Travelling with Weight Loss Pens: Prescription and Storage

May 21, 2025 Weight Loss

Are you heading abroad or perhaps planning a staycation this summer? If you’re using injectable weight loss treatments like Mounjaro or Wegovy (commonly referred to as “skinny jabs”), planning ahead is essential to keep your medication safe and effective while on the move.

As well as knowing how to store your pens, you need to be up to date on how to navigate airport security and any rules and regulations for the place you are visiting. We’ve put together this handy guide to travelling with weight loss pens.

Understanding Travel Regulations for Injectable Medications

Before you pack your injectable weight loss pens, it’s important to understand the rules around flying with medication, especially those involving needles and temperature-sensitive products.

According to UK Government guidelines, essential medicines can be carried in your hand luggage, even if they exceed the *100ml liquid restriction. However, you must:

Bring proof of prescription (or a letter from your doctor).
Declare your medication at security.
Keep your pens in clearly labelled, original packaging.

Before heading to the airport, make sure you double-check to see if any additional rules have been introduced, and leave plenty of time to get through security.

*These rules changed in June 2024, however, some airports were given an extension, so please check the current rules in advance.

Contacting Your Travel Agent About Medication Requirements

If you're booking with a travel agent or a package holiday provider, let them know you’ll be travelling with injectable weight loss medications. They can:

Inform you about airline-specific policies.
Advise on in-flight storage options.
Help you request refrigeration at your hotel.

Travel agents may also be able to flag your requirements with airlines or resorts in advance, helping you avoid delays or misunderstandings during your trip. One of the benefits of having a travel agent on board is that they navigate these things all the time. It is their job to be up to date with current rules, or to know who to ask if unsure.

Getting a Travel Copy of Your Mounjaro or Wegovy Prescription

To avoid customs or airport staff issues, ask your prescriber or pharmacy for a travel-friendly prescription or doctor’s note.

This should clearly state:

Your full name and date of birth.
The name(s) of your medication (e.g. Mounjaro or Wegovy).
Dosage instructions.
Why it’s medically necessary.

A digital or printed copy (or both for safety) should be kept with your travel documents.

How to Store Your Injectable Pens During Travel

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy need to be kept refrigerated (between 2°C and 8°C) but must not be frozen. Once in use, they can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for a limited time. Check your patient information/product leaflet that comes with your weight loss injections for details. Medications that are not properly stored can be ineffective, and spoiled medications can increase the risk of side effects.

Storage tips:

Use a medical travel cooler or an insulated medication bag.
Include a thermometer to monitor internal temperature.
Keep pens in their original packaging to avoid damage.

Airport Security: What to Expect When Travelling with Injections

Security checkpoints are often a source of anxiety for travellers with medication. Be prepared to:

Declare your injectable weight loss medication.
Present your prescription and doctor’s letter.
Keep your pens and pen needles in a separate, clearly labelled bag.

It’s helpful to store them in a transparent travel pouch to make inspection easier. You are also allowed to carry sharps (e.g. pen needles) with proper documentation. This pocket sharps container is a great option for using weight loss injections (“skinny jabs”) when away from home.

Keeping Your Medication Cool: Tips for Hot Climates and Long Flights

When travelling to warmer destinations or spending hours on a plane, the risk of heat exposure becomes a real concern.

Tips for keeping weight loss pens cool:

Use ice packs or gel coolers (check to make sure they meet airline liquid regulations).
Avoid storing pens in overhead bins or checked baggage.
Keep medication close to you in your carry-on.

Consider investing in a medication travel fridge or cooling pouch for high-temperature destinations.

Travelling Internationally: Researching Country-Specific Rules

Every country has different rules for travelling with medication, including rules for bringing medication through customs. Some may require:

Import permits for prescription meds.
Original packaging and full prescriptions.
Advance notification of injectable devices.

Top tip: Check with the embassy or official government site of your destination at least 4 weeks in advance to ensure you have what you need. Again, your travel agent may be able to help with this.

Hotel Stays: Ensuring Safe Storage for Your Injections

Upon checking into your hotel, ask reception if your room includes a mini-fridge or whether refrigeration is available at the front desk or kitchen.

Store your pen in a clean plastic bag to avoid contamination, and don’t forget to retrieve it when you leave.

Always label your medication in case it’s stored communally or in staff fridges.

Road Trips Travel: Managing Your Medication On the Go

Travelling by car gives you a bit more control over storage, but you still need to be careful.

Tips for road trips with injectable medication:

Store your pen in a cool box or insulated bag.
Avoid glove compartments and dashboards as they get hot fast.
Take regular breaks in the shade if you're travelling during hot weather.

Staying Consistent with Your Dosage Schedule While Travelling

Whether you’re crossing time zones or just adjusting to a new routine, it’s essential to stay on schedule with your injections. Missing a dose could impact your weight loss progress.

Strategies to stay on track:

Set alarms in your phone or smartwatch.
Use a medication reminder app.
Carry a printed dosage tracker.

For time zone changes, try to stick to your home schedule if the difference is small. For larger time changes, speak to your prescriber for guidance on how to safely adjust dose times.