A GP has issued a warning for Brits planning to pack medication ahead of the busy summer holiday season, especially those travelling to different time zones. Dr Asimah Hanif, a registered GP working with Staysure, has cautioned that many people make a crucial mistake when boarding flights across time zones. If you are on a prescription and need to follow a schedule, do not simply use guesswork to decide when to take your next dose, as Dr Hanif warns this is not always safe.
Plan Medication Timing Before Travel
She suggested that Brits who take prescribed medication should note down the times they take their medication in the UK, then factor in the time difference to create a clear plan for when doses should be taken. This is especially important for holidaymakers taking medication at regular intervals or treatments designed to be given at certain times of the day.
“Medication timing should be planned before travel, rather than worked out halfway through the journey,” says Dr Asimah. “For time-sensitive medication, keeping your watch on UK/home time can work, but when crossing multiple time zones it may be helpful to gradually adjust to local time while making sure you do not exceed your prescribed daily dose.” She added: “Always take medicines exactly as directed, with food or on an empty stomach where required, and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure, particularly for long-term treatments.”
Keep Medication in Hand Luggage
Holidaymakers who need to take prescription medications were also reminded of the importance of keeping their meds close at hand when they fly. Sarah Rodrigues, a travel writer working with Avanti Travel Insurance, said: “Your hand luggage should be your holdall for stress-free flying. Medication, insurance documents, chargers, a refillable water bottle and anything you genuinely rely on should stay with you, not in the hold.” Checked luggage is more likely to go missing than hand baggage, so it makes sense to carry items such as medication on the plane with you, as these can be difficult to replace if lost en route.
Check Legality Abroad and Original Packaging
A study by YouGov on medication showed that over half of Britons (56%) were regularly taking prescription drugs at the time of the survey. This means millions of Brits jetting off on holiday this year will need to remember to pack their meds. It is worth remembering that some common drugs in the UK may not be legal in all countries, so always check the laws in your destination before you fly. For example, medicines containing codeine, such as Nurofen Plus, Solpadeine or prescribed tablets, could land you in legal trouble in Dubai or Thailand.
Holidaymakers packing prescription medication are also advised to keep the original packaging. Liquid medication over 100ml is allowed in hand luggage, although it is advisable to keep proof of your prescription or a doctor’s letter. These items may need to go through a separate screening process, so ensure you have plenty of time to get through security.
