A guide to travelling with Mounjaro and other medications
- AJ Hill Aesthetics
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a weight loss treatment injection with certain storage requirements prior to first use. You may feel hesitant when it comes to travelling with this treatment as a result of this but it’s important to keep up with your weekly injections for the best results. Stopping and starting Mounjaro could cause more side effects or make it less effective.
We have broken down the best ways to stay on track with your treatment when you go away. You can enjoy your time away and take your medication worry-free. We’ve put together a checklist for all the things you may need, to ensure both you and your medication stay safe on your travels.
1. Carry-on bag
Take a carry-on bag with you to store your medication in. It can be risky to put your Mounjaro medication in your checked luggage – the compartments that checked baggage is stored in undergoes changes to temperature and pressure that may alter the effectiveness of or even damage your medication. It can get very cold and may freeze then unfreeze the liquid in the pen, making Mounjaro potentially unsafe to take.
When going through security your medication and needles should be stored in a clear, plastic bag out of your hand luggage, much like 100ml liquids used to be. If you have any specific queries about carry-on luggage and medication, speak with your airline provider.
2. Travel letter / medical note
At airport security, you may need to declare your medication. Not all airports or destinations require this, so it is best to check when travelling just in case.
When travelling with Mounjaro, we recommend that you keep the medication in its original packaging.
To be safe, it is also recommended to bring a travel letter or medical note explaining what the medication is, why take it and why it is important to bring it with you e.g. ongoing regular treatment. This will help you get through security quickly, as you will be able to provide swift identification information as you go through should you be asked any questions. We can provide you a travel letter / medical note for £10 - please drop us an email or message or request one with your order.
You can also take the patient information leaflet with you, which should come with your medication. Alternatively, you have access to a digital copy via our website.
Will the X-rays at airport security affect Mounjaro?
X-rays at airport security are not known to affect tirzepatide (Mounjaro). If you have any specific queries about this, speak with a pharmacist or doctor, or contact security at the airport you are departing from.
3. Cool bag or ice pack
If you are worried about temperature changes on your travels (i.e. on the flight, or if you are going by train or car), we recommend you invest in a cool bag designed for carrying medications on the go.
This way, when you don’t have access to a fridge, you will be able to ensure you can maintain the correct temperature for your Mounjaro medication. Plus, you aren’t restricted to using it within 30 days as per the guidelines for unrefrigerated Mounjaro, as long as the place you’re staying also has a refrigerator.
4. Refrigerator in the hotel/place you’re staying
Your Mounjaro medication will need to be kept within the requirements stated in the patient information leaflet.
Mounjaro can either be stored:
in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). You must not freeze Mounjaro.
unrefrigerated (so long as it is not above 30°C) for up to 30 days. If it has been longer than 30 days since it reached more than 8°C, or it has reached over 30°C, you must throw it away.
For the safety of this medication, we recommend checking that the place you are staying at has a refrigerator in the room should you be taking an unopened/unused Mounjaro pen. If it is, make sure to check the temperature, as some refrigerators vary. It should be between 2°C to 8°C.
Access to a fridge is not always possible on your travels, so it may be helpful to track the hours your pen has been out of the fridge and the expiration date. As Mounjaro is taken once a week, you’ll usually be able to use it before the 30-day expiration, unless you’re away for a long time or you miss a dose.
If you are planning to take a trip longer than 30 days, you can contact us for for advice about Mounjaro if you have any concerns.
You can also change your Mounjaro dose to another day of the week following the information included in the patient information leaflet if it would mean you can take all doses of your pen without having to throw it away with a dose left. Follow the instructions carefully and try not to change the day you take Mounjaro often or it could increase your risk of side effects.
5. Your Mounjaro pens
Make sure you pack enough Mounjaro pens for your trip. Try not to pack more than you need, as if any issues arise with storage when away they may spoil and you may have to dispose of them. If in doubt over your medication, you can contact us and we can request a case-by-case assessment by Eli Lilly on your behalf.
