Travelling with Trulicity: Storage, Cooling and Flying Guide for Australian Travellers

What temperature should Trulicity be stored at?

The Australian Consumer Medicine Information states that Trulicity pre-filled pens should normally be stored in a refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C.

Trulicity should also:

• Remain in its original packaging to protect it from light;
• Be handled carefully because the KwikPen contains glass components;
• Never be frozen;
• Not be used if it has been frozen.
• Not be used if it has been exposed to excessive heat;
• Not be used if the solution appears cloudy, discoloured or contains particles

When refrigeration is unavailable, a Trulicity pen may be stored at room temperature below 30°C for up to a total of 14 days. Trulicity is supplied as a single-dose pre-filled pen.

Trulicity storage summary

Trulicity contains dulaglutide and is registered in Australia as a prescription medicine supplied in a pre-filled pen.

Always follow the current Consumer Medicine Information supplied with your medication and the advice of your doctor, pharmacist or diabetes nurse educator.

Choosing a Medactiv transport option

Once you understand Trulicity's published storage requirements for your medication, the next step is choosing a transport option that can support those requirements for your complete journey.

Medactiv provides medication cooling solutions for short local trips through to long-haul international travel.

The EasyBag Classic is designed for medication requiring protection within approximately 16°C to 25°C. It is a cooling pouch and does not provide refrigerated transport between 2°C and 8°C.

The iCool range provides refrigerated transport options based on the complete journey time, medication quantity and packaging dimensions. Medactiv’s current guidance recommends the EasyBag Classic for 16°C to 25°C protection, the iCool Prestige for journeys under 24 hours and the MediCube range for journeys under 36 hours.

EasyBag Classic — cooling protection for up to five days

The EasyBag Classic may be considered when Trulicity is being carried within its permitted unrefrigerated storage period and needs protection from excessive heat.

The EasyBag Classic:

• Is activated using fresh water;
• Is designed to maintain approximately 16°C to 25°C;
• provides cooling for up to five days, depending on surrounding conditions;
• Does not require frozen gel packs or electricity;
• Does not refrigerate medication between 2°C and 8°C.

It may suit:

• Travel during the Trulicity's permitted unrefrigerated period;
• Protection against temperatures rising above 25°C;
• Day trips and sightseeing;
• Airport and hotel transfers;
• Shorter journeys where refrigerated transport is not required;
• Destinations where fresh water is available but freezer access is limited.

Trulicity may be stored below 30°C for up to a total of 14 days when refrigeration is unavailable. The EasyBag Classic provides a lower temperature range of approximately 16°C to 25°C, but it should only be used when the medication is being carried in accordance with its permitted unrefrigerated storage conditions.

Confirm with your pharmacist that this approach is appropriate for your medication and travel period.

iCool Weekender — up to 12 hours

The iCool Weekender may suit:

• Local travel;
• Protection against temperatures rising above 25°C;
• Day trips;
• Shorter domestic flights;
• Travel between two reliable refrigerators;
• A small number of Trulicity pens, subject to packaging dimensions.

iCool Prestige — up to 24 hours

The iCool Prestige may suit:

• Domestic air travel;
• Day trips;
• Shorter international flights;
• A small number of Trulicity pens;
• Journeys where reliable refrigeration will be available within 24 hours.

Measure the pens and its original cartons before purchase to make sure it will fit.

iCool MediCube Compact — up to 36 hours

The iCool MediCube Compact may suit:

• Long-haul travel from Australia;
• Journeys exceeding 24 hours;
• Extended airport stopovers;
• Several MTrulicity pens;
• Medication kept in its original packaging.

The Compact is designed to maintain medication between 2°C and 8°C for up to 36 hours under its stated testing conditions.

iCool MediCube Ultra — larger capacity for up to 36 hours

The iCool MediCube Ultra provides additional capacity for:

• Multiple Trulicity cartons;
• Several weeks or months of medication;
• More than one refrigerated medicine;
• Bulky original packaging.
• Situations where the Compact does not provide enough internal space.

