Can you take weight loss injections on holiday? Yes, but careful planning is essential. Weight loss injections such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda) are prescription-only medicines in the UK, and travelling with them requires understanding both UK departure regulations and your destination country's import rules. You'll need a letter from your prescribing clinician, proper storage equipment to maintain medication efficacy, and awareness of airport security procedures. This guide covers UK regulations, storage requirements, airport security protocols, and managing your injection schedule whilst travelling, ensuring you can continue your treatment safely abroad.

Travelling with Weight Loss Injections: UK Regulations and Requirements

Weight loss injections, including GLP-1 receptor agonists such as semaglutide (Wegovy) and liraglutide (Saxenda), are prescription-only medicines in the UK regulated by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). When planning to travel with these medications, it is strongly recommended to understand both UK departure requirements and the regulations of your destination country. Before travelling, patients should obtain a letter from their prescribing clinician confirming the medical necessity of the injectable medication, the prescribed dose, and the duration of treatment. This letter should be printed on headed paper and include the prescriber's contact details and registration number.

The letter serves multiple purposes: it provides evidence to airport security and customs officials that you are carrying legitimate prescription medication, and it may be required by authorities in your destination country. According to GOV.UK guidance, essential medicines over 100ml are permitted in hand luggage with appropriate proof, though they will be subject to additional screening. Some nations have strict regulations regarding the importation of injectable medications, and certain countries may not recognise UK prescriptions or may classify these medications differently under their own pharmaceutical regulations. It is advisable to contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) at least four weeks before travel to confirm whether your medication is permitted and what documentation is required.

Patients should carry their weight loss injections in their original packaging with the pharmacy label clearly visible, showing their name, the medication name, dosage instructions, and the prescribing pharmacy details. Never transfer medications to unmarked containers, as this may raise concerns with security personnel. Additionally, ensure you have adequate supplies for the entire duration of your trip, plus a few extra doses in case of travel delays. Check your airline's specific policies regarding carrying sharps and cooling packs, as these may vary. It's also important to arrange appropriate travel insurance and a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) where applicable, declaring your medical conditions and medications to insurers.

How to Store Weight Loss Injections While on Holiday

Proper storage of weight loss injections is critical to maintain their efficacy and safety throughout your holiday. Most GLP-1 receptor agonists, including semaglutide and liraglutide, require refrigeration between 2°C and 8°C before first use. After first use, storage requirements vary by product: Wegovy (semaglutide) can be stored for up to 6 weeks at or below 30°C or in a refrigerator, while Saxenda (liraglutide) can be stored for up to 1 month at or below 30°C or in a refrigerator. Patients must consult the patient information leaflet for their particular medication to confirm exact storage requirements, as deviations from recommended conditions can render the medication ineffective or unsafe.

When travelling, consider investing in a medical-grade cooling case or insulin travel wallet specifically designed for injectable medications. These insulated containers often include cooling gel packs that maintain appropriate temperatures for several hours. Note that cooling packs exceeding 100ml may require supporting documentation at security checkpoints. If staying in accommodation with refrigeration facilities, store your medication in the main body of the refrigerator, away from the freezer compartment, as freezing will permanently damage the medication. Never store weight loss injections in checked luggage, as cargo holds can experience temperature extremes that compromise medication integrity.

For destinations with hot climates, plan your storage strategy carefully. If your accommodation lacks refrigeration, contact the hotel in advance to request access to a medical refrigerator or minibar. Some hotels can provide this service when informed of medical necessity. During day trips or excursions, keep your medication in a cool bag with ice packs, but ensure the injection pen does not come into direct contact with ice, as this may cause freezing. Always keep the pen cap on, protect from light, and never store with the needle attached. Monitor the temperature regularly, and if you suspect your medication has been exposed to inappropriate temperatures, do not use it. Instead, contact your prescribing clinician or local medical services for advice.

Airport Security and Carrying Injectable Medications Abroad

Navigating airport security with injectable medications requires preparation and awareness of current regulations. According to GOV.UK and UK Civil Aviation Authority guidance, passengers are permitted to carry essential medical items, including injectable medications and associated supplies, in hand luggage. Essential medicines over 100ml are allowed with appropriate proof (prescription label or doctor's letter), though they will be subject to additional screening. You must declare your medication at the security checkpoint and be prepared to provide supporting documentation, including your prescription letter and any relevant medical identification.

When packing for security screening, place your weight loss injections, needles, alcohol swipes, and sharps container in a clear, separate bag for easy inspection. Inform security officers that you are carrying prescription injectable medication before screening begins. Most airports have procedures for handling medical items sensitively and efficiently. Security personnel may request to inspect the medication and may use additional screening methods, but they should not ask you to demonstrate injection or open sealed packaging unnecessarily.

For international travel, regulations vary considerably between countries. Some countries require advance notification or special permits for importing injectable medications, particularly those containing controlled substances or requiring refrigeration. Research your destination's specific requirements well in advance, as some nations may require translated documentation or additional medical certification.

Always carry a travel sharps disposal container for used needles, as improper disposal is both a safety hazard and may be illegal in some jurisdictions. Do not assume that airports provide medical waste disposal facilities; instead, ask cabin crew or airport medical services about proper disposal options. Never dispose of needles in regular waste bins or leave them in hotel rooms. If you need to administer your injection during a flight, inform cabin crew beforehand, as they can provide assistance and ensure appropriate disposal. Most airlines accommodate passengers with medical needs, but advance notification allows them to prepare adequately and may result in more comfortable arrangements for administering your medication privately.

Managing Your Weight Loss Injection Schedule During Travel

Maintaining your weight loss injection schedule whilst travelling across time zones or during disrupted routines requires careful planning to ensure therapeutic consistency and minimise side effects. Most weight loss injections are administered weekly, which offers some flexibility compared to daily medications. However, patients should aim to maintain their regular injection day and time as closely as possible. If your usual injection day falls during travel, plan ahead to identify a suitable time and private location for administration, whether at your accommodation, in an airport medical facility, or even during a flight if necessary.

When crossing multiple time zones, follow the product-specific guidance in your medication's Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). For semaglutide (Wegovy), according to the MHRA-approved SmPC, if you miss a dose and it has been 5 days or less since the missed dose was due, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. For liraglutide (Saxenda), which is a daily injection, if you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 12 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If the next scheduled dose is less than 12 hours away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

Travel often disrupts normal eating patterns, which can interact with weight loss medications that affect appetite and gastric emptying. GLP-1 receptor agonists commonly cause nausea, particularly when combined with rich, unfamiliar foods or alcohol consumption. During your holiday, be mindful of portion sizes and avoid excessive alcohol, as these medications slow gastric emptying and may intensify feelings of fullness or discomfort. Stay well hydrated, particularly in hot climates or during long flights, as dehydration can exacerbate side effects.

If you miss two or more consecutive doses, contact your prescriber as you may need to step down and re-titrate to reduce gastrointestinal adverse effects. Be alert to warning signs that require urgent medical attention, including severe abdominal pain (especially if radiating to the back, which could indicate pancreatitis), persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration. Keep a record of your injection dates and times during travel, and consider setting reminders on your mobile device to help maintain consistency. Should you experience any concerning symptoms or have questions about your medication schedule during your holiday, seek advice from local medical services or contact your UK prescribing clinician, who can provide guidance remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions