Ozempic (Semaglutide) is an incredibly easy and convenient medication to self-administer. You don’t have to visit the clinic regularly to have it administered. Instead, you can self-inject the medication in your thigh, abdomen, or, sometimes, the upper arm once a week. But while sticking to a once-weekly dosage is easy at home, what happens when you’re traveling? Whether you're heading on a business trip, a vacation, or a family visit, ensuring that your medication regimen remains uninterrupted is crucial. Here are four practical tips to help you manage your Ozempic while traveling

1. Store your Ozempic properly

Before your trip…
Make sure you have enough Ozempic to last the entire trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays. Ensure your medication is stored at the correct temperature, which is between 36°F and 46°F (2°C to 8°C) before its first use. Once you start using an Ozempic pen, it can be kept at room temperature (59°F to 86°F or 15°C to 30°C) or refrigerated for up to 56 days.

While flying…
When traveling by air, keep your Ozempic in your carry-on luggage to avoid extreme temperatures in the cargo hold. Use a travel cooler or insulated bag with ice packs to keep your medication within the recommended temperature range. However, do not place your Ozempic directly on ice or gel packs to prevent freezing. Upon arrival, promptly store it in a refrigerator or at a suitable room temperature.

When on the road…
If you're on a road trip, keep your Ozempic pen with you and avoid leaving it in the car, where temperatures can vary widely. Portable coolers designed for medications can be very useful for maintaining the right temperature. Always have a plan for refrigerating your Ozempic at your destination, whether it's a hotel, a friend's house, or other accommodation.

2. Plan your injections around your schedule

Stick to your routine
Try to administer your Ozempic injections on the same day each week, as close to the same time as possible. Use your phone's alarm or a reminder app to help keep you on schedule. Consistency is key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels.

Adjust for different time zones
If you're traveling across time zones, plan how the time change will affect your injection schedule. If the difference is minor (1-2 hours), you can usually stick to your regular schedule. For more significant time changes, adjust your injection time gradually a few days before your trip. For instance, if traveling east, take your injection an hour earlier each day. If traveling west, take it an hour later each day until you align with your new time zone.

Remain flexible in case of emergencies
While sticking to a schedule is important, life happens. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within five days of the missed dose. If it’s been longer, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Never take extra doses to make up for a missed one because that can increase the risk of side effects or complications.

3. Pack a comprehensive travel kit

Include essential supplies in your travel kit, including:

• Enough Ozempic pens for your trip, plus a few extras
• Alcohol swabs for sanitizing injection sites
• Extra needles
• A sharps disposal container for used needles
• A portable cooler or insulated bag with ice packs for storage
• A thermometer to monitor the storage temperature
• Your prescription and a note from your doctor explaining your need for Ozempic, which can be helpful at airport security

Carry documentation and prescriptions
Carry your prescription and a doctor’s note, especially when flying. It’s also wise to have a list of your medications and doses, as well as your doctor’s contact information in case of an emergency. Knowing the location of nearby pharmacies at your destination can be helpful.

Maintain a backup plan
Consider what you'll do if you lose or damage your Ozempic. Research whether Ozempic is available at your destination and how to get a refill if necessary. Having a plan in place will give you peace of mind and ensure continuity of care.

4. Be mindful of lifestyle changes

Travel often brings changes to your routine, including diet, activity level, and stress, all of which can affect your blood sugar levels. However, in order to get the most out of your Ozempic, you must maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and make other necessary lifestyle changes. These are some lifestyle changes you may have to make.

Maintain a balanced diet
Traveling can lead to irregular meal times and different food choices. Try to maintain a balanced diet and regular eating schedule. Pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, or yogurt to avoid unexpected blood sugar spikes or drops. Be mindful of portion sizes and choose whole grains, lean proteins, and plenty of vegetables whenever possible.

Stay active, even while traveling
Incorporate physical activity into your travel plans. Whether it’s walking tours, hiking, or using the hotel gym, staying active helps create and maintain the calorie deficit needed to lose weight sustainably, and it also helps manage your blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that activity can affect your insulin sensitivity, so monitor your levels and adjust your diet as needed.

Manage stress
Travel can be stressful, impacting your blood sugar and leading to unhealthy cravings for high-calorie foods, which can undo your weight loss efforts. Practice stress-reducing techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga and ensure you get adequate sleep.

By following these four tips, you can manage your Ozempic effectively while traveling, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip. Remember, planning ahead can help you maintain your health and stick to your weight loss goals on the go.