Travel doesn't require pausing your GLP-1 medication—but it does require planning. Temperature control, TSA navigation, and international regulations all need consideration. Here's your complete guide.
The Golden Rule: Never Check Your Medication
This is non-negotiable. Always keep GLP-1 medications in your carry-on luggage.
Why:
- Aircraft cargo holds aren't temperature controlled—they can freeze or overheat
- Freezing destroys the peptide structure permanently
- Checked luggage gets lost more often than you'd think
- If your bag is delayed, you're without medication
TSA Protocols: What to Know
The 3-1-1 exemption: Medications are exempt from the TSA's 3-1-1 liquid rule. You can bring GLP-1 pens, vials, and syringes through security regardless of size.
Ice packs: TSA allows gel packs for medication cooling. They must be frozen solid at time of screening. Slushy or melted packs may require additional screening or may not be permitted.
Best practice for smooth screening:
- Declare your "medically necessary liquids" to the TSA officer before placing bag on belt
- Keep medications in a separate, easily accessible pouch within your carry-on
- Have your prescription label visible on the box or bring a copy of your prescription
- Needles are permitted when accompanying injectable medication
X-ray safety: Standard airport X-ray scanners do not harm GLP-1 medications. No need to request hand inspection.
Temperature Management
Storage requirements by medication:
- Before first use: Refrigerate between 36-46°F (2-8°C)
- Semaglutide (Ozempic): Stable at room temp (<86°F) for 56 days after first use
- Semaglutide (Wegovy): Stable at room temp for 28 days after first use
- Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound): Stable at room temp for 21 days
- Compounded formulations: Check with pharmacy—typically more conservative (refrigerate when possible)
Critical temperature limits:
- Never freeze: Freezing permanently destroys the medication
- Never exceed 86°F: Heat degrades the peptide
- If medication appears cloudy, discolored, or has particles, discard it
Travel Cooling Solutions
For short trips (1-3 days):
- Frio cooling wallets (evaporative cooling, water-activated)
- Insulated pouches with frozen gel packs
- Most pen formulations tolerate room temp for several days
For extended travel:
- Vacuum-insulated medical coolers (4AllFamily, MedActiv)
- Portable medication refrigerators (battery-powered, small)
- Request hotel room with refrigerator
Car travel warning: Never leave medication in a parked car. Interior temperatures can exceed 120°F within minutes, even on mild days. The medication is destroyed.
International Travel Considerations
Documentation to bring:
- Prescription label on original packaging
- Letter from your prescriber stating medical necessity
- Generic drug name (semaglutide/tirzepatide) in addition to brand names
- Copy of prescription with your name matching your passport
Country-specific regulations:
- Most countries allow personal medication quantities (30-90 day supply)
- Some countries require a doctor's letter translated into the local language
- A few countries restrict certain medications—research your destination
- Middle Eastern countries may have stricter pharmaceutical import rules
Time zones and dosing:
- Weekly injections: Adjust gradually rather than suddenly
- If traveling east (shorter day), take next dose on schedule
- If traveling west (longer day), may delay 1-2 days then return to schedule
- The weekly dosing window is forgiving—being off by a day or two is fine
What to Pack: Travel Checklist
- ☐ GLP-1 medication (enough for trip plus 1-2 extra doses)
- ☐ Extra needles (if applicable)
- ☐ Alcohol swabs
- ☐ Sharps container (small travel version)
- ☐ Cooling case or insulated pouch
- ☐ Frozen gel packs
- ☐ Copy of prescription
- ☐ Doctor's letter (for international travel)
- ☐ Anti-nausea medication (Zofran if prescribed)
If Your Medication Is Compromised
If you suspect your medication has been exposed to extreme temperatures:
- Visual inspection: Cloudy, discolored, or particulate-filled medication should be discarded
- When in doubt, discard: An ineffective injection is worse than a missed injection
- Emergency refill options: Most telehealth providers can expedite replacement shipments; some have arrangements with pharmacies for travel emergencies
- Insurance: If medication was lost/damaged during shipping, legitimate pharmacies carry insurance to cover replacement
Timing Tips
Before your trip:
- Confirm you have adequate supply for the entire trip plus buffer
- If due for a dose during travel day, consider taking it before you leave
- Test your cooling solution before the trip
During extended trips:
- Maintain consistent dosing schedule in your home time zone if trip is short
- For longer trips, gradually shift to local time
- Set phone reminders that account for time zone changes
Travel adds complexity but shouldn't stop your treatment. With proper planning, GLP-1 medications are highly portable.