If you will be changing your Mounjaro dose while you are away, be sure that you pack enough of the next higher dose up from your current treatment dosage.
If you are unsure about dosage and how much medication you may require for your circumstances when abroad, speak with a doctor or pharmacist.
6. Needles
Don’t forget to pack the number of needles you’ll need for each weekly injection, then a few spares just in case one of your needles becomes bent, damaged, or becomes unsealed. These should be stored with your Mounjaro pen(s).
You can get a small, travel-size sharps bin to safely dispose of your needles while you’re away which fits inside a handbag or backpack. We provide a 0.5ml size bin but can, on request, source a 0.2ml sharps bin. Some local pharmacies (depending on the country) may also be able to dispose of the sharps bin for you before you come home. Some hotels can also help with the disposal of used sharps bins.
Check with your travel company or hotel about their rules on travelling with used needles and sharps bins as they can provide further information.
Taking Mounjaro abroad
Before you travel with medication internationally, we recommend that you check the medical regulations of the country you are visiting.
Some countries do not permit certain medications or certain medication amounts within their borders. As mentioned above, you may need to bring documentation, such as a travel letter or medical note, so it’s safest to check beforehand.
If you have any concerns about taking Mounjaro abroad, or your dosage when it comes to travelling, drop us an email and we can do our best to advise.
Staying on track
What happens if I have a dose change whilst I’m away?
When being treated with Mounjaro, you may be initially prescribed 2.5mg by your doctor, but this can be increased to a maximum maintenance dose of 15mg. You may be following a dosing schedule for Mounjaro and your doctor should advise you on how and when to change the dose (which is usually every 4 weeks).
If you’re in the middle of increasing your dose, you must make sure you plan ahead before you travel. Check that you have packed enough medication for your current dose, and the next higher dose.
If you’re uncertain about changing your dose when you’re away, find out more about Mounjaro dosage, or speak to a doctor or pharmacist before you go on your trip. If you usually get side effects after a dose increase and don’t want this to affect your holiday, speak with your doctor about staying on your current dose for longer, until you’re home. Don’t change doses without speaking with them first.
How do I keep on top of nutrition when away?
It is important to sustain a balanced diet when taking Mounjaro so that the treatment works effectively. When on holiday, or away from home, it is easy to slip out of routines, or perhaps be in situations where you may not be able to access your usual go-to foods.
So, when away, be mindful and sure to:
Avoid processed foods and sugars
Limit the amount of processed foods, drinks and sugar you consume (like fizzy drinks, crisps, biscuits, and so on). Instead, seek out a range of whole foods and protein (like meat, fish, dairy, whole grains, and so on).
Keep hydrated
Make sure to drink enough water on your travels to maintain proper hydration levels. This is also essential for weight loss.
Stay balanced
Ensure your meals have the necessary foods that make a balanced diet. Try to maintain your smaller portion sizes to support the effectiveness of your weight loss treatment. We recommend that you speak with a doctor or nutritionist about the best approach for this.
Plan ahead
Take a look at what sort of food will be available to you on your journey so that you can think ahead about what to eat. It’s also useful to pack healthy snacks in case you are hungry as you travel.
For more general guidance on nutrition and keeping a balanced diet, the NHS also provides information on eating well in their EatWell Guide.
How do I manage my exercise when away?
Mounjaro works better when following an exercise plan. Don’t worry, there are many ways you can keep on top of your physical fitness when travelling.
Pack some workout gear – take a workout outfit or even a yoga mat away with you, this way you’re already prepared to exercise, whether that’s by the pool, by your bedside, or in an on-site gym.
Make use of exercise videos – there are many online instructors that put together bitesize workouts you can do with just access to WiFi in the place you’re staying.
Sightseeing – getting out and exploring certainly counts as a workout, get those extra steps in.
Maintaining your exercise routine whilst away will protect your progress with Mounjaro. If you have any specific queries about exercising whilst taking Mounjaro, please contact us so we can give you personalised advice.
If you have any questions on the above or need any advice, please let us know.
Thanks for reading!
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