Traveling with chronic conditions can be tricky, and even more so when you rely on medications like Enbrel (etanercept) that require refrigerated travel storage and is limited in how long it can stay at room temperature.
Whether you're dealing with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, plaque psoriasis, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Enbrel is often a lifeline.
While it's simple to store Enbrel safely at home, what about when you're traveling or on the move? Let's explore some smart ways to manage your medication and keep your travels stress-free:
- How to keep Enbrel cool while traveling?
- What travel kit, bag, or cooler to choose for transporting Enbrel?
- What about flying with Enbrel and TSA regulations?
- And international travels with border crossings?
Ready to travel smarter and safer with your Enbrel injections? Here's everything you need to know to keep your travels smooth and stress-free.
Related article: What can really happen if Enbrel is left unrefrigerated?
How to Keep Enbrel Cold While Traveling?
Like any sensitive biopharmaceutical, Enbrel requires careful handling and storage to maintain its effectiveness. This heat-sensitive medication can spoil quickly if not stored under the right conditions, a common challenge shared by similar injectable treatments like Humira, Actemra, Cimzia, Orencia, Simponi, Taltz, Kevzara, or Cosentyx. Each of these medications needs to be kept at just the right temperature to work effectively.
Amgen, the maker of Enbrel, specifies that your injections must be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C before use. Once removed from the fridge, an Enbrel pen or syringe can be kept at room temperature, between 20°C and 25°C, but must be used within 30 days. Most importantly, it should never be exposed to temperatures above 25°C and must also be protected from direct light.
These rigorous storage instructions can make traveling with Enbrel arduous. But worry not, as there are ways and accessories to help you transport your Enbrel at the right temperature and guarantee safe travels. Whether you're jetting off, embarking on a road trip, spending a day outdoors in the burning sun, or just stepping out in your neighborhood on a hot summer day, here's how to keep Enbrel cold and safe:
- Use a Medical-Grade Travel Cooler for Enbrel. For the safest transport, use a medical-grade cooler specifically designed to carry medications. These coolers ensure that your Enbrel stays within the safe temperature range, whether it needs to be refrigerated or simply protected from heat.
- Always keep your pens or syringes in the shade. Even indirect heat can affect the effectiveness of Enbrel.
- Keep Enbrel away from heat sources, like chimneys, stove, barbecues, electric appliances, etc.
- Protect Enbrel from light too. Always ensure that your medication is away from direct sunlight, as exposure to light can also damage Etanercept, the active drug in your Enbrel injections.
- Never leave your medication in the car. Temperatures in a car can soar quickly, especially under the sun. Always take Enbrel with you rather than leaving it in a vehicle.
- Only take out what's necessary. Minimize the time Enbrel is out of its cool storage. If you have multiple pens, leave what you don't immediately need secured in your hotel room or another cool, safe place.
- Monitor temperature closely. If you're carrying Enbrel in a regular insulated cooler bag, use a thermometer to keep track of the temperature inside. Adjustments might be necessary based on your travel conditions.
- Plan your travels ahead. Before your trip, plan out how and where you'll store your medication. Check if your accommodation has appropriate refrigeration facilities or consider portable cooling options if you'll be on the move.
- Be prepared for emergencies. Always have a backup plan in case of unexpected changes in your travel itinerary or delays that could compromise your medication storage conditions.
Related article: 8 Great Tips for Traveling with Psoriatic and Rheumatoid Arthritis!
Enbrel Travel Kit: Bags & Cooling Cases
4AllFamily makes travel easier and safer for those who need to carry refrigerated and heat-sensitive medications like Enbrel. Our selection of medical-grade travel coolers is designed to meet any travel style and need, ensuring that everyone can find the perfect fit whether they're off-grid hikers or business flyers.
Our coolers range from ultra-compact, pocket-sized cooling bags ideal for day trips to high-performance travel fridges that can carry your Enbrel pens or syringes at fridge temperatures for several days of travels on battery alone.
For those on extended travels, some of our Enbrel travel cases can even be plugged into a USB power source, offering continuous refrigeration as long as you have access to power-perfect for long-haul flights or road trips with portable power banks, solar panels, car cigarette lighters, etc.
All our Enbrel travel cases are CATSA-approved for air travel, ensuring you can fly with Enbrel with confidence, knowing your medication is safely and legally with you on board.
They are incredibly flexible too; whether you prefer the simplicity of evaporative cooling wallets requiring no ice or electricity, the convenience of biogel freeze packs or the constant cooling from a USB power connection, we have options to suit your needs.
Still unsure about which cooler to choose as part of your Enbrel Travel Kit? Don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to help guide you to the best choice for your travels. We're just an email away and always eager to assist!
Related article: How to Travel with Refrigerated Medications?
Flying with Enbrel
Flying with medications like Enbrel that require refrigeration and needles, might seem daunting at first. Yet, you're in good company! Every day, millions successfully fly with their injectable medications, navigating airports and flights with ease.
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has clear guidelines to ensure that your air travels with Enbrel or other medications is as smooth as possible:
- Medications on board: Liquid injectable medicines, like Enbrel, are permitted on planes are not restricted by the liquid rules.
- Needles and syringes: Flying with your necessary syringes and needles isn't just allowed; it's accommodated. You're allowed to carry used and unused needles and syringes for your Enbrel injections, as long as they are accompanied by the medication (your injection pen, a vial, or a prefilled syringe).
- You can fly with as much Enbrel as needed: You can bring enough medication for your entire trip, without restriction.
Important Tips Before Flying With Enbrel
- Always pack Enbrel in your carry-on. To avoid the risks of extreme temperatures and pressure variations in the cargo hold, always pack your Enbrel pens or syringes in your carry-on luggage instead of your checked luggage.
- Keep your medication labels visible. You don't need a prescription or a medical letter to fly domestically with Enbrel or other medications. But it's always best to keep your injections in their original packaging to facilitate quick identification by CATSA agents.
Related article: Flying with Arthritis, How to Prepare for Long-Haul Flights!
Traveling overseas with Enbrel
Venturing abroad with medications like Enbrel introduces another set of challenges! From knowing which documents to pack to navigating international customs, there are several factors to consider to ensure your trip goes smoothly.
- Travel documents: Always carry a letter from your doctor detailing your Enbrel prescription and your medical condition. Also, keep a copy of your prescription in case you need to show it at customs or if you need to obtain more medication abroad.
- Navigating customs: Research the medication import regulations of your destination country ahead of time to avoid any surprises at customs. This preparation can help ensure you're allowed to bring your Enbrel into the country without issue.
- Local availability: Check the availability of Enbrel (etanercept) at your destination. In some countries, you might find it readily available, while in others, it may be more difficult to procure.
- Insurance coverage: Verify that your travel insurance covers pre-existing conditions and includes coverage for medication loss or treatment related to your condition. This is crucial for avoiding potentially significant out-of-pocket expenses while traveling overseas.
Related article: Arthritis travel insurance: How to be sure you're covered?
We'd Love to Hear About You!
Do you have any travel stories, tips, or questions about traveling with Enbrel? Please share them in the comments below. Your experiences and inquiries could help others too!
