Wegovy® (semaglutide) is a medication prescribed for weight management, often used by individuals looking to control their weight under medical supervision. Understanding how to travel with Wegovy® is crucial for maintaining your treatment regimen without interruption, ensuring your health and well-being are prioritised even while on the move.
Navigating airports with Wegovy® can introduce potential challenges such as medication storage requirements, security screenings, and maintaining a consistent treatment schedule amidst changing time zones. This guide aims to provide essential tips for anyone looking to travel with Wegovy®, addressing common concerns and offering practical advice to ensure your journey is stress-free and your medication management is seamless.
Understanding Travel Requirements for Wegovy®
- Temperature Control: Wegovy® pens must be refrigerated (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C) before their first use. However, they can be stored at room temperature (46°F to 86°F / 8°C to 30°C) for up to 28 days if needed. Ensure you maintain these temperature ranges during travel.
- Carry-On Luggage: Always pack your Wegovy® pens in your carry-on luggage. Checked baggage compartments can experience extreme temperature fluctuations that could damage your medication.
- Prescription and Doctor's Note: Carry a copy of your Wegovy® prescription and a doctor's note explaining your medical need for the medication. This will streamline security checks and address any concerns about carrying injectable medications.
Read more: Switching from Saxenda to Wegovy: Your Weight Loss Guide
Storage Options During Travel
- Cooler Bags or Thermal Pouches: Invest in a small, insulated cooler bag or thermal pouch specifically designed for carrying medication. These maintain stable temperatures and protect your Wegovy® pens during transit.
- Portable Refrigerators: For extended trips where consistent refrigeration is necessary, consider a mini travel fridge. These portable options often have car adapters or battery operation, making them convenient for various modes of travel.
Navigating Airport Security
- Declare Your Medication: If you are travelling to the USA then Inform TSA agents that you're carrying prescription medication in your carry-on luggage. Your Wegovy® pens and any accompanying supplies may need additional screening.
- Original Packaging: Keep your Wegovy® in its original packaging with the prescription label visible. This aids in quick identification by airport security personnel.
Travelling During Dose Changes
If you're in the middle of increasing your Wegovy® dose, it's crucial to plan ahead. Pack enough medication for your current dose, as well as the next higher dose that you'll need during your trip. This ensures you don't miss any injections. Always follow storage guidelines for your medication. Example: If you're currently on a 1mg dose and travelling for two weeks, pack enough 1mg Wegovy® for the first week, and start packing your 1.7mg dose for the second week of your trip.
Wegovy® Dose Escalation Table
| Weeks | Weekly Dose |
| Weeks 1-4 | 0.25 mg |
| Weeks 5-8 | 0.5 mg |
| Weeks 9-12 | 1 mg |
| Weeks 13-16 | 1.7 mg |
| Week 17 onwards | 2.4 mg (maintenance dose) |
Not sure if Wegovy® is the right choice? Schedule a free consultation with an eMed weight management specialist.
Healthy Eating While Travelling with Wegovy
When travelling with Wegovy, it's essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet and staying active. Here are some tips for healthy eating while travelling:
- Eat a variety of whole foods: Incorporate high-quality protein sources, such as fish, meat, eggs, tofu, tempeh, yoghourt, cheese, and seafood, as well as fat from whole foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, avocado, and extra virgin olive oil. Choose high-fibre complex carbohydrates like whole grains, sweet potatoes, legumes, and butternut squash.
- Limit processed foods and added sugars: Avoid ultra-processed foods like boxed cereals, supermarket bread and pastries, fast food, microwave meals, oven pizza, crisps, biscuits, fizzy drinks, and supermarket sandwiches. Limit refined carbohydrates like white pasta, white rice, and oats that aren't steel cut.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water and avoid sugary drinks. Carry a reusable water bottle to refill throughout your travels.
- Plan meals ahead: Research local restaurants and markets to find healthy options. Pack snacks, such as fruits, nuts, and seeds, to keep hunger at bay between meals.
- Follow a balanced diet: Ensure your meals include all necessary nutrients within smaller portions. Practise mindful eating and limit processed foods.
- Consult your doctor: If you're unsure about your calorie intake while on Wegovy, consult your doctor for personalised advice.
Read more: Mindful Eating for Your Body and Mind
Staying Active on Vacation with Wegovy
In addition to healthy eating, staying active is crucial for maintaining a healthy lifestyle while travelling. Here are some tips for staying active:
- Take walks: Explore your destination on foot, whether it's a city or a natural area.
- Go for hikes: If you're travelling to a mountainous or hilly area, consider going for a hike to enjoy the scenery and get some exercise.
- Explore the area: Look for local activities, such as bike tours, kayaking, or swimming, to stay active while enjoying your vacation.
- Use stairs instead of elevators: If your accommodation has stairs, use them instead of elevators to get some extra steps in.
- Pack workout gear: Bring a lightweight workout outfit and resistance bands to do some bodyweight exercises in your hotel room or at a nearby park.
Remember, Wegovy interacts with the brain to lower appetite and reduce hunger, so you'll likely be eating 1200-2000 calories per day while on medication. It's essential to maintain a balanced diet and stay active to support your weight management goals while travelling.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle while travelling with Wegovy® is possible. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure your medication regimen stays on track, and you continue your weight management journey. For even greater success, explore our comprehensive eMed weight management programme. We offer the tools and support you need to achieve lasting results.
References
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Patient Information Leaflet: Wegovy 2.4 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen. Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.13799.pdf
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). FDA Approves New Drug Treatment for Chronic Weight Management, First Since 2014. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014
- NHS Kent and Medway. (n.d.). Information about weight loss medication. Retrieved from https://www.kentandmedway.icb.nhs.uk/about-us/who-we-are/medicines-optimisation/information-about-weight-loss-medication
