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Phone: 02 8217 8700 | Fax: 02 9211 7578 | email: info@nps.org.au | web: www.nps.org.au
MEDIA RELEASE
16 December 2009
Think about your medicines as you prepare for the holidays
Australians travelling over the Christmas break are urged to think about their medicines when
preparing to go away, especially if they are going overseas.
CEO of the National Prescribing Service, Dr Lynn Weekes said forgetting to pack your medicines or
not storing them properly can have serious consequences.
“There are three things to consider about your medicines when preparing to go away – do you have
enough for the duration of your holiday or repeat prescriptions that can be filled, do your medicines
need to be stored in special conditions while you’re travelling, and do you have the right
documentation if you’re going overseas,” Dr Weekes said.
“Most medicines need to be stored under 25°C as exposure to heat and sunlight can cause chemical
reactions in some medicines and reduce their effectiveness. If you’re going to be driving long
distances or you’ll be somewhere without electricity (e.g. camping) ensure any medicines are kept
cool in refrigerated bags.”
“If you are taking a friend or relative out of an aged care facility or hospital for leave over the holiday
period check with the nursing staff that you have been given any medicines they may need and
written instructions for dosages and timings. Ask for any special instructions such as avoiding
particular foods that you may need to know as their carer.”
“If you’re going overseas make sure you’ve had the necessary immunisations and have enough of
any medicines you take regularly for the time you’re away with a few days extra supply in case you
get delayed,” Dr Weekes said.
When taking medicines out of Australia always keep your medicines in their original packaging and
carry your prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining what the medicines are for. Some
countries may not allow you past immigration without this documentation if you’re carrying medicines,
especially if you have needles for injectible medicines.
“Crossing time zones can mess up daily medicine regimens so speak to your doctor or pharmacist
before you leave about how you can manage the time differences,” Dr Weekes said.
For advice on how to store your medicines while travelling ask your pharmacist or visit
ENDS
Media enquiries to Katie Butt, NPS Media Adviser, 0419 618 365 or kbutt@nps.org.au
The National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation for
quality use of medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.
NEWS 
