Travelling with cold-chain medicines: train, flight and road
General guidance, checked by our pharmacist. Your medicine's own leaflet and your doctor's advice always come first.
If your medicine has to stay between 2 °C and 8 °C, a journey needs a little planning. Here is how to keep it safe on the way.
What to pack
- An insulated bag or small cool box, with gel or ice packs.
- A cloth or bubble wrap, so the medicine never touches the ice packs directly — touching ice can freeze it.
- The medicine in its original carton, and a copy of your prescription.
- Enough for the whole trip, plus a little extra in case of delays.
By air
- Carry the medicine in your hand luggage. Never put it in checked-in bags, where it can freeze or get too warm.
- Keep your prescription with it, in case security staff ask about the pens or syringes.
- Gel packs are usually allowed with medicines; check with your airline before you fly.
By train or road
- Keep the cool bag with you, in the shade — never in a car boot or on a sunny window ledge.
- On long journeys, replace the ice packs when you can (many hotels and restaurants will freeze them for you).
When you arrive
Put the medicine in a fridge as soon as you can, on a middle shelf, not in the freezer. If you think it got too warm or froze on the way, ask our pharmacist before using it.
Planning a trip? Tell us on WhatsApp — we can help you plan enough stock and how to carry it.
Ask on WhatsApp