Traveling with Strensiq®
Prepare For a Trip
Storing and Traveling with Strensiq®
In general, Strensiq® should be kept refrigerated between 36°F and 46°F, or 2°C and 8°C (which is the standard temperature for most refrigerators) at all times.
NOTE: Before traveling, estimate travel time to ensure medication is kept at the appropriate temperature. Then, add another 3-4 hours to account for possible travel delays and the time it takes to get to the hotel fridge to maintain the correct temperature.
Select a Cooler
Not all coolers work the same or are created to maintain an optimal temperature for medication during travel. OneSource can provide a travel cooler if you do not already have one.
If purchasing a travel cooler, make sure to read the description of the case thoroughly to ensure it has been tested to keep items cool, and note the amount of time it maintains that cool temperature.
Packing Your Cooler
- When packing Strensiq®, place the box or container in a sealed plastic bag. This will keep them dry if there is condensation from the cold packs or ice.
- Pack at least one to two extra doses in case of unexpected delays or any other issues.
Consider a Test Run
To ensure proper temperature is maintained, it is strongly suggested you do a test run before your trip with vials (that you intend to throw away), syringes, and alcohol wipes. Make sure the cold packs have been in the freezer for at least 48 hours before the test run. Pack all the supplies and vials in the case (see below), then place either a refrigerator/freezer wireless digital thermometer or a regular digital refrigerator/freezer thermometer on top of the box of vials. Add the frozen pack to the pockets and close the case. Check the temperature every hour to confirm it is holding the desired temperature of 2°C to 8°C (36°F-46°F) for Strensiq®.
Other Items to
Consider Packing
- Extra needles and alcohol wipes
- Clean hand towel in a sealed plastic bag or container
- Small bottle of hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes
- Sharps container for used needles
- Small digital refrigerator/freezer thermometer
- Two or three spare sealed plastic bags
Security Considerations
- Notify the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) personnel or security agents that you are traveling with vial medication and needles.
- Have the cooler visible and show security agents.
- The impact of the TSA screening machine has not been tested on Strensiq; therefore, use your best judgment when traveling. Typically, security agents will hand-examine medications upon request.
Upon Arrival
- Before placing Strensiq in the refrigerator, wipe down the refrigerator’s handle and the shelf with sanitizing wipes to avoid bacteria from being transferred to the vials or syringes.
- Place the digital refrigerator/freezer thermometer in the refrigerator, and only when the correct temperature is reached, place the vial(s) inside. Take cold packs and place them in the extra-sealed plastic bag. If the room does not have a freezer, ask the front desk to store them in the hotel freezer. Clearly label all sealed plastic bags with your last name and room number.
- Place Strensiq in the clean and temperature-ready refrigerator. It is good practice to use a fresh towel (preferably yours from home) on any surface when preparing the syringes and vials to protect against bacteria. It is never recommended to put the syringes or vials (even with the caps on) on a hotel bathroom vanity or dresser top.
- A sturdy empty water bottle can be used as a simple way to dispose of syringes. Leave the container with the used syringes inside a checked bag and dispose appropriately when you return home. Beware, some hotels will fine you if they find them in the trash. For more information about proper disposal methods for sharps used outside of health care settings, visit www.stericycle.com or call (800) 643-1643.