Millions of people are now taking GLP-1 medications such as Zepbound, Wegovy and Ozempic for weight loss and diabetes management. So planning a trip, whether it’s a weekend getaway or an international long-haul adventure, requires extra planning and preparation. From navigating airport security to handling possible digestive side effects like nausea and bloating, it’s important to understand how to travel safely with GLP-1s to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

GLP-1 Medications, Digestion and Travel

“When traveling, people often wind up eating foods different than what they eat at home,” says Dr. Rachel Pessah-Pollack , MD and clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health. “For example, you may follow a fiber-rich diet at home but when traveling and eating out, you’re more likely to consume processed foods, including more sugar and fat, and these dietary changes can affect your gut.”

Anyone who has been on vacation knows that traveling can disrupt digestion. This can be even more apparent if you’re taking GLP-1 medications because these meds slow down the process of the stomach emptying. Therefore it’s important to stay hydrated and pack high-protein, high-fiber snacks to help stave off nausea and constipation according to the National Library of Medicine .

“I recommend travelers spend some time planning your meals, by researching restaurant menus and reviews,” says Momo Vuyisich, PhD , the chief science officer and head of clinical research at Viome Life Sciences. He also suggests visiting local grocery stores and assembling easy meals on your own.

It’s also smart to pack an emergency kit in case there are stomachs issues. “I encourage them to pack a back-up kit so they are prepared for any eventuality and can still enjoy themselves,” says Michael Currier , PA-C, lead GI provider at Oshi Health. “Things they can include are magnesium, Miralax packets, Pepto Bismol, Bentyl or Levsin, Gas X, Omeprazole, and Tums. Most of the time, they are fine and don’t need it but it makes them feel better just knowing that they have something to stop the symptoms if they occur and it doesn’t have to ruin their trip.”

How to Pack GLP-1 Medications When Traveling

“I always recommend keeping all medications in your carry-on bag when flying; never put it in checked luggage,” says Stacia Woodcock , PharmD, pharmacy editor at GoodRx. “In case of a delay or lost luggage, you don’t want to be left without your medication.”

Also be aware that GLP-1s come in several forms, including weekly injection pens, daily injections and oral tablets, and each form has different travel considerations. Injectable pens generally need the most prep work because many must be kept at stable refrigerated temperatures. “This makes it especially important to keep them with you in your carry-on bag and not in the checked baggage compartment, where extreme temperature fluctuations can damage the medications,” says Woodcock. “I suggest packing your injection pens in an insulated travel case with gel ice packs and wrapping the injection pen in a towel, so it doesn’t sit directly against the ice pack to avoid damage.”

When going through security, travelers sometimes worry because injectable GLP-1 pens are prefilled with liquid doses. “Most GLP-1 pens contain only a small amount of liquid medication and are well below the 3.4 oz limit individually, but I recommend declaring any medications and supplies during screening to be safe," says Woodcock.

According to the American Diabetes Association , despite the general rule prohibiting passengers from bringing most liquids and gels through security, people with diabetes may take their insulin, other medications such as Smylin, Byetta, and Glucagon, and other liquids and gels, including juice and cake gel, through TSA checkpoints, even if they are in containers greater than 3.4 ounces.

When traveling by car, avoid leaving your medications in a parked vehicle or trunk, where temperatures can become extremely hot or cold very quickly. Instead, store them inside the main cabin of the car where temperatures are more stable. “I also encourage keeping injectable pens and vials in their original cartons whenever possible, since light exposure can affect medication stability over time,” says Woodcock.

For oral GLP-1 medications, it’s still smart to travel with the original prescription bottle or documentation from your prescriber, especially for international trips where medication rules may differ, but they are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations as GLP-1 injections.

Maintaining Temperature of GLP-1 injections On Vacation

Many GLP-1 injection pens are designed to stay refrigerated before first use, typically between 36°F and 46°F. But many injectable GLP-1 medications are stable at room temperature for several weeks. “For example, Zepbound single-dose pens and vials are stable at room temperature for up to 21 days, and Wegovy pens are stable for up to 28 days,” says Woodcock. Check your medication packaging or talk to your pharmacist for information about your specific GLP-1 product. And remember that you’ll still need to take measures to keep your medication from overheating, so in many cases, keeping it in a cooler is your safest bet.

GLP-1 pills should be stored at room temperature, typically between 68°F to 77°F, and kept in a dry place, away from excess heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. It is recommended to keep them in their original packaging or prescription bottle whenever possible, since that helps protect them from moisture and light exposure during travel.

If a GLP-1 medication has been frozen, accidentally left in extreme heat or no longer looks the way it should, don’t use it until you’ve checked with a pharmacist or healthcare professional. Changes in color, cloudiness or unusual appearance can be signs the medication may not be stable anymore. When in doubt, it’s safest to contact your pharmacist or prescriber about a replacement.

GLP-1 Side Effects When Traveling

GLP-1 medications slow how quickly food leaves your stomach to help you feel fuller longer, which is why people commonly experience side effects like nausea and bloating. On top of that, travel can often make it harder to stick to our usual or preferred eating habits. Irregular schedules, eating out more often, airport or convenience foods, and long travel days can all exacerbate these unpleasant side effects so they feel more intense. “I usually recommend eating smaller, more frequent meals instead of a few large meals, especially on travel days, says Woodcock. Balanced meals with lean protein, whole grains, cooked vegetables, healthy fats, and plenty of water are typically easier to tolerate.

“I also encourage people to make note of which foods tend to trigger their symptoms, since tolerances may vary from person to person,” says Woodcock. Foods that are high in fat, fried, greasy, heavily processed, or very rich can sit in the stomach longer and may worsen bloating or nausea while taking a GLP-1 medication. Carbonated drinks can also increase gas and abdominal discomfort, and alcohol may worsen dehydration and stomach irritation.

Staying hydrated is especially important since GLP-1 medications can reduce thirst for some people, and travel itself — especially flying, hot weather, or long sightseeing days — may already increase the risk of dehydration.

Maintaining GLP-1 Dosing Schedule While Traveling

“I encourage patients to make a plan for their GLP-1 schedule before they leave, especially if they’re crossing several time zones,” says Woodcock. For weekly injections, it’s more important to stay consistent with your regular dosing day each week than to worry about taking it at the exact same hour each time. For example, if you normally administer your injection on Tuesdays, keep injecting it on Tuesdays while traveling. You can help avoid missed doses during busy travel days by setting phone reminders and by keeping medication handy in your carry-on bag.

With daily GLP-1 medications, the instructions vary depending on the product. Some pills need to be taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach with a small amount of water, so travelers may need to plan ahead on days with very early flights or red-eyes, long travel itineraries, or major time zone changes that could disrupt their usual routine. “If you end up missing a GLP-1 dose, follow the product instructions and check with a pharmacist if there’s uncertainty instead of doubling up doses,” says Woodcock.

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