Travel Tips For Taking Levothyroxine Medication

Travelling with a thyroid condition requires careful planning and preparation. From packing enough medication and keeping prescriptions handy to planning blood tests and maintaining a schedule for taking your medication, there are several things to consider when travelling with levothyroxine.

Keep medication in hand luggage

Keeping your medication in your hand luggage is a good idea for several reasons. Firstly, if you need to take your medication at a moment's notice, having it in your hand luggage ensures immediate access. This is especially important if the medication is required to stabilise your thyroid levels, which can be affected by factors such as diet and sleep.

Secondly, placing medication in checked baggage carries the risk of loss. If your checked bag is misplaced or delayed, you may not have access to your medication when you need it. By keeping medication in your hand luggage, you can ensure it remains with you at all times.

Thirdly, some medications, such as liquid L-thyroxine, are sensitive to heat. Hand luggage is typically stored in the cabin of the aircraft, which is often air-conditioned and, therefore, provides a more temperature-controlled environment than the hold.

When travelling with medication, it is important to keep it in its original packaging, complete with your name, dosage instructions, and other important details. This ensures you always have essential information at hand and helps prevent any potential mix-ups or misuse. It is also a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription with you, in case you need to refill your medication while travelling or if security has any questions.

If your medication is in liquid form, you must declare this at the start of the screening checkpoint process. Medically required liquids will be subject to additional screening and may include opening the container. However, medication in pill or solid form can be brought in unlimited amounts as long as it is screened.

Take extra medication

Taking extra levothyroxine medication when travelling is a sensible precaution. It is important to bring enough medication for your entire trip, but unforeseen circumstances may leave you needing more than you expect.

Firstly, always carry your medication in your hand luggage. If your checked bag is lost, you will still have access to your medication. You could also split your medication between your hand luggage and checked bag, so that you are covered in case either goes missing.

Secondly, bring extra medication in case your trip is unexpectedly extended or your flight home is delayed.

Thirdly, if you are travelling with a companion, give them some of your medication to carry. That way, if your bag goes missing, you will still have access to your medication. However, make sure you personally go through security with your medication, as the bag will be labelled with your name, not your companion's.

Finally, bring a copy of your prescription. This will be useful if you need to refill your medication while you are away. It may also be required by security.

Carry prescription

Carrying your prescription with you when travelling with levothyroxine is essential. Here are some reasons why:

Proof of Necessity

Having a copy of your prescription for levothyroxine serves as proof of the necessity of the medication. This can be especially useful when passing through airport security or customs. It is also beneficial to have your doctor's prescription note as additional proof.

Refilling Medication

If you lose your medication or run out while travelling, having your prescription allows you to refill it more easily. In some countries, you may be able to obtain a repeat supply from a pharmacist without a doctor's prescription, but they will need to know the name and dosage of your medicine.

Entry Requirements

Depending on the laws of your destination country, you may need an official prescription to be allowed entry with your medication. Familiarise yourself with the restrictions on certain medications in the country you are travelling to before your trip.

Emergency Situations

In case of an emergency, having your prescription details can be crucial. Share your prescription information, including dosage and schedule, with at least one person travelling with you or a loved one back home. This way, they can assist you in obtaining medication or provide relevant information to healthcare providers if needed.

Doctor's Contact Information

Along with your prescription, it is helpful to have your doctor's contact details. This can be useful if you need a prescription refill or if there are any questions regarding your medication while you are away from home.

Plan food options

Planning your food options in advance is a good idea when taking levothyroxine while travelling. Many hypothyroid patients use special diets to help manage their symptoms. Before your trip, use sites such as Yelp or TripAdvisor to identify restaurants at your destination with menus that are friendly to your diet. Although you don't need to plan out every meal in advance, having a list of suitable restaurants will make deciding where to eat easier.

If you're travelling to a non-English-speaking country, use online translation tools to learn how to communicate your diet restrictions. Once you arrive, head to a grocery store and buy thyroid-healthy snacks. People with hypothyroidism are prone to fatigue and weakness, so eating at regular intervals is especially important. Carry fruit, nuts, protein bars, or other nourishing snacks to eat between meals and keep your energy up.

• Coffee and cow's milk have been reported to decrease the drug's absorption.
• Calcium-containing supplements, such as dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yoghurt, affect how levothyroxine is absorbed into your body.
• Soy products, including soy-based infant formulas and soy-protein cocktails.
• Grapefruit juice, orange juice, and apple juice.
• High-fibre foods, such as whole wheat bread, bran, granola, and psyllium.

Pack appropriate clothing

When packing for a trip, it's important to consider the climate of your destination and choose appropriate clothing to keep you comfortable. Here are some tips to help you pack the right clothes when travelling with levothyroxine:

• Pack for the Weather: Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack accordingly. If you're travelling to a cold climate, make sure to bring warm layers such as sweaters, jackets, and thermal underwear. For warmer climates, pack lightweight and breathable clothing.
• Layering is Key: Dressing in layers is a great way to regulate your body temperature when you have hypothyroidism. Bring clothing that can be easily layered, such as thin sweaters, cardigans, and scarves. That way, you can adjust your outfit according to your comfort level.
• Consider Your Symptom Triggers: If you know that cold temperatures trigger your symptoms, opt for warmer destinations or plan your trip during the warmer seasons. Pack clothing that will keep you comfortable and help minimise your symptoms.
• Pack Flexible Wardrobe Options: Bring a variety of clothing options to accommodate different temperatures. For example, pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings, even if you're travelling to a warm climate.
• Roll Your Clothes: To save space in your luggage, consider rolling your clothes instead of folding them. Rolling clothes can also help prevent wrinkles.
• Be Prepared for Unexpected Delays: It's always a good idea to pack a few extra items in case your trip is extended or there are unexpected delays. Bring a lightweight jacket or an extra layer in case the temperature drops.

Frequently asked questions