Traveling with EpiPen: What to Know Before You Go!

Traveling can seem really daunting if you have a severe allergy. Whether it's a weekend getaway, a summer beach holiday, or an international journey across continents, ensuring your EpiPen or other epinephrine injections are always at hand and in good condition is crucial.

In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about traveling with your EpiPen, from a predeparture checklist to best practices to keep your injections cool and safe while traveling.

Traveling with EpiPens and Severe Allergy

Whether you're exploring a new city or relaxing on a beach, your EpiPen or other epinephrine injections are vital companions. But traveling with EpiPens definitely requires a bit of extra planning and precautions.

Here are a few things that you should consider before traveling with an EpiPen:

Always carry your EpiPen. Never leave your hotel or rental without your EpiPen. It should be as essential as your wallet or phone. When flying, keep it in your carry-on, preferably under the seat in front of you, not in the overhead bin. You must be able to access your EpiPen within seconds if needed.

Keep your EpiPen cool. Exposure to heat can degrade the effectiveness of epinephrine. Always store your EpiPen away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Make sure it stays at room temperature between 15°C and 25°C (59°F to 77°F) and never exposed to temperature above 30 ºC (86 ºF), even briefly. If necessary, carry your EpiPen in a cooling case (see below).

Have a backup. Accidents happen-your primary EpiPen might malfunction, or you might misplace it. Having a backup is crucial, especially when you're traveling and far from home.

Inform your travel companions. Make sure that they know you travel with an EpiPen, where it is, and how to use it in case of an emergency. It's also helpful to discuss your allergies clearly with them to avoid exposure to allergens.

Clearly label your EpiPen with your name, contact information, and expiration date.

Avoid risky foods. Traveling often involves trying new cuisines, which can be risky if you have food allergies. Be particularly cautious with street food and always carry your allergy translation cards to communicate your needs effectively.

Carry an allergy translation card if you're traveling to a place where you don't speak the language. You can show the card to restaurant staff or healthcare providers to ensure they understand the severity of your allergic reactions.

Wear a medical alert bracelet. Always wear a medical alert bracelet that lists your allergies and the fact that you carry an EpiPen. This can be crucial for receiving prompt and appropriate care in an emergency allergic reaction.

Stay informed about local medical facilities. Before you arrive at your destination, research the nearest medical facilities. Know where you can go in case of an emergency, especially if you're traveling to remote areas.

Check your EpiPen expiration date before departure. Before planning any trip, verify that your EpiPens are not close to expiration. Schedule a reminder a month or two before they expire to obtain replacements.

Consult with your doctor or an allergist. If your travels involve long trips or remote destinations, consider consulting with an allergist or travel medicine specialist. They can provide specific advice tailored to your allergy needs and the particulars of your travel destination.

Prepare a medical emergency kit. Besides your EpiPen, pack a medical emergency kit that includes antihistamines, a copy of your allergy action plan, any other prescribed medications, and basic first aid supplies.

Secure travel insurance. Ensure your travel insurance covers medical treatments related to allergies and provides coverage for emergency medical evacuations if needed.

How to Keep an EpiPen Cool While Traveling

One of the biggest challenges when traveling with an EpiPen is ensuring it stays consistently at the right temperature to remain fully effective for when you need it.

The manufacturer typically recommends storing EpiPens between 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and it's absolutely essential to protect it from temperatures above 30°C (86°F) or below freezing, even briefly.

Here are our best tips for keeping your EpiPen cool while on the move:

Keep EpiPen in the shade. Always store your EpiPen out of direct sunlight. When outdoors, keep it in a shaded place or inside a bag that does not sit directly in the sun.

Keep it in its original container. The carrier tube is also made to protect your epinephrine injections from light and potential damage.

Carry EpiPen in a cooling case if necessary. If you're traveling to warm places where the temperature may get above 25°C (77°F), invest in a specialized EpiPen cooling case designed to maintain a stable temperature even when external conditions are fluctuating.

Avoid DIY cooler bags made with ice packs. The direct contact with ice could freeze the epinephrine solution and render it ineffective. Besides, the temperature inside DIY coolers fluctuates a lot and there's not guarantee your EpiPen is actually safe.

Carrying Cases for EpiPen

When choosing a travel case for your EpiPen, opting for medical-grade solutions is crucial. Avoid DIY cases made with ice packs and insulated lunch bags because these can often get too cold, potentially freezing the medication or causing condensation inside the packaging, which can damage your EpiPen.

One excellent option for keeping your EpiPen cool while traveling is the Chillers cooling bags from 4AllFamily.

The Chillers cooling bags are specifically designed for carrying temperature-sensitive medications like EpiPen or other epinephrine injections (Auvi-Q, Adrenaclick, Symjepi, Twinject, etc.).

They ensure over 45 hours of stable temperature control between 64.4°F to 79°F (18°C to 26°C). They do not require ice or electricity, as they function based on water evaporation cooling technology. Plus, the Chillers can be reactivated anytime you need simply by immersing them in water, so you can keep your EpiPen cool for as long as you need and in any travel situation, including the most remote adventures!

