Type 2 - Connect

Can any one advice the rules around carrying Ozempic when travelling overseas on holiday. I am travelling to Europe for two months. My GP will give a letter. Do I need any other document? Also will they allow me to carry it in hand luggage? It need to be stored in cool place and I don't want it to be in check in baggage for 30 hours?

All prescription medications, or any medication you may need in flight, should be carried in hand luggage during overseas flights. I carried my Ozempic in my hand luggage during two overseas trips last year. I also carry all prescription medications in my hand luggage during domestic flights.Just keep it with your GP letter. Lots of information usual available on airline and Australian Government websites too. 

Thanks Ann. Since Ozempic has sharp needle will security stop me from carrying

Your Ozempic needles are part of the medication pack, and as you would have noted are special retracted screw on needles. I don't declare them outgoing from Australia but with your GP letter listing them and the boxes in your carry on etc as advised by another member there should be no issues. Arrivals at other airport depend on weather you are transitioning or not. Check the airline rules for those destinations. ( e.g Emirates has great information for arrivals/ departures/transit). I took extra needles in my checked luggage but that raises the risk of luggage delays etc. Make sure you also have your scripts with you in carry on as that also helps if you need to seek medical attention overseas so other medical professionals can see what medication you are using.  

I think Ozempic needs to be kept cool like insulin.  I suggest going to local pharmacist and asking for a couple of freezer packs they get with their drugs etc.  These keep cool for over 24 hours.

Also when flying ask the airline staff if you insulin/Ozempic etc could go into their frig.  I have never had any problem with this and they always bring it to me around when seat belt sign goes on. 

Found a great little kid backpack with 2 compartments in Squiggle. I put brick in one with thick cardboard covered in plastic in one plus my insulin in other side.  Stays cool the whole flight.

I always take twice as much as what I need just in case.  Needles can go in checked luggage, but I always keep enough on me for a week in case luggage wants extra time away from me. 

Always get letter from Doctor with list of meds.  Photocopy this and your scripts. 

Hi Thiru,

ALL medications should be carried in hand luggage NEVER put it in your booked luggage as the risk of losing it is high. You will need a list of your medications, dosage  as well as the reason you are taking the medication. Depending on which country you are visiting you might need authority from their consulate. e.g you cant have pain medications for a number of countries, UAE even for layovers if you have any Class C drugs you need an authority signed by a Notary Public and stamped by their Consulate..... last time I went that cost $500. I sailed through UAE & Australian borders with no problems because I had all that BUT at Heathrow  I was pulled aside and gone over while they checked my Doctors letter against my prescriptions  & packets/bottles and swabbed all my medications including my medactiv bag which stays cool for 36 hrs ( I took my insulin out of the packet which I flattened and put in the bag with the pens to give me more room for other meds).  Everything must be in their original packets, webster packs are permitted provided they are done by a pharmacist. I'd suggest you check the relevant countries consular advice, they have comprehensive lists of what can & cannot be taken into their countries as well as their current requirements for Covid status. Don't forget when booking your tickets to advise the airline you are Diabetic so you get the right meals. If you are travelling with someone else give them copies for their hand luggage of all your documents. Leave copies of any documentation with someone at home should you mislay your hand luggage. Have a wonderful trip.