The appropriate cooler depends on the complete door-to-door journey, number of pens and packaging dimensions—not solely on the medication name.

Does Trulicity need to remain refrigerated while travelling?

Not necessarily in every situation.

When refrigeration is unavailable, the Australian CMI permits a Trulicity pen to be stored at room temperature below 30°C for up to a total of 14 days.

This may suit a shorter trip when:

• The total time outside refrigeration will remain within 14 days;
• The medication can reliably remain below 30°C;
• It stays protected from light;
• It will not be exposed to excessive heat;
• Your pharmacist confirms that the plan is appropriate.

When Trulicity is being carried within its permitted unrefrigerated period, the EasyBag Classic may provide an additional layer of protection against warm conditions by helping maintain temperatures between approximately 16°C and 25°C.

The EasyBag Classic is a cooling pouch rather than a refrigerated 2°C to 8°C transport solution.

Temperatures can exceed 30°C:

• Inside a parked vehicle;
• in direct sunlight;
• During an outdoor airport transfer;
• Inside a coach or bus luggage compartment;
• In tropical destinations;
• During Australian summer travel.

A standard handbag, backpack or insulated lunch bag does not necessarily maintain a controlled temperature.

For long-haul journeys, hot destinations or travel where temperatures cannot be reliably controlled, maintaining Mounjaro between 2°C and 8°C may provide a more predictable storage plan.

Keep track of the total 14-day period

The Australian CMI describes the unrefrigerated allowance as up to a total of 14 days below 30°C

Keep a written record of:

• The date and time each pen first leaves refrigeration;
• Any later periods outside refrigeration;
• The accumulated time outside refrigeration;
• Which carton or pen the record applies to;
• Any exposure to temperatures approaching or exceeding 30°C.

The CMI does not state in the storage section that returning the pen to refrigeration restarts the 14-day allowance. Ask your pharmacist how to calculate separate periods outside refrigeration for your specific pens.

Calculate the complete door-to-door journey

Do not choose a medication cooler using only the scheduled flight time.

Your complete journey may include:

1. Travel from home to the airport.
2. International check-in.
3. Security screening.
4. Waiting at the departure gate.
5. Flight time.
6. Stopovers and connecting flights.
7. Immigration and baggage collection.
8. Ground transport to the accommodation.
9. Time required to access suitable refrigeration.

A scheduled 22-hour flight may become a journey of 28 to 32 hours once airport waiting, connections and ground transport are included.

For travel from Australia to Europe, the United Kingdom or North America, allow a reasonable buffer for delays.

Can you take Trulicity on a plane?

Trulicity is supplied as a single-dose pre-filled autoinjector. The Australian CMI specifically advises travellers to tell their doctor, pharmacist or diabetes nurse educator that they are travelling and to ask their doctor for a letter explaining why they need to carry injection devices. It also notes that Trulicity may not be available in every destination country.

Keep Trulicity in your carry-on luggage, rather than checked baggage.

Checked baggage may be:

• Delayed or lost;
• Exposed to uncontrolled temperatures;
• Placed in very hot or cold environments;
• Damaged during handling;
• Unavailable during a missed connection.

Australian airport-security guidance allows reasonable quantities of prescription medicines and medically required temperature-control items. You may be required to present the medication, gel packs and evidence such as a doctor’s letter at screening.

Documents to consider carrying

Keep the following with your medication:

• Your prescription;
• A letter from your doctor;
• The pharmacy-labelled original packaging;
• The Consumer Medicine Information;
• A list of the medicines and injection equipment you are carrying;
• Confirmation that gel packs are required for temperature control.

Keep the medication in its original pharmacy-labelled packaging wherever practical.

Documents to consider carrying

Keep the following with your medication:

• Your prescription;
• A letter from your doctor;
• The pharmacy-labelled original packaging;
• The current Consumer Medicine Information;
• A list of the medicines and injection equipment you are carrying;
• Confirmation that cooling gel packs are required for temperature control;
• Several copies of your doctor’s letter when visiting multiple countries.

The Australian Trulicity CMI recommends asking your doctor for a