Traveling can be fun—but don’t take a vacation from medication safety. Follow these tips to make sure you have a safe trip.
Prepare for your trip ahead of time:
- Bring more medication than you need in case of travel delays.
- Count the number of pills in each container before you leave. Write down these numbers and take the record with you.
- If you are traveling through more than one time zone, have your doctor or pharmacist make a plan to adjust the timing and dosage of your medicines (download our medication calendar).
Pack your medication carefully:
- Store medication in its original container.
- Keep your medication in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight.
- Pack medication in your carry-on luggage.
- Carry a complete list of your medications (including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications and dietary supplements), the doses, schedule and the phone numbers of your doctor and pharmacy.
Follow safe medication practices, whether you are at home or away:
- Don’t take medication in the presence of children. They like to copy adults.
- Keep your purse or suitcase up high and out of the reach of children.
- Dispose of expired or unwanted medicines properly.
Plan carefully to make sure your trip is fun and worry free. If you take the wrong medication, or take more than directed, call the poison center at 1-800-222-1222 or chat online.
Take this information with you! Order or download your own copy of our Traveling With Your Medicine fact sheet.
