Traveling with Zepbound: Storage, TSA, and Helpful Tips!

Traveling with refrigerated medications like Zepbound can be a challenge, especially for those new to this weight-loss treatment. If you're wondering about the logistics of traveling with Zepbound, you're not alone.

Can you take Zepbound on a plane? What are the best ways to keep it refrigerated while traveling? This article aims to address these questions and more, providing you with essential tips for traveling with your Zepbound injections.

Related article: Zepbound: A Complete Guide About the Newest Weight-Loss Drug.

For those who prefer visual learning, we have a video on this topic - just click below to watch!

How to Keep Zepbound Cool While Traveling?

Zepbound is a new FDA-approved weight-loss injection prescribed for weight loss in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related health complications. Like Wegovy, Zepbound comes in prefilled single-dose injector pens for weekly subcutaneous injections. Its active ingredient, Tirzepatide, is a biologic and very sensitive to light and temperature, making storage conditions a key to its effectiveness.

Therefore, the very first challenge that comes to mind when preparing a trip with Zepbound is its storage requirements. How can you transport your Zepbound pens at the right temperature to ensure they remain effective?

Zepbound storage instructions

Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound, provides clear storage instructions. Zepbound must be kept refrigerated between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). However, when refrigeration is not possible, the injector pens can be stored at room temperature, up to 30°C (86°F), for up to 21 days, protected from light.

Failing to follow these instructions can lead to Tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Zepbound, becoming ineffective. Hence, keeping your Zepbound pens cool while traveling is essential, just as much as it is when at home.

Related article: How to Store Zepbound? Does it Need to Be Refrigerated?

Medical travel coolers for Zepbound

When transporting Zepbound pens, there are really two scenarios to consider: whether you’re taking a short trip (less than 21 days) or a longer one (more than 21 days).

Traveling for More Than 21 Days:

You'll need to maintain your Zepbound pens constantly refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). In this case, a reliable portable medication fridge is recommended, such as those from 4AllFamily.

The 4AllFamily Voyager Travel Fridge, for example, can keep 2 Zepbound pens refrigerated indefinitelywhen plugged into a USB power source, like a car cigarette lighter, a USS portable solar panel, or an external power bank. And if you don’t have access to electricity, it will still maintain refrigeration conditions for up to 30 hours with its alternative biogel freeze pack function!

The Nomad Cooling Case, a more affordable option, operates using biogel freeze packs without the need for electricity. The big model can fit 2 Zepbound pens and uses biogel freeze packs (no electricity needed) to maintain refrigeration conditions for an average of 30 hours, depending on the external conditions.

But we have plenty more cooling options for travelers like you, so make sure you check out our catalog before you go!

Traveling for Less Than 21 Days in Warm Climates:

If you're traveling for less than 21 days, you’d be happy to know that your Zepbound pens do not necessarily need to be refrigerated, although it’s still best if they are. They’ll be fine for up to 21 days at room temperature, providing that it never exceeds 30°C (86°F).

So, if you’re going to places where the outside temperatures may exceed this threshold, you must use a medical-grade cooler to protect your Zepbound pens from heat and maintain them at room temperature. Again, 4AllFamily´s travel coolers for medications are ideal for keeping your Zepbound injections cool in such situations.

For any queries regarding these products, feel free to reach out. We're here to assist!

More tips to keep zepbound cool while traveling

In addition to using a travel cooler, some common sense and practical tips can help you prevent your Zepbound injection from going bad when traveling:

Always keep Zepbound pens in the shade and away from direct sunlight.
Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures.
Carry your medicine only if necessary; otherwise, leave it in a secure location, like your hotel room.
Avoid placing Zepbound near heat sources like fireplaces, barbecues, or stoves, even briefly.
Never leave your injections in a car, as temperatures can rise quickly.

In any case, if you suspect a Zepbound pen has been exposed to high temperatures, don't use it. Likewise, don't use a pen if the liquid appears cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.

Related article: How to Travel with Tirzepatide: From Temperature Control to TSA.

How to Travel by Plane with Zepbound

Many people are concerned about traveling with injectable drugs, mostly due to their liquid form. But rest assured, you are absolutely allowed to fly with Zepbound pens or any other prescribed medication. The Transportation Security Administration are accommodating when it comes to travelers carrying medications, and the standard liquid restrictions don’t apply here, so you're free to bring enough Zepbound pens for the entire length of your trip in your carry-on luggage. Additionally, it's a prudent idea to pack a few extra pensto prepare for any unforeseen travel delays.

Never pack Zepbound or any other medicine in checked luggage due to the risk of damaging temperatures and atmospheric conditions in the hold.

Make sure to keep Zepbound pens in their original container with readable labels for easy identification by security staff.

Related article: How to Travel with Syringes & Injectable Medications?

International Travels with Zepbound (Tirzepatide)

Traveling internationally with Zepbound should generally not pose any issues. However, you should always check the local regulations regarding medication transport before your trip. Different countries may have specific rules and regulations regarding the transport of medications across their borders.

Research destination regulations: Before your trip, take some time to research the medication transport laws of your destination country. This can often be done through a quick internet search or by contacting the local embassy or consulate.

Documentation: Carry a letter from your healthcare provider or a prescription that clearly states your need for Zepbound, along with the dosage and your treatment plan. This documentation can be helpful if you're asked about your medication at customs or by other authorities.

Packaging and labeling: Keep Zepbound pens in their original packaging with pharmacy labels intact.

Quantity check: Make sure to carry only the quantity of Zepbound you need for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra. Carrying excessive amounts can sometimes raise concerns at customs.

Related article: Tips for Traveling with Medication Internationally!

Besides, consider carrying the following documents to smooth the process at the border:

A letter from your doctor explaining your need for Zepbound.
A copy of your medical prescription.
A medical health card.
Proof of your travel insurance.

Last, but not least, make sure that your health insurance is valid in the country you are visiting. If you have a preexisting medical condition, like diabetes or heart disease, make sure it’s covered by your travel insurer.

Related article: How to Get Travel Insurance for Pre-existing Medical Conditions?

We hope this guide helps smooth your travel prep with Zepbound. If you have any questions, experiences, or tips to share about traveling with Zepbound or other medications, please feel free to comment below. Your insights not only help us improve but also support others!

December 14, 2023

Older Post Back to Wegovy, Zepbound, Saxenda, and Weight-loss Injections Newer Post

Comments

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Dear DP,
Thank you for your question. Like most medications, Tirzepatide (the active drug in Zepbound) can safely go through x-ray scanners at the airport.
Happy Travels!
4AllFamily

D P said:

Given the sensitivity to light – is there any impact if the Zepbound is Xrayed at the airports?

4AllFamily Customer Service said:

Hi Darby,

That’s a great question regarding the storage and travel with your Zepbound pen. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, once the pen is stored at room temperature, it should not be returned to the refrigerator. So, if you plan to travel with your pen unrefrigerated, it’s important to keep in mind that you shouldn’t refrigerate it again once you reach your destination.

You can definitely travel with your Zepbound pen at room temperature, but remember to use it within 21 days after removing it from the refrigerator.

If your travel exceeds 21 days, you should consider using a refrigerated travel case, like the ones you can find in our shop.

Safe travels and take care!
4AllFamily

Darby Caroline Woods said:

Can I travel with my zepbound pen unrefrigeratoed and then refrigerate it when i get to my destination?

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.

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