Here’s Why Your Pre-Travel Call Just Got Even More Important…

If you’ve ever planned a trip with us, you’ll know that our pre-travel calls are about much more than flights, hotels and packing lists. We always spend a bit of time talking about your luggage, in particular, whether you’re travelling with any prescription medication.

That’s because (and this often surprises people) some medications that are perfectly normal and widely prescribed in the UK are actually restricted or even banned in certain countries. I’ve seen this catch people out over the years, which is why I’m so careful to ask.

For example:

  • Codeine (including some over-the-counter painkillers in the UK) is restricted in places like the UAE, Japan and Singapore.
  • Adderall and some ADHD medications are banned in the UAE and tightly controlled in several other countries.
  • CBD products, which many people assume are harmless, are illegal in a number of destinations, including Dubai and Thailand.

So checking this has always been part of our planning.

But what’s prompted me to write this article now is something very new: the growing number of clients travelling with weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro, Wegovy or Ozempic. It’s becoming incredibly common, and it’s changed the way we think about pre-travel preparation.

Travelling With Mounjaro: The Bit People Often Get Wrong

If you’re using Mounjaro, you’ll know that when it arrives it comes with chiller packs and you’re advised to keep it in the fridge.

However, this is really important, once you’ve taken your first injection from the pen (there are four doses in one), you can actually keep that pen at room temperature. The active ingredients remain stable for around 30 days, sometimes a little longer.

So in practice, this means you don’t necessarily need to travel with a bulky chiller bag if you don’t want to. Many clients assume they must, but that isn’t strictly true once the pen is “in use”.

What is essential is this:

What goes where in your luggage (the practical bit):

  • Keep your Mounjaro pen in your hand luggage. This is the crucial part, it must not go in the hold because it can get too cold, which can destroy the active ingredients.
  • Put your spare needles in your main suitcase.There’s no temperature risk with these, and it avoids unnecessary questions at security.

If you prefer to use a small insulated medical pouch or travel wallet for peace of mind, that should travel with your pen in your hand luggage too.

Why This Matters

More and more of my clients are using these medications, and I want everyone to feel confident travelling with them rather than anxious.

The key things to remember are simple:

  • Check whether your medication is allowed in your destination.
  • Carry the pen in your hand luggage, needles in your case.
  • Keep it within a reasonable, stable temperature range.
  • Bring your prescription and, ideally, a brief doctor’s letter.

If you’re travelling soon and taking any prescription medication, especially weight-loss injectables, just flag it in your pre-travel call with me and we’ll talk it through together.

That’s what I’m here for.

Safe travels,

Gilly x