We were totally in the dark when it came to keeping meds cool for travel, especially for extended timeframes.
For my son's trip to Japan, we had no real idea how long he would need to maintain a cool temperature for his meds. So . . . a few weeks before he traveled, we carefully wrapped his pens and did test runs by packing 18 packages of his very expensive meds into a Yeti cooler, to check spacing for his meds, and as much ice as possible. Once we got the space figured out, we removed the pens and focused on how long the ice would last; we were hoping for about 24 hours . . .
We made ice packs using heavy resealable food-safe silicone pouches, filled with water and frozen. We packed everything close together and added an app-based digital thermometer to monitor the temps using his phone; this was to minimize the number of times he needed to check the temp inside the Yeti. We found that opening the Yeti even for a quick check had an effect on the inside temperature. As luck would have it, the cooler was small enough to carry onto the plane - he was prepared by having his Rx at hand but no questions were asked by the airline.
After several attempts to pack, seal, and monitor the cooler, we had it down pat. Results: His meds were still cool after a harrowing 36-hour trek: the 15+ hour
flight, going the wrong way on the wrong train, finding his hotel . . . ! Once he arrived and was without sufficient refrigeration for a bit, he added ice (readily available) to the silicone packs and had peace of mind.
The good part is that with Tymlos, you will likely only have one or two pens with you, so you won't need a picnic-sized Yeti like we did. This method will work, I'm sure, for car travel as well.
Also, although we have not tested it, we purchased a water-activated reusable insulin pen case that has cooling beads inside - they are made by Frio (Cooling Products) - purchased online, easily obtained and waaaay cheaper than a Yeti. The package states that the case will keep meds at 78.8F for up to 45 hours. Although I used Tymlos, the pens are long since gone or I would be happy to measure the Frio to see if the Tymlos pens would fit. I think the carrier was about $35-$40 and holds two pens.
A lot of blah blah blah info, I know, but I hope you can use some part of it. Happy and safe travels!!! Cheers!
I just ordered an insulin small case for travel that holds freezer inserts because I need a way to store my Tymlos pen during our 5 day trip. The mandated temperature storage range is 68-77F. I cannot figure out how to keep the pen within that precise range much less measure the temperature. Help!! I so appreciate the members of this community.
I did not travel with my Tymlos pens, but I wrote an extensive narrative about our son traveling to Japan with Humira - a 36-hour ordeal from door to door, Pennsylvania to Tokyo. I’m not sure you’ll need the elaborate set-up we did for our son, so I’ll offer a few suggestions.
Depending on your method of travel, you might be able to pack a small insulated lunch bag with your pen and some (frozen) ice packs. I chose some silicone resealable bags as they can be filled with ice from a hotel or 7-11 ice machine to use for the return trip in the event you don’t have access to a freezer. I would likely also wrap the pen in a resealable plastic bag.
Our son also purchased a thermometer with an app that enabled him to monitor the temp inside the cooler using his phone (he used a Yeti cooler because he was transporting a larger quantity of meds) without opening the lid and “wasting” the cold air. I think the brand name was Govee, available on Amazon. I’m in no way recommending these products specifically, but they worked well for our situation. The thermometer also takes the guesswork as to whether or not the Tymlos is at the correct temp.
Also, early on in his treatment, I purchased a Frio Duo cooling case that holds two pens and meant for insulin travel. There is no ice required - the pack is submerged in water which provides a cooling reaction. The manufacturer claims that the packs will keep meds at “78.8 for up to 45 hours in a constant outside temperature of 100 degrees F”. It is reusable - re-soak and go. I think the double pack cost about $30 a few years ago. I have not personally used the Frio.
I hope this helps you with your travel plans. Our son has used his Yeti on occasions where he had no power (earthquakes) and has done very well. The best to you as you navigate traveling with Tymlos. Cheers!
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This is the thermos I use. The gel pack cannot get to freezing temp, so it cannot freeze the medication, which is why it is a gel, not water.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPSFHGHL?ref=ppx_pop_dt_b_product_details&th=1
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2 ReactionsI just ordered an insulin small case for travel that holds freezer inserts because I need a way to store my Tymlos pen during our 5 day trip. The mandated temperature storage range is 68-77F. I cannot figure out how to keep the pen within that precise range much less measure the temperature. Help!! I so appreciate the members of this community.
Hi susanjohnston,
I did not travel with my Tymlos pens, but I wrote an extensive narrative about our son traveling to Japan with Humira - a 36-hour ordeal from door to door, Pennsylvania to Tokyo. I’m not sure you’ll need the elaborate set-up we did for our son, so I’ll offer a few suggestions.
Depending on your method of travel, you might be able to pack a small insulated lunch bag with your pen and some (frozen) ice packs. I chose some silicone resealable bags as they can be filled with ice from a hotel or 7-11 ice machine to use for the return trip in the event you don’t have access to a freezer. I would likely also wrap the pen in a resealable plastic bag.
Our son also purchased a thermometer with an app that enabled him to monitor the temp inside the cooler using his phone (he used a Yeti cooler because he was transporting a larger quantity of meds) without opening the lid and “wasting” the cold air. I think the brand name was Govee, available on Amazon. I’m in no way recommending these products specifically, but they worked well for our situation. The thermometer also takes the guesswork as to whether or not the Tymlos is at the correct temp.
Also, early on in his treatment, I purchased a Frio Duo cooling case that holds two pens and meant for insulin travel. There is no ice required - the pack is submerged in water which provides a cooling reaction. The manufacturer claims that the packs will keep meds at “78.8 for up to 45 hours in a constant outside temperature of 100 degrees F”. It is reusable - re-soak and go. I think the double pack cost about $30 a few years ago. I have not personally used the Frio.
I hope this helps you with your travel plans. Our son has used his Yeti on occasions where he had no power (earthquakes) and has done very well. The best to you as you navigate traveling with Tymlos. Cheers!