Traveling By Plane With Prescription Medicines? The Rules Have Changed
By Teresa Ambord
Since the terrorist attacks of 9/11, traveling by plane requires more forethought. The new security measures require that carry-on luggage be x-rayed before entering the plane. But many people worry that their prescriptions drugs will be affected by the x-ray process, making them lose potency or become unreliable.
When asked if these were valid concerns, one doctor responded by assuring the pubic there is no need for worry. Airport x-rays, he said, do not affect medication, vitamins, or insulin that is in a suitcase. A dentist who was contacted also offered the same opinion. He said that x-rays can only cause damage at extremely high energies, far greater than the screening devices used by airport security.
Nevertheless, many people still share the belief that their medications will be compromised. According to a manual distributed by a homeopathic clinic, homeopathic remedies contain dynamic electromagnetic fields, which may become distorted and unstable if they come into contact with other magnetic fields. Many doctors who practice homeopathy specifically instruct their patients to never allow their remedies to be x-rayed or to be within three feet of equipment emitting strong magnetic fields, such as a TV, a microwave, or any type of magnet.
Out of respect for those passengers who carry homeopathic remedies and anyone else who is uncomfortable with the idea of having their prescription medications x-rayed, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recommendations. First, before you leave home, place your clearly labeled prescription drugs together in a clear plastic bag in order to facilitate inspection.
Though all carry-on luggage is normally x-rayed, you can avoid this procedure by taking these steps (listed on the TSA Web site):
- Request a visual inspection before the screening process begins. Otherwise, your medications and supplies will undergo x-ray inspection.
- Have your medication and associated supplies separated from your other property and in a separate pouch/bag (preferably clear, as mentioned earlier) when you approach the screener at the walk-through metal detector. Request the visual inspection and hand your bag to the screener
- In order to prevent contamination or damage to your medications and supplies and/or fragile medical materials, you will be asked at the security checkpoint to display, handle, and repack your own medication and supplies during the visual inspection.
- Any medication and associated supplies that cannot be cleared visually must be submitted for x-ray screening. If you refuse, you will not be permitted to carry your medications and related supplies into the sterile area.
If you have concerns about your medications going through the x-ray screening, ask your doctor for his or her opinion. Or, as suggested above, follow the procedures and bypass the x-ray entirely.
