Traveling with Trulicity: Essential Tips for Safe and Effective Use

Key Takeaways

• Trulicity must be kept in the refrigerator or at room temperature for no longer than 14 days, or the medication may become ineffective. 
• Knowing TSA and international regulations for traveling with injectable medications can help you pass through security and customs safely and easily. 
• Taking precautions to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures will help keep Trulicity safe and effective.

 {{mid-cta}}

‍

Whether heading off on a road trip a few hours away or catching an international flight, properly packing your medications is key to a safe and healthy holiday. Non-insulin injectables like Trulicity (dulaglutide) are commonly used to help manage blood sugar levels and are more complicated to travel with than medications that come in pills or capsules. 

Trulicity is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and help individuals manage their blood sugar levels more effectively. It belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which target GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas. While Trulicity is not insulin, it works alongside it by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin and lowering blood sugar levels. Traveling with Trulicity requires extra preparation as it’s a temperature-sensitive medication. Handling and storing it correctly will prevent it from becoming defective on your travels. 

While you may need to take a few extra steps to keep your injectable diabetes medication safe, it doesn’t have to add extra stress to your travel. In this article, you’ll learn the proper Trulicity storage guidelines, travel regulations, tips to keep your medication safe, and how to easily navigate international travel with Trulicity. 

Understanding Trulicity Storage Requirements

At the pharmacy, your Trulicity pen is kept in the refrigerator before dispensing, and it should be put back into your refrigerator shortly after you get home. For the medication to remain effective, it must be stored within a specific temperature range. Improperly storing medication increases the risk that it breaks down and becomes defective. 

To store Trulicity correctly: 

• When at home, keep the medication in your refrigerator so that its temperature is maintained between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). Store it away from the ice machine or cooling unit, as this may cause it to become too cold and freeze. 
• It can be stored at room temperature for up to 14 days if it does not get above 86°F (30°C). 
• Keep the injectable pens inside the original packaging to avoid prolonged exposure to direct light, which may cause the medication to become defective. 
• Avoid freezing Trulicity. If the medication has been frozen (or even if you think it may have been frozen and then thawed)., it should be thrown away. 

Preparing for Air Travel with Trulicity

Getting ready to fly with a Trulicity prescription requires a little thinking and planning ahead, but it doesn’t have to be a challenge as long as you know what to expect. 

Use a Carry-On

Always pack your Trulicity in your carry-on luggage instead of a checked bag. Not only does this prevent it from getting lost or delayed with luggage, but you’ll have more control over the temperature. 

Know the TSA Guidelines for Medications

Airport security allows medical supplies, injectables, and liquid medications to be transported in carry-on luggage, even if it exceeds the 3.4-ounce liquid limit. These rules apply to any injectable medication and are important to know when traveling with insulin or other medications like Ozempic or Mounjaro.¹

You’ll want to notify TSA agents that you’re carrying injectable medication at the beginning of the security screening process. Store your Trulicity in its original container in a separate bag so it can easily be shown to and inspected by TSA agents if requested. If you wear a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) on your upper arm, make sure to let TSA agents know that as well, as they may request visual inspection or x-ray inspection of any disconnected medical devices like glucose meters or other diabetes supplies. 

Keep documentation handy

While it’s not required by TSA for domestic travel, having your prescription and the original packaging of your Trulicity medication can help provide peace of mind during the security process. 

Plan for an Emergency

Because Trulicity's side effects can include hypoglycemia, especially when mixed with other diabetes medications, it’s important to be prepared in case of low blood sugar during air travel. Glucose tabs, jelly beans, or any other food or drink you use to correct low blood sugar should be kept with you at all times. 

Plan for Safe Disposal

Because Trulicity is an injectable, you’ll want to make sure you have a safe way to dispose of the used syringes when traveling. Carry a small, portable travel-sized sharps container and check local guidelines and regulations to verify the correct way to dispose of it. 

Tips for Maintaining Trulicity's Efficacy During Travel

One of the biggest concerns about traveling with Trulicity is preventing it from becoming defective. Follow these best practices for storing your diabetes medications anytime you travel. 

• Use insulated bags: A travel-sized insulated bag with cold gel packs can help keep Trulicity cool during warm weather and prevent it from freezing if you’re traveling somewhere cold.
• Request a refrigerator: When reserving a hotel room, ask for a refrigerator to store your medication. 
• Avoid extreme temperatures: Do not leave your Trulicity in a car that could become too hot or if temperatures are below freezing. 
• Keep track of storage time: Trulicity can be kept at room temperature for up to two weeks, but any longer and it may become defective. If you’re planning on keeping the medication out for an extended period of time, mark the date so you know when it needs to be discarded. 

Additional Considerations for International Travel

It’s easy to prepare for domestic air travel by quickly checking the TSA guidelines for medications, but international travel has some extra considerations. To ensure your international travel is hassle-free, you’ll want to get familiar with the area you’re traveling to and any locations you’ll be traveling through. 

To avoid any hiccups at customs, carry your prescription or a note from your healthcare provider and keep your Trulicity in the original container. It’s also a good idea to look up any laws or regulations specific countries have for traveling with injectable medications and to ensure you have emergency contact information if needed. 

Before getting to your destination, research local pharmacies and hospitals to prepare for an emergency. In case of delays, it may also be a good idea to bring a little more Trulicity than you think you’ll need for your trip and set medication reminders on your phone so you don’t forget a dose while adjusting to time zone changes and a new routine. 

The Bottom Line

Traveling with a diabetes injectable like Trulicity is manageable when you know what to prepare for. Proper storage, understanding TSA and international air travel regulations, and prioritizing temperature control will keep your medication effective and your travels hassle-free. 

Learn More About How to Improve Blood Sugar Health With Signos’ Expert Advice

While medications like Trulicity are incredibly effective and important for managing your blood sugar, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Signos’ expert advice can help you understand glucose and how it impacts your health, while Signos CGM provides invaluable insights into real-time blood glucose levels. Take a free quick quiz to find out if Signos is the right tool for your blood sugar, weight loss, or wellness journey.