When you’re heading out on a vacation, you should be thinking about fun, relaxation, and adventure.
But when that trip threatens to derail your weight loss progress, the prospect of some time away can quickly become very stressful.
As well as worries about staying comfortable while traveling, resisting new temptations, and keeping active. You might well be wondering if a vacation spells trouble for your weight loss medication.
Medications like liraglutide, semaglutide, and tirzepatide have been transformative for many people, but they depend on being taken regularly for an extended period. For lots of people that means sticking to a strict routine and being in a familiar space.
If you’re wondering whether your medication might cut your vacation short before it’s even started, read on.
Can I take a vacation from my medication?
Thinking about cool storage and injections might not feel very vacation-y. So you might be thinking about taking a break from your medication.
While there are no withdrawal symptoms to these medications, doctors advise against pausing the medication, especially if you’re a diabetic.
It’s important to bear in mind that, like many medications, GLP-1s stop working when you stop taking them. You’re likely to notice your appetite increase and food cravings return, and if you stop taking them for any extended period you might well start to put weight back on.
It could also lead to other health issues beyond regaining weight, like increasing blood sugar levels. Always speak to your healthcare team before making any changes to your medication.
Am I allowed to take it with me?
Liraglutide medications, like Saxenda, and semaglutide medications, like Wegovy, are safe to travel with. These GLP-1s are approved for travel on airplanes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Whether you are taking these as an anti-diabetic or as a weight loss management medication. They are OK to take on board, along with the injection pen, if you pack them in your carry-on and not your hold luggage.
If you’re taking tirzepatide treatments like Zepbound. You might need to provide a little extra information before you travel to get approval.
Other weight loss medications, including bupropion and naltrexone tablets like Contrave, are not approved for travel. So it’s always best to check with your travel provider before you go.
Is it safe to take it with me?
You should keep Wegovy and Saxenda refrigerated to ensure the active ingredients in the drugs stay effective.
When you’re at home, this is easy enough. But when you’re traveling it requires a little more thought both while you’re in transit and when you arrive at your final destination.
Studies have shown that vials of these medications can remain at temperatures up to 140 degrees. Fahrenheit for up to three days, or at room temperature for a week. But to keep them as effective as possible, they should be put back in the fridge as soon as you can.
So, while you generally won’t need to think about refrigeration while you’re traveling. Unless you are taking a lengthy tropical cruise. You should consider how hot it’s going to be when you get there and where you might be able to keep it.
If you’re heading out on a road trip, it’s sensible to keep your medication in an insulated bag with some cooling packs.
Taking a well-earned vacation is no reason to disrupt your weight loss progress. Prescription weight loss medication is fantastic when it comes to getting healthy, and they are safe to take with you pretty much anywhere.
Now, you can start planning your next adventure. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got vacation inspiration to suit every type of traveler.
