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Medication Safety Tips
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Have a Safe Trip - Avoid Problems with your Medications!
Traveling can be hectic enough without the added problem of worrying about your medications. Here are a few tips to help you avoid having your vacation spoiled by a problem with your medication:
- Be sure that you have an adequate supply of all your medications before you leave home. Get your prescriptions refilled well in advance of your departure date. Remember to also take a supply of any non-prescription medications that you use on a regular basis, especially if you are travelling outside Canada. You should bring more medication with you than you need, in case you experience a travel delay.
- Keep in mind that medications are sensitive to temperature and humidity extremes. If you are traveling to a hot or humid climate, take extra care to keep your medicines in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. Never store them in your car's glove compartment or trunk. If your travels take you to places that include water activities, be sure to keep your medications cool and dry.
- When flying, pack medications in your carry-on luggage. This way, you will have access to your medicine during your flight and you will have it with you even if your checked-in baggage gets lost. As of Feb 2010, even with added security measures, passengers are allowed to carry medications (both prescription and non-prescription) in carry-on baggage. Your medications should be in their original labeled containers. The patient name on the label of any prescription medications must match your name as shown on your boarding pass. Tell the screening officer at airport security that you have medications packed in your carry-on bag.
- Bring along a complete list of your medicines, doses, schedule and important phone numbers, including those of your local pharmacy and physician. More information on keeping a medication list and how to take charge of your medication
This information was adapted with the permission of the Institute for Safe Medication Practices, using
material originally published on the site www.consumermedsafety.org
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