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diabetic son is abroad

T

toffeeapples

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Hi, my son is currently working in asia for a year, hes a type I. he took 4 months supply out with him, but he ll soon be needing more, hes looked into buying it out there but it hugely expensive, sending it out would prove dificult as it ll freeze in the hold, what are my other options? anyone any experience of this? would be most gratefull of suggestion or past experience
regards toffee x
 
Hi,
Parcel Force will ship prescription medical items to any country that will accept them.
Here is a link to the page that contains their rules: http://www.parcelforce.com/help-informa ... strictions

Specifically it states:

Prescription drugs
Prescription drugs sent for medical or scientific purposes, for example from a medical practitioner to a hospital, must contain the address of the sender and telephne number in case of non-delivery, so that they may be returned without delay. The properties of these drugs, should not meet any of the criteria of the 9 UN hazard classes when classified by the sender. Drugs in prescription quantities may be sent by private individuals in the case of emergencies. In all cases, the sender's address and telephone number must be included on the inside of the package.
Sharp objects
These items may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they do not present a risk to employees, other packages or recipients.

If I were you, I would enquire on the Parcel Force site above to find out whether items can be carried in an above zero state. I'm sure not all of the hold area on a plane is at freezing point or below.
 
Keep in mind that you will also need to keep the insulin refrigerated (which is why on-line pharmacies - the one's I've looked at anyway - won't ship insulin), and that your GP is not required to provide you with medication for an extended stay abroad (there was a similar case here some time ago).

Stuff freezing in the hold is the least of your problems (on my last trip my thermometer at the centre of my suitcase was 8-12 deg for the entire journey - i.e. it was too warm.)
 
I was advised that Insulin is highly resilient and warming up a tad in the short term is not such an issue. This is what my Consultant told me anyway. he also said that if its clear and wont become cloudy (mixed) when shaken/rolled prior top use, don't use it. Anyone got any comments on that?

When I travel I put 10 pens in an unbreakable insulated metal food flask with small ice packs. it warms up a tad after 12 hours say but not enough to damage it. I don't put the needles on though as I found out, the pressure change can discharge the contents when you do that. Airport security dont like food flasks but they are OK once you have opened up and explained the contents.
 
tubsmacker said:
I was advised that Insulin is highly resilient and warming up a tad in the short term is not such an issue. This is what my Consultant told me anyway. he also said that if its clear and wont become cloudy (mixed) when shaken/rolled prior top use, don't use it. Anyone got any comments on that?
Click to expand...

This advice could be misleading, as many insulins are completely clear and not meant to go cloudy. When clear insulin goes cloudy it usually means that it has been exposed to the cold, formed crystals and should NOT be used. It would apply only to insulins that are a mix of rapid and slow acting types.
 
I can't help on the original question, but just on the storage thing I was recommended 'Frio' bags. You put the bag in cold water and the crystals absorb the water then as it evaporates it keeps cold. You keep your insulin in these and they stay chilled for a long time (can't remember exact time but its more than 1 day) and to re-use you just soak in cold water so you don't need a freezer. Great for holidays.
 
If he's working overseas for a short period, presumably he has health insurance which entitles him to help with some medical costs? Perhaps his employer can help, particularly if he was sent to Asia by a UK based employer? Otherwise, NHS does not have to help, and he'll have to do whatever people with diabetes in the country in which he is living / working is doing. Those of us who live in UK and need insulin are among the most fortunate in the world to get free insulin, regardless of income.
 
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