Investing in a high-quality EpiPen travel case like the Chillers can significantly reduce the stress of traveling with an EpiPen and ensure your emergency injection remains effective and ready to use, no matter when and where your travels take you.

FAQs About Traveling with EpiPen

Before wrapping up, here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about traveling with EpiPens, covering essential topics from legal requirement for air travel or international border crossing to practical tips on handling your EpiPen correctly while on the move.

Do You Need a Travel Certificate or Letter for an EpiPen?

While not always mandatory, it is highly recommended to carry a travel certificate or a doctor's letter when flying with an EpiPen. This documentation should state the medical necessity of the EpiPen and confirm your right to carry it with you, especially through airport security and into different countries. This can prevent delays and misunderstandings during airport security screenings and can also be helpful in case you need to explain your condition to local medical providers or in emergencies.

You can download a free travel certificate for EpiPen here and ask your doctor to fill it in before departure.

What's the Best Way to Carry an EpiPen?

The best way to carry an EpiPen while traveling is on your person or in an easily accessible luggage. Remember: always keep it with you.

Use the original container to protect it from light and damage and consider a travel medical kit that can hold your EpiPen along with other essentials like antihistamines.

If traveling to warmer climate, carry your EpiPen in a medical-grade cooling case, like the Chillers, to ensure it is always carried at the right temperature.

Make sure that both you and your travel companions know exactly where the EpiPen is at all times and how to administer it in case of an allergic reaction.

What is EpiPen Temperature Excursion?

The terms "EpiPen temperature excursion" refers to when the epinephrine injection is exposed to temperatures outside its recommended storage range of 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F).

Temperature excursions between 15-30ºC (59-86ºF) are permitted but must be limited and avoided when possible. Under no circumstances should an EpiPen be exposed to temperatures above 30ºC (86ºF), or extreme cold, even briefly.

Exposure to extreme heat or cold can reduce the effectiveness of the epinephrine. To prevent temperature excursions, use insulated medical carrying cases that maintain the appropriate temperature.

Can You Take an EpiPen on a Plane?

Yes, you can-and should-take your EpiPen on a plane. The Transport and Security Administration (TSA) allows passengers to carry EpiPens in carry-on luggage. Always inform the security personnel at airport security checkpoints about your EpiPen.

When on the plane, keep your EpiPen in a place where you can access it quickly, such as a small bag under the seat in front of you, rather than in the overhead bin.

International Travels with an EpiPen

EpiPens and epinephrine injection are used and allowed all over the world, so you shouldn't have any problem when traveling abroad. However, it's best to plan ahead and have a multilingual travel certificate that explains your condition and the necessity of your EpiPen, especially in countries where English isn't widely spoken.

Ensure you carry sufficient EpiPen supplies for your trip, as obtaining replacements abroad can be challenging and costly. Coordinate with your doctor well in advance of your departure to prepare adequately.

Can I travel with multiple EpiPens?

Yes, you can travel with multiple EpiPens. It's even wise and recommended to carry more than one emergency injection in case one fails or is used, especially if you will be away from medical facilities or traveling for an extended period. Always keep them in different locations-such as one in your carry-on and another in a purse or backpack-to ensure you have access to one if the other is inaccessible, lost or stolen.

What do I do if I lose my EpiPen while traveling?

If you lose your EpiPen while traveling, try to find a local pharmacy or hospital as soon as possible to obtain a replacement. Carry a copy of your prescription and any travel insurance documents that can facilitate the process. It's also helpful to know the generic name "epinephrine injection" as EpiPen is a brand name and may not be recognized everywhere.

What should I do if my EpiPen is gets warm while traveling?

If you suspect your EpiPen has been exposed to temperatures outside its storage guidelines (either too hot or too cold), consult a local pharmacist or healthcare provider as soon as possible to assess its viability. If in doubt, it's safer to seek a replacement rather than risk using a potentially ineffective device in the emergency or a severe allergic reaction.

Do travel insurances cover EpiPen replacements abroad?

Not always. Before traveling, contact your insurance provider to understand the specifics of your coverage abroad, especially regarding medication replacements. Consider purchasing additional travel health insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and medication replacement if your current policy does not offer adequate coverage.

Are there special considerations for traveling with EpiPens on cruises?

When traveling on a cruise, inform the medical staff on board that you are carrying an EpiPen. Most cruise ships have medical facilities that can store your EpiPen properly and assist you in an emergency. Also, keep your EpiPen with you during excursions as medical help might not be readily available off the ship.

How do I communicate my allergy if I don't speak the language?

Before traveling, prepare allergy cards in the language of the country you are visiting. These cards should clearly state your allergies and the necessity of your EpiPen. Mobile apps that translate medical phrases can also be invaluable in these situations.

We'd Love to Hear From You!

Do you have any tips, questions, or experiences about traveling with EpiPen and severe allergy that you'd like to share? Please comment below and let us know. Your stories and insights could help others travel more safely and confidently!

July 01, 2024

Older Post Back to Living and Traveling with Epinephrine and Allergy Injections Newer Post

The information presented in this article and its comment section is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a replacement for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns or questions you may have.

OUR PICKS