New Air Travel Safety Rules: How to Bring your Medications Along

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration recently updated their carry-on air travel requirements. The rule is dubbed "3-1-1 for carry-on" and dictates that all liquids must be:
  • In 3-ounce bottles
  • In 1 quart-size plastic bag
  • Only 1 bag per customer
Prescription medications, however, can exceed the size limit if, and only if, they are declared for inspection at the checkpoint.

Travel reminders from Kathy O’Hara, RN:

  • Carry your daily and rescue medication in its original packaging in your carry-on AND to avoid airport security restrictions or customs confiscation issues, carry a copy of your prescriptions with you and/or your doctor's instructions explaining the reason for your medications.
  • Carry emergency instructions explaining your condition and the steps to be taken in an emergency. A complete Seizure Preparedness Plan includes Plan-at-a-Glance Wallet Cards you can keep with you at all times.
  • If you have a vagus nerve stimulator (VNS), be sure to carry your patient emergency card when going through airport security.
  • Pack enough medication for the entire trip (and a little extra in case you find yourself stuck somewhere longer than you anticipated).
 
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

DIASTAT® AcuDial™ (diazepam rectal gel) is a gel formulation of diazepam intended for rectal administration in the management of selected, refractory patients with epilepsy, on stable regimens of AEDs, who require intermittent use of diazepam to control bouts of increased seizure activity for patients 2 years and older.

In clinical trials with DIASTAT®, the most frequent side effect was somnolence (23%). Less frequent adverse events reported were dizziness, headache, pain, vasodilation, diarrhea, ataxia, euphoria, incoordination, asthma, rash, abdominal pain, nervousness and rhinitis (1%-5%). Please see full DIASTAT AcuDial Prescribing Information.