Getting insulin in Peru/Ecuador

[Klang180]

Hello

My partner and me (Type 1) are going to Peru and Ecuador for over two months. I will not be able to keep my insulin in the fridge for all of that time so i am looking to get insulin whilst i am out there.

I require Humalog and Lantus so can anyone tell me if it will be possible to buy it whilst out there and if i would need a prescription to do so?

Thanks to anyone who can help.

 

[Freya]

Hello.

I went to Ecuador for 4 months whilst there I travelled about a bit, and as a type 1 with all of my trips abroad I had the worry about how to keep my Insulin cool. I bought a couple of Frio Insulin Travel Wallets. No need for anything other than cold water, submerge the pack in cold water for a few minutes, then load your insulin back up in the wallet and it keeps it cool for a few days. These were so good, all my insulin was kept cool. The only advise I would give would be buy a couple of smaller ones as they keep things cool for longer.....plus it seperates your insulin, and since your going with someone else give them soon to carry just in case your baggage gets lost.

Quito was amazing! down town is especially fun I also travelled in the amazon for a while and loved every minute of it! I hope you have a fantastic time and although it sounds aweful try the Guinea Pig its a Ecuador delicacy and is really good!

Freya

 

[Klang180]

Hello Freya

Many thanks for your response and apologies for my belated reply.

I actually have a frio pack myself which i used for Thailand and found to be very good. The only problem is that it is a unit to keep Insulin cool and not fridge temperature. As a result all insulin in there is effectively activated and can only be kept for 28days.

How did you get around this? Did you buy insulin whilst out there?

 

[Freya]

I must admit I used my own insulin but I was just very careful. My wise old diabetic guru told me to lighten up and use my common sense.......he did drink a lot! and this conversation was when he was quite merry. He always kept his insulin in his kitchen cupboard and used to say his house wasn't too warm and his insulin was fine.....and to be fair he seemed to have a point.

Whilst I was away I used to use as cold a water as I could get for my frio pack and used to submerge them in ice cold water each day. It was a bit of an annoyance but just made sure my insulin was kept as cool as possible. I used to make sure my bags were always in the shade, and I just tried my best. I did run out of needles and went to a pharmacy and in my horrendous Spanish explained what I needed and why and they were ok with it. I managed to get my needles fine, there were obviously a bit more expensive but it wasn't a problem.

To be honest its just a judgement call. But make sure if you are going to get some more you are in a big city. In some areas an English speaking doctor isn't the easiest thing to locate and the last thing you need is a panic to get more.

If I was you I would take enough for the whole trip.....and a letter from your Doctor saying what you take, then if you decide you need some more you it makes it a bit easier for you to get some!

Freya