Traveling with
inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) will take some preparation, especially when it comes to medications. Use these tips to manage your medications while you're traveling.
- Make sure you have enough medication for the duration you're traveling, and add some extra—just in case.
- If you are traveling overseas, ask your doctor to write you a prescription using generic names. You may not need the extra medication, but it will provide peace of mind that you can easily get an Rx filled if necessary (brand names aren't the same everywhere).
- Always carry all your prescriptions and medical supplies (ostomy supplies, snacks, change of undergarments, wet wipes) in your carry-on luggage.
- Keep prescriptions in their original bottles instead of putting them in other plastic containers. This way, you will not have to explain your medication to a customs officer.
- Ask your doctor about what times you should take your medication when traveling through different time zones. It may be helpful to keep a written list of when medications should be taken while adjusting to local time.
- Remember to pack any over-the-counter medications you use regularly, such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheals, and antacids, in your carry-on luggage as well.
