersey,T2since1985,byetta 9/05,metformin2000,bedtime8other scripts, n/a at 2006/08/15 - 10:07:00
20 - Toni, I'm very relieved to learn that they let the MediCooler through. I assume you had the frozen blue insert in it?

I think I may try that when I fly next week. It doesn't have the range that the thermos does, but it's not bad.

I haven't had an answer from the TSA yet to my question about cold packs, but I keep getting little "your email has been received" notices. I think my question is being forwarded to many different people.

Has anyone had an actual response from TSA? (Comment this)

Written by: Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg at 2006/08/15 - 13:33:41
21 - Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg, So far I have gotten the "your message has been recieved" response about 4 times, with no actual answer.

I was asking about our Thermos design after all. (Comment this)

Written by: Jim at 2006/08/15 - 17:06:54 in reply to: 20
22 - I flew Thursday morning last week just as the screening procedures were being implemented. I use the ice in ziplock bag/thermos method for byetta. The Screening officers threw out my coffee and bottled water, but didn't ask about the byetta and let me keep distilled water I carry for a CPAP machine after I explained what it was for. I got my insulated coffee mug back, so I suspect if they took the ice from the thermos I could keep the thermos and refill the ziplock bag--or a new one-- from the ice during drink service. I am going to be more careful to keep my meds labels with me, though. This will be more of a pain for pills, because I generally make up plastic baggies with daily pills rather than carry all the prescription bottles. However,I think we should be ok for byetta travel, or at least not hassled more than usual. (Comment this)

Written by: BNeal at 2006/08/15 - 18:20:56
23 - MEDICOOLER at the airport
Danielle & Beth,
Yes, I use the blue frozen insert. That may be the reason they have trouble seeing what it is under x-ray. The pen was in it for about nine hours on the return trip, and the the blue thing was pretty well thawed out by the time I got home. I just considered the time that the pen was above the allowed temperature as part of its "144 hours".
Toni in CA (Comment this)

Written by: Toni in California Byetta 10 since 10/05 formerly on Glucotrol, Actos & GlucophageXR at 2006/08/16 - 01:54:43
24 - Toni thanks so much for sharing your flying with byetta experience. I use the red polar cooler shaped like a DR bag but smaller and use the 2 cold packs that come with my order of byetta in the mail. hoping that will pass. (Comment this)

Written by: Danielle in New Jersey,T2since1985,byetta 9/05,metformin2000,bedtime8other scripts, n/a at 2006/08/16 - 09:58:57
25 - I flew on United on Monday going through security in Oklahoma City. Then Tuesday evening through Casper, Wyoming security and finally Denver this morning. I had my pen in my thermos with my prescription label pasted on my thermos. Inside was my Byetta pen in a ziploc along with ice cubes in a ziploc. At each security post, I handed them the thermos, told them what it was and what it contained. They looked at it, scanned it, and that was it. In Denver, they did ask to make sure I had "regular ice- not dry ice?" All in all, no problem at all. Probably took me less than 5 minutes more than a "normal" passenger. (Comment this)

Written by: Linda at 2006/08/16 - 19:23:47
26 - I've added an update on the TSA's advice -- it's at the top of this page. (Comment this)

Written by: Bill the diabetesdoc at 2006/08/17 - 05:34:57
27 - Just got back from Denver using the Thermos with ice cubes in the zip lock. Didn't have any problems getting out of Denver or Cedar Rapids. I carried the empty Byetta box with prescription label on it in my carry on. They asked if I had prescription for Byetta and I said yes. (Comment this)

