Medicines while traveling
All content is checked by medical journalists.The little white one for breakfast, one of the red ones at lunchtime and the round purple one in the evening - swallowing tablets is part of the daily routine for countless people. The chronically ill in particular often depend on a daily dose of medicine. This also applies when traveling. Even if a person takes a break, high blood pressure, heart failure, diabetes, asthma & Co. do not go on vacation.
Climate and language
As long as you are traveling in Germany, there are usually no problems. In an emergency, you will find a doctor almost everywhere and a pharmacy on duty around the clock to provide you with the medication you need. But difficulties can already arise in neighboring countries, for example if you need a supply of medicine and the pharmacist does not know the German trade name.
In exotic countries, medical care is often worse than in Germany. In addition, there are language difficulties and extreme climatic conditions. The latter can affect the physical condition and shelf life of medication.
Well prepared
If you have to take medication regularly, you should therefore plan your trips well. It is also important to talk to the treating doctor, who will help you plan. Talking to your pharmacist can also be helpful.
Before you leave, write down exactly when and how much of which medication you are taking. You should also make a note of the active ingredient, because medicines often have different trade names abroad. You should always have this list of medications to hand when you are on vacation.
Ask your general practitioner to compile your disease diagnoses. Almost every medical professional in the world understands the Latin technical terms. A list in the local language of your travel destination is even better.
Well equipped
Take enough of all medication with you. You have to expect that you will not get your preparations at the holiday destination. Also think of emergency resources. If you want to or have to stay longer, you should have enough supplies beyond the planned duration of your vacation.
Also pack the package insert ("laundry slip") for your medication. This information can be very useful in an emergency.
All important medical items belong in hand luggage within easy reach, because suitcases sometimes go their own way. A current certificate from your family doctor can prevent misunderstandings at the airport, at customs or with the police in the holiday country. The declaration should be multilingual if possible and list all medicines and medical items (e.g. syringes) that you have with you.
Extreme fluctuations in temperature, UV radiation and moisture can make drugs unusable. Insulin, for example, cannot tolerate heat, but it must not freeze either. You should transport such sensitive medication in well-insulated containers. At your holiday destination, it is best to store tablets, ampoules of ointments & Co. in a cool, dark and dry place.
Well supplied
Always take all medication regularly, even when traveling. This is how you prevent complications.
Hygiene can be a problem, especially in distant countries. It is therefore better not to take tablets with tap water. It is safer to drink from the sealed mineral water bottle.
If you swallow your medicine at home according to a certain rhythm, you should also adhere to it at the holiday destination. Before you travel, discuss with your doctor how you can best adapt the intake times to a possible time difference.
Extreme climatic conditions, but also sporting activity on vacation, can change your medication requirements. The dose of active ingredient may have to be adjusted. Before you leave, seek advice from your doctor.
Useful downloads
- Checklist for travel preparation From a foreign health insurance certificate to a toothbrush: everything you need to know in advance of a trip.
- First-aid kit checklist A first-aid kit belongs in every luggage. What should be in it depends on the destination, the duration of the trip and the type of trip.
- Medical certificate stating that you are carrying medication and accessories Some medication and medical accessories can cause problems in hand luggage or at customs. These include fluids such as insulin, injections or certain pain relievers. Have your doctor fill out and sign the following certificate to carry with you.
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