How to Avoid Most Uncomfortable Situations While Traveling With HGHD

Most will agree that travel, for leisure or otherwise, is big business. To put this into perspective, we need only take a look at a study published by Statista, a trusted online resource for market and consumer data. The study revealed that the global airline industry transported 4.54 billion passengers to their respective destinations in 2019. For even greater context, it helps to take a look at statistical data from just one year prior. According to the International Air Transport Association (Iata), 4.4 billion passengers flew to domestic and international destinations in 2018, marking a 6.9 percent year-over-year increase since 2017.

Unfortunately, air travel today looks considerably different compared to past years as the travel industry, in general, all but came to a grinding halt during the first quarter of 2020 due to the global coronavirus pandemic. However, as more countries lift travel bans that were previously in place, along with many airlines stepping up their efforts to improve passenger safety, more people are feeling confident about taking to the friendly skies once again. Of course, there are a few things they should know before they go about booking their tickets.

Avoiding Uncomfortable Situations While Traveling

Air travel in 2020 is a peculiar mix of both old and new requirements. For example, even before the pandemic, most travelers were aware that certain items had to be put into checked luggage and that some couldn't be brought on an aircraft at all. Most also fully expected to go through airport screening before they could reach the gate for their chosen airline. In 2020, these requirements are still in place; however, a few new ones have been added in that passengers are now required to wear face masks, practice social distancing, and sanitize their hands frequently.

That aside, travelers and the global airline industry don't seem to have a problem with these newly implemented safety measures since they help prevent the spread of the coronavirus while allowing travelers to get to their destinations and for the airlines to turn a profit. It is worth noting that complying with these old and new requirements goes a long way toward preventing travel delays and uncomfortable situations as we move toward the final quarter of 2020.

Traveling With Medication

For those who are thinking about traveling in the next few months and are on medication, you have a few more things to take into consideration alongside those already mentioned so far. And this is especially true for individuals traveling with human growth hormone (HGH) medications, such as Humatrope (by Eli Lilly). The requirements for traveling with medications of any kind are determined by airline carriers, drug manufacturers, and, for international flights, immigration officials.

As a matter of reference, a study published by the National Institutes of Health found that 58 percent of 13,000 surveyed travelers take one or more prescription-based medications daily, including growth hormone drugs that must be kept at a specific temperature to remain effective. That said, travelers carrying growth hormones and other prescription medications should expect to undergo additional screenings before they are allowed to board their flights.

What You Should Know About Boarding a Flight With Prescription Growth Hormone Medications

Similar to other medications, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows travelers to bring growth hormone medications onboard an aircraft provided that they have undergone a screening process first. The TSA notes that these medications will have to go through an x-ray device or undergo a visual inspection. Additionally, passengers may be required to present a valid prescription from a licensed physician. Not surprisingly, all of these processes can delay check-in time; therefore, travelers are encouraged to plan accordingly. Now, let's take a closer look at traveling with prescription-based growth hormone medications specifically.

One of the most commonly prescribed GH medications that many passengers bring with them is Norditropin. This medication, which is administered via a pen injector device, must be refrigerated before being used for the first time. According to the drug manufacturer, it should be kept at temperatures between 36 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. That in mind, passengers will want to make sure to refrigerate the amount of medication they will need for their trip the night before. However, the injector pens can remain in temperatures up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit after their initial use for up to 3 weeks. However, the injector pens can remain in temperatures up to 77 degrees Fahrenheit after their initial use for up to 3 weeks.

It may also be a good idea to research the average temperature for your travel destination as outside temperatures that are too hot or too cold can adversely affect these medications. These parameters and general recommendations apply to not only Norditropin but also many other human growth hormone medications.

Additional Things That Can Make Traveling With HGH Medications Easier for Passengers

A few more things that passengers can do to make traveling with human growth hormone medication an easier endeavor include the following:

Anticipating communication problems - For those traveling internationally, there is a chance of encountering communication problems while going through immigration. That said, it may be a good idea to download a translation app on your smartphone. Additionally, you will want to familiarize yourself with local customs and traditions associated with your travel destination.

Continue taking your medication as prescribed - Most human growth hormone medications, including Norditropin, require 5-daily injections to normalize and maintain healthy GH levels. And there is a good chance you will be onboard the aircraft when the time comes to use your injector pen to administer your injection. To avoid feeling self-conscious when having to take your medication, consider using the bathroom on the plane or in the airport terminal for a little privacy.

Bottom Line

In summary, if you need to take growth hormones or any other prescription medication for that matter, it doesn't mean that you have to forgo traveling for business or leisure. Furthermore, it doesn't mean that you can have fun on your trip. However, it is in your best interest to make sure you have everything in order before arriving at the airport.