Watch above: Saskatoon pharmacist Kelly Kizlyk looks at some of the medicines people should be packing when taking off on a warm winter getaway.
SASKATOON – It’s the time of year when many Canadians are heading off to warmer climates. But you may not always have easy access to some common medications where you are going.
“It’s a good idea to be prepared before you go away,” said Kelly Kizlyk, a pharmacist in Saskatoon, “especially if you’re travelling to the weird and wonderful places, a little off the beaten path, make sure you plan well in advance.”
You can start, she said, by checking out what kind of travel vaccines you might need – such as anti malaria medications. Kizlyk advises checking out websites like Health Canada, or CDC (Centers for Disease Control).
“Some of the malaria medications, it might take your pharmacy a little bit of time to get those in stock,” she said, “so you can’t go in on a Friday with your plane leaving Saturday and expect to be fully ready.”
Another big one, she said, is travel insurance. And if you have allergies and need to bring an epipen or other prescription products, proper labeling can be crucial.
“When you’re travelling with prescription medications … if it’s an injectable product, have a copy of your original prescription,” she said. “Keep everything in prescription bottles with the prescription on it, just so it’s easily identifiable”
She also recommends standard pain relief products like Tylenol or Advil, and a sinus medication.
“When you’re in and out of pools and oceans, you never know when you might pick up something in your sinuses, and travelling with a sinus infection – those airplane rides, not pleasant,” she said.
Another important product is an allergy medication.
“Good to have in case of an allergic reaction, also good for itchiness,” she said. “And it doubles as a sleep medication – the same active ingredient as in the sleep medication”
Other products she recommends are sun tan lotion, bug spray, and something to relieve sunburn.
Also – something for stomach problems.
“You can take some travelers’ diarrhea medication from your doctor if you choose to do that, there’s also over the counter products – I like gravol just as an anti-nauseant, Pepto Bismol is good to travel with,” she said.
And finally she said its important to make sure the medications are going to be easily accessible.
“Take it with you on your carry on,” said Kizlyk, “In case luggage goes missing, at least you have your supplies.”
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