Travelling with weight loss injections such as semaglutide (Wegovy) or liraglutide (Saxenda) requires careful planning to maintain medication safety and treatment continuity. These GLP-1 receptor agonists are temperature-sensitive biological medications that must be stored correctly and transported in compliance with UK and international regulations. Whether you're travelling domestically or abroad, understanding storage requirements, airport security procedures, and documentation needs is essential. This guide provides practical advice on preparing your injections for travel, managing your dosing schedule across time zones, and ensuring you have the necessary prescriptions and supporting documentation to travel safely with your weight loss medication.

Preparing Your Weight Loss Injections for Travel

Travelling with weight loss injections such as semaglutide (Wegovy) or liraglutide (Saxenda) requires careful advance planning to ensure medication safety and treatment continuity. These GLP-1 receptor agonists are temperature-sensitive biological medications that must be handled appropriately throughout your journey.

Before departure, take the following essential steps:

• Contact your prescribing GP or specialist at least 2–3 weeks before travel to discuss your plans and obtain necessary documentation

• Request a detailed prescription letter on headed paper, including generic and brand names, dosage, administration route, and your prescriber's contact details

• Check you have sufficient medication supply for your entire trip, plus at least one week extra in case of travel delays

• Verify the medication's expiry date—do not travel with injections nearing expiration

• Carry your doctor's letter and original prescription when travelling internationally

Purchase an appropriate insulated travel case or cooling wallet specifically designed for injectable medications. These are available from pharmacies and diabetes supply retailers. Storage requirements vary by product: Saxenda can be stored below 30°C or refrigerated after first use and must be discarded after 1 month, while Wegovy has specific storage requirements detailed in its patient information leaflet.

Prepare a small medical kit containing alcohol wipes, spare needles (if applicable), a travel sharps disposal container, and basic first aid supplies. Keep all medications in their original packaging with pharmacy labels clearly visible. Never transfer injections to unmarked containers, as this may cause issues at security checkpoints and could compromise medication identification in emergencies. Protect medications from light and never use if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured or contains particles.

Research sharps disposal arrangements at your destination before travelling. Photograph your prescription and store it digitally as backup documentation.

Storing Weight Loss Injections During Your Journey

Proper storage of weight loss injections during travel is critical to maintain medication efficacy and safety. GLP-1 receptor agonists are protein-based medications that degrade when exposed to temperature extremes, potentially rendering them ineffective.

Storage requirements differ depending on whether your pen is unopened or in use:

Unopened pens must be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C until first use. When travelling, store these in an insulated medical cooling bag with ice packs or cooling gel packs. Avoid direct contact between ice packs and medication pens by wrapping pens in a cloth or placing them in a separate compartment. Never allow pens to freeze, as this permanently damages the medication—frozen pens must be discarded.

Once opened, storage requirements are product-specific. For Saxenda, after first use the pen can be stored below 30°C or refrigerated and must be discarded after 1 month. For Wegovy, follow the specific storage instructions in the patient information leaflet for permitted out-of-fridge duration. Always check your specific product's patient information leaflet for exact guidance. During warm weather or travel to hot climates, continue using a cooling wallet to prevent exposure to excessive heat.

During your journey:

• Never pack injections in checked luggage, where temperatures in aircraft holds can drop below freezing or rise excessively

• Keep medications in your hand luggage at all times, maintaining visual contact

• Use a validated insulated wallet with cooling packs rather than relying on aircraft refrigerators, which may not be available or could risk freezing your medication

• If you need refrigeration during a long flight, check with your airline in advance about their policy

• Avoid leaving medications in parked vehicles, where temperatures can rapidly become extreme

• At your destination, immediately transfer medications to a refrigerator or continue using your cooling case

Before each injection, check that the solution is clear, colourless and free from particles. If you suspect your medication has been exposed to inappropriate temperatures, do not use it. Contact a local pharmacist or your prescribing clinician for advice, as compromised medication may be ineffective.

Airport Security and Carrying Prescription Medications

Navigating airport security with injectable medications can seem daunting, but understanding UK and international regulations ensures a smooth experience. The Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority permit passengers to carry essential prescription medications, including injections and associated supplies, in hand luggage.

UK airport security regulations allow:

• Prescription injectable medications in reasonable quantities for your trip duration

• Needles and syringes when accompanied by documented medical need

• Cooling packs and insulated bags for temperature-sensitive medications

• Small travel sharps disposal containers (check with your specific airline and airport for their policies)

When approaching security, proactively inform officers that you are carrying prescription injections. Present your prescription letter and any supporting documentation. Keep medications in a clear, accessible bag separate from other belongings to facilitate inspection. Security staff may request to examine your medications and cooling equipment—this is standard procedure and not cause for concern.

Liquid cooling packs and gel packs are generally permitted for medical purposes, even if they exceed the standard 100ml liquid restriction. However, regulations vary internationally, so verify requirements for your destination country well in advance. Some nations have stricter regulations or require advance notification for certain medications.

For international travel:

• Research destination country regulations regarding importation of injectable medications through embassy websites or official customs information

• Carry documentation in English and the local language if travelling to non-English-speaking countries

• Keep medications in original packaging with visible pharmacy labels throughout your journey

• Check the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for your destination

Always allow extra time at security checkpoints when carrying medical supplies, particularly during busy travel periods. If you experience any adverse effects from your medication while travelling, report them through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme upon your return to the UK.

Managing Your Injection Schedule Across Time Zones

Maintaining your weight loss injection schedule when crossing time zones requires thoughtful planning to ensure consistent medication levels whilst minimising disruption to your treatment regimen. Most weight loss injections are administered weekly (such as Wegovy) or daily (such as Saxenda), and timing adjustments may be necessary during travel.

For weekly injections (e.g., semaglutide/Wegovy):

According to the Wegovy SmPC, the injection should be administered on the same day each week. If necessary, you can change the day of your weekly administration as long as the time between two doses is at least 3 days (>72 hours). After selecting a new day, continue with the once-weekly dosing on that day.

If you miss a dose and more than 5 days have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. If you miss more than 2 consecutive doses, consult your prescriber as you may need to restart at a lower dose.

Record your injection timing carefully and set reminders on your mobile phone adjusted to your destination time zone to avoid missing doses. If you are uncertain about timing adjustments, contact your prescribing clinician before travel for personalised guidance.

For daily injections (e.g., liraglutide/Saxenda):

According to the Saxenda SmPC, the injection should be taken at approximately the same time each day. If you miss a dose and more than 12 hours have passed since your usual time, skip that dose and take your next dose at the usual time the following day. Do not take an extra dose or increase the dose on the following day to make up for the missed dose.

A practical approach when travelling across time zones is to gradually adjust your injection time by 1–2 hours per day in the days leading up to travel, aligning with your destination time zone before departure.

Important safety considerations:

• Never double dose to compensate for a missed injection

• If you miss doses, follow the specific guidance in your medication's patient information leaflet

• Monitor for any unusual symptoms when adjusting timing

• Discuss a personalised plan with your prescriber before travel if you're concerned about managing your schedule

Travel Documentation and Prescriptions for Weight Loss Medications

Comprehensive documentation is essential when travelling with prescription weight loss injections, both for legal compliance and to facilitate medical care if needed whilst abroad. Inadequate documentation may result in medications being confiscated at borders or difficulties accessing healthcare services during your trip.

Essential documentation includes:

Prescription letter: Request a detailed letter from your GP or prescribing specialist on official headed paper. This should include your full name and date of birth, medication name (both generic and brand), strength and dosage, administration route and frequency, duration of treatment, and prescriber's name, contact details, and professional registration number. The letter should explicitly state that the medication is for personal use and medically necessary.

Pharmacy labels: Ensure all medication packaging displays clear pharmacy labels with your name, medication details, and dispensing pharmacy information. Never remove or obscure these labels during travel.

Travel insurance documentation: Inform your travel insurance provider that you are travelling with prescription medications and declare any pre-existing conditions. Confirm your policy covers loss, theft, or damage to medications, and understand the claims process. Keep receipts for any medication purchases to support potential claims.

Schengen Area travel: If travelling within the Schengen Area with controlled drugs for up to 30 days, you may need to complete a Schengen certificate. While weight loss injections are not typically controlled substances, verify requirements for your specific medication and destination. For longer stays, you may need an import licence or authority from the destination country.

Additional practical steps:

• Carry copies of all documentation separately from originals

• Store digital copies securely in cloud storage or email them to yourself

• Note the contact details of your prescribing clinician and local pharmacy

• Research local pharmacies and medical facilities at your destination in case you require assistance

• Consult the destination country's embassy website and FCDO travel advice for specific medicine importation rules

• Consider carrying translations of your documentation if travelling to non-English-speaking countries

• If travelling long-term, investigate whether you can obtain prescription refills abroad—this typically requires consultation with a local physician

Should you lose or damage your medication whilst abroad, contact your travel insurance provider immediately and seek advice from a local healthcare professional. Your prescription documentation will be essential for obtaining replacement medication. In emergencies, the British Embassy or Consulate can provide guidance on accessing medical care, though they cannot supply medications directly.

Frequently Asked Questions