Written by: Judy in IA Byetta since 12/05 at 2006/08/17 - 21:10:27
28 - I flew the morning of the security changes without knowing about the changes that hkad occurred during the early morning hours. I had my Byetta in a soft cooler that was advertised as being able to store Byetta and keep it cool for up to 24 hours. It came with a plastic tube container that had a freeze indicator on the outside and a small thermometer on the inside. The instructions were to put the pen in the container without the lid in the refrigerator overnight, then the next day, wrap the pen in a cloth that it came with, seal the tube, wrap the tube in techni-ice that had been refrigerated and place a rubber band around it. Then, this tube is placed in this insulated polar cooler bag, which is covered with a sheet of techni-ice that had been previously frozen. I carried it on the plane which left from Newark. I had a note from my Doctor, and I also put the prescription Byetta box in the cooler pack. That was very important. Without the box I think I would have had trouble getting through security.
So, while the system worked great on both ends of the trip (NJ to FLA) what DIDN'T work was the cooler!!!!!! When I got to my destination the thermometer read 60 degrees......
Coming home, despite the addition of a few extra cubies with the techni ice, still 60 degrees. So far, despite that, I can't tell if my pen is bad or not....I dont have the appetite supression as before, but I am not sure if it is related to the pen or the fact that I am finallly getting used to the Byetta after two months of misery.
I will be calling back the company and sending my cooler back, and going to Walmart for the themos, cause I have another longer trip coming up in October an Iwant to be prepared for that.
Thanks for all the valuable info re travel.
Chris in NJ (Comment this)

Written by: Chris S in NJ T2 since 2003, Met 1500, synthroid, lipitor, HCTZ, other rx's at 2006/08/18 - 09:57:59
29 - petra1, I recently (May 2006) used a Frio wallet on a road trip from San Francisco to Los Angeles, and then a week in Las Vegas.

I didn't actually measure the temperature, but did find my insulin was always quite cool to the touch, so long as I closed the thing properly.

Frio works on a gel, so I have no idea how TSA will react -- but I've no immediate travel plans, so maybe they'll figure it out without me. (Comment this)

Written by: WonderWomanUSA at 2006/08/18 - 11:41:41 in reply to: 13
30 - I wanted to share my experience a week ago (Saturday 8/12), flying out of Las Vegas. I flew there before the new restrictions took effect and had no issues with my thermos/ice/Byetta. On the way home, I didn't have a copy of the prescription with me, which caused difficulty. I explained that I hadn't needed it a few days ago, so didn't have it with me, and went through the spiel about Byetta being an injectable liquid medication, and it must stay refrigerated, hence the ice cubes in a baggie. TSA agent had to call in a supervisor, who rescanned ALL of my carryon stuff and then let everything go through. It added about 10-15 minutes to my screening. From now on, I will be carrying a copy of the prescription and the instructions about keeping it cool - although I see here that those instructions may be changing. yea! - the thermos routine works but can be a pain to carry around sometimes. (Comment this)

Written by: Laura at 2006/08/19 - 12:30:34
31 - Yesterday I flew through Atlanta to Detroit where a Canadian friend picked me up for a two-week visit in Canada.

I flew on Delta out of a fairly small airport and got through security in 5 minutes. They x-rayed my carry on bags and were more interested in my computer than anything else.

As I was getting on the plane, the TSA agent called me over and went through both bags very thoroughly. I had the Byetta box in the bag with the prescription label on it. He opened the Byetta pouch and I asked if he wanted to see the letter that my Endo wrote and he said no. I zipped up my bags and that was that.

When my friend crossed the border, he used a crossing in a small town. The US agent on the Canadian side just asked us a few questions and said fine and that was the extent of it.

Here is a copy of the letter that my Endo wrote for my traveling:

To whom it may concern:

___________ is a patient under my care for the treatment of diabetes. It is medically necessary for this patient to carry supplies to monitor the blood sugar and diabetes medications which includes a 10 mcg pen (Exenatide injection) which must be kept cool (45 degrees). When traveling, these pens are in a small pouch with frozen Blue Ice on either side of the Byetta pen.

__________ is also being treated for other medical conditions requiring medications. Please see the attached list of medications that ______ must carry with him.

If you have any questions regarding this patient please feel free to contact me at my office (000)-123-4567.

Sincerely, (Comment this)

Written by: Charlie at 2006/08/19 - 17:48:44
32 - I just completed my return trip through Indianapolis. I had my small 'freebie' byetta bag with frozen gel pack. TSA folks were more interested in byetta and how I must inject myself. Both in Dallas and Indy my Rx labels were checked, so it is very important to carry the Rx with meds.

Also, ladies, you may carry lip gloss or lip stick as long as it is not in a little pot that requires you to use your finger to apply.

Thanks Charlie for the sample Dr. letter. I will share it with my endo on Monday!

Safe flying!

[I've posted info on Travel Letters both at Diabetes.Blog.com and at the Diabetes Monitor — CLICK HERE.
Bill the diabetes doc.]

 (Comment this)

Written by: ecuadorjanine at 2006/08/19 - 22:42:58
33 -
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Written by: Bill the diabetesdoc at 2006/08/20 - 08:07:15
profile
34 - I've posted a webpage at both Diabetes.Blog.com and at the Diabetes Monitor called "Travel Letter".

The version at the Diabetes Monitor (CLICK HERE) includes a Word document you can download to show your physician. (Comment this)

Written by: Bill the diabetesdoc at 2006/08/20 - 11:37:59
35 - I am traveling tomorrow and am still not sure about how I am going to get my Byetta through security at Philly Airport. I might just try it with my Medicooler and see what happens. The worst that could happen is they make me throw away my ice. It is only a 2 hour flight so I don't see much of a problem. I'll write an update when I get through. (Comment this)

Written by: Rich in NJ at 2006/08/25 - 20:00:10
36 - petra1, I have used the Frio pack and they are a pretty cool item. If you type in diabetic supplies as a search most supply companies offer these, they have ones especially for pens. I can't hardly believe their claims about how long they last, but I haven't had any trouble at all with them. I keep one ready in the fridge (that way it doesn't go back to crystal form and I have to soak again) and it fits in my purse for outings. I also use the Frio cooling devices (neck bands, beverage containers, etc) and they are pretty nifty, really cuts down on the discomfort of hot weather, flashes, whatever. (Comment this)

Written by: Becky Moser at 2006/08/26 - 13:42:21 in reply to: 13
37 - Whoops, should have read the other blogs, I guess I shouldn't be using the Frio pack except for short trips which is okay too. Am flying to San Diego and taking a cruise in December, hopefully all this brouhaha will be died down by then. Becky (Comment this)

Written by: Becky Moser at 2006/08/26 - 13:46:43
38 - I am concerned about the new requirements vis-a-vis the requirement for prescription labels. As we have discussed before, some of us just bring pill boxes (week-long pill strips) or other similar containers for our pills, since the bottles sent to us by our mail-order pharmacies are large and also we wouldn't want to loose 90 days of meds at one time if we lost our carryon or in some other fashion lost a bottle of pills.

Does anyone know if they are requiring prescription labels for pills or just for liquid meds? (Comment this)

Written by: Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg at 2006/08/29 - 14:27:48
39 - I took a trip 8/13 to 8/19 and went thru security 3 times with no problems. I carry my Byetta in the box it came in, with the prescription label on it. I put the box in a soft-sided zipped lunchbox with 2 blue ice packs and one set of the "pillows" rolled around the box. I always have a thermometer next to the box. I also had about 40 pen needles in this lunchbox. I have used this method for 13 months; the temperature stays at 40 or below for over 12 hours. I told them: " I'm diabetic, I have liquid medication and needles in here". They took a quick look and that was it. (Comment this)

Written by: bet at 2006/08/29 - 21:28:20
40 - Has anyone tried to go through security with our thermos setup since the new rules? (Comment this)

Written by: Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg at 2006/08/30 - 14:07:58
41 - I flew from Philly airport last Saturday. I had a carryon and my Medicooler with my Byetta. When I got to security I took the cooler out of the carry on and passed both through the xray. On the other side, they passed the cooler through and stopped me for inspection of my carryon. I said nothing about the medication in the cooler. I told them that I was diabetic and there were needle and supplies in the carryon. They opened it and checked everything and then past me through. I am not sure if I will have a problem going back from Jacksonville to Philly this weekend. We will see. (Comment this)

Written by: Rich in New Jersey at 2006/08/30 - 18:07:26
42 - Elaine from VA; Byetta since 6/05 +metformin+prn prandin .5mg, You are so right Elaine, who wants to risk the loss of our 90 suppy of meds? I prefer to carry my meds in the weekly pill strips.But, I will adjust for my next trip.
I am leaving on Monday for a trip to U.K. It is very strict flying in and out of Uk.
I plan to pack my Byetta in gel packs and carry the Rx box with label. As far as tablets and pills, I will carry a small amount with me in the original bottles with labels. I am putting all in a small carry on case. Since all cosmetics, lotions, ect are prohibted I will use that space for my meds. Quite inconvinent and nobody seems to have the magic answers. I have not tried the thermos set up.

My experience going out of DFW on Friday, nobody checked anything. That includes my gel packed byetta.
On the way home out Of Indianapolis, none of my bags were checked, but I was frisked...go figure!

Janine (Comment this)

Written by: ecuadorjanine at 2006/09/01 - 03:39:44 in reply to: 38
43 - Is there a particular brand of thermos you all use? And the bubble wrap, is it like the packing bubble wrap? I may need to try using this method since I travel day day will be long, Dallas to Scotland.

Thanks once again for your advice.

Janine (Comment this)

Written by: ecuadorjanine at 2006/09/01 - 03:47:42
44 - We're all using the Thermos Nissan Briefcase Bottle. It's small and compact, and does a great job. Somewhere, there's a page with the instructions for how to load it so as to keep the Byetta pen cold for the maximum time -- which is more than 24 hours. But I can't find that page!

I flew last week, and had no trouble at security, though I was not using the thermos system. But the Medicooler passed through security with no problem at all. I put it and the box with the prescription label in one of the x-ray trays, and didn't even get a question. I feel much more secure about the thermos for a longer trip.

The restrictions on carrying your prescription apply only to liquids. No problem with pills at all. (Comment this)

Written by: Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg at 2006/09/01 - 20:17:39
45 - Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg, The instructions for the Thermos setup can be found here.

http://www.diabetesmonitor.com/m77.htm
(I had bookmarked that page!) (Comment this)

Written by: LDF in Los Angeles (T2 ~1998, Byetta10 7/12/06, metformin ER 1000 1x, also Tricor, Lisinopril, Torsemide, Vytorin) at 2006/09/01 - 22:11:06 in reply to: 44
46 - Thank you for the info about the thermos setup. I plan to use this for my upcoming trip! (Comment this)

Written by: ecuadorjanine at 2006/09/02 - 11:37:51
47 - Beth in AZ; T2 since 6/99; byetta 10, metformin 1000 x2; amaryl 1mg, Byetta can stay at room temp for 30 days-that is new as of Sept 01, 2006.

[NOTE: I'm checking with the manufacturer about this.
As of Sept 6, the official labeling document at the Byetta website states: BYETTA should be stored refrigerated at 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC), protected from light. The pen should be discarded 30 days after first use, even if some drug remains in the pen. Do not freeze. Do not use BYETTA if it has been frozen.
Bill the diabetes doc.]

 (Comment this)

Written by: Marcia Boone at 2006/09/04 - 01:02:38 in reply to: 2
48 - Hi,

Were did you hear of this re new rules on Byetta. We know about the 144 hours.

[NOTE: I'm checking with the manufacturer about this.
As of Sept 6, the official labeling document at the Byetta website states: BYETTA should be stored refrigerated at 36ºF to 46ºF (2ºC to 8ºC), protected from light. The pen should be discarded 30 days after first use, even if some drug remains in the pen. Do not freeze. Do not use BYETTA if it has been frozen.
Bill the diabetes doc.]

 (Comment this)

Written by: eric at 2006/09/04 - 10:00:31
49 - I am at DFW airport on my way to Chicago then Scotland.

Here in Dallas they searched my thermos set up and told me no ice. They walked back through the security line and I had to pour out the ice and re-enter security line.

So, for me the thermos set up did not work!

I noticed many more people had their personal bags searched today. Maybe because it is a holiday?

Safe flying! (Comment this)

Written by: ecuadorjanine at 2006/09/04 - 12:08:36
50 - Just an update. I flew from Jacksonville to Philly this past Saturday and just ran my Medicooler through the Xray machine. No one at security said a word. (Comment this)

Written by: Rich in NJ at 2006/09/04 - 19:11:40
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