The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. For individuals taking medications, however, it can also present unique challenges. In this article, we'll explore essential tips for traveling with medications, address medication-specific concerns, and provide guidance on navigating interactions between medications and holiday indulgences.
Traveling with medications
Pack smart
When embarking on holiday travels, it's crucial to pack medications in your carry-on bag to ensure accessibility in case checked luggage is delayed or lost. All medications should be in their original packaging and clearly labeled. Remember to carry enough medication and necessary supplies to cover your trip, including extra medication for unexpected delays.
Storing insulin and other injectable products
For insulin users, proper storage is paramount. When traveling, be aware of the temperature and the amount of time since the product was opened. Unopened insulin belongs in the refrigerator, while opened or unopened vials/pens can be left unrefrigerated between 59°F and 86°F for 28- 56 days. Ask your pharmacist for specifics on the insulin product you use. Extreme temperatures can decrease effectiveness. Use ice packs cautiously, avoiding freezing, and do not use insulin that has been frozen.
GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP medications (Wegovy, Ozempic, Victoza, Mounjaro, Trulicity, Saxenda) have similar temperature guidelines for storage of unopened products. These medications may be left at room temperature for the following days, after which you should discard any unused pens.
- Trulicity: 14 days
- Mounjaro: 21 days
- Ozempic: 56 days
- Wegovy: 28 days
- Victoza/Saxenda: 30 days
Timing doses across different time zones
When traveling across time zones, consult your healthcare provider about adjusting medication timing. For short-term changes, set alarms to stay on schedule. Mealtime medications and insulin should generally align with meals, and daily doses should maintain consistency when possible. If staying in a new time zone for extended periods, adjust your dosing to your new schedule.
Resources for traveling with diabetes medications
Visit the ADA website for diabetes-specific travel information and the TSA website for details on traveling with medications. The latter offers a dropdown menu providing insights into managing insulin pumps and glucose monitors during your journey.
Interactions between medications and food
Alcohol and diabetes medications
During the holidays, we are more likely to consume alcohol. Alcohol interacts with pain relievers, sedatives, and other medications for depression or anxiety. These interactions can lead to increased sedative effects and toxicity. The most immediate concern with alcohol and diabetes is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. Insulin and sulfonylureas (glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide) have the highest risk of severe lows when taken with alcoholic beverages. Drinking in moderation and consuming alcohol around meals is recommended, in addition to staying hydrated.
For additional information, see our other posts:
Can I drink alcohol with diabetes?
Can I drink alcohol with metformin?
Holiday feasting with GLP-1 medications
During the holidays, we are more likely to eat larger and high-fat meals, which can worsen glucose control, but for those taking GLP-1 or GLP-1/GIP medications, these types of meals can also worsen side effects significantly. These medications increase insulin release from your pancreas, slow down digestion, and make you feel full quicker. For some people, the medication’s actions cause nausea, bloating, and either diarrhea or constipation. Large meals and those with higher fat content can further slow digestion and worsen these side effects.
For more information, check out the article: Eating while taking a GLP-1 medication.
Holiday parties and family gatherings
As we gather with friends and family over the holidays, it is important to remember that close contact increases your risk of catching a cold or other virus. If you need to treat these symptoms, remember there are interactions between OTC cough and cold products and medications used to treat your diabetes and high blood pressure. Products that contain decongestants (pseudoephedrine) can increase your blood pressure and should be avoided if possible. If you prefer syrup or liquid formulations, choose sugar-free and alcohol-free products. In general, cough suppressants (dextromethorphan), expectorants (guaifenesin), and antihistamines are thought to be safe. You can always ask your pharmacist if you are unsure what is safe.
Forgot your insulin to cover your meal?
If you find yourself at a restaurant or gathering without your mealtime insulin, don't worry—there are steps you can take to manage your blood sugar. First, try to choose options that are lower in carbohydrates to help minimize the impact on your blood sugar levels. When you return home and have access to your insulin, check your blood sugar. If it is higher than your target range, consider giving a correction dose to bring it back to a healthy level. However, do not give yourself the mealtime insulin for the carbohydrates that you missed earlier, as this could lead to low blood sugar.
Safe prescription medication storage
During gatherings, be conscientious about the safe storage of your medications. It is tempting to keep medication and injections that you take around meals close at hand, but it is important to guard against accidental ingestion or injection by children. Store medications securely to prevent potential dangers.
Have a happy, healthy holiday season
As you embark on your holiday journey, armed with these tips, remember that planning and awareness can make all the difference. By prioritizing medication safety, understanding interactions, and navigating festive gatherings with care, you can fully enjoy the holiday season while managing your diabetes effectively.
If you are interested in learning more about how to manage your medications for diabetes during the holidays, reach out to our Care Team pharmacists. They can help you develop a plan and goals for how to safely manage your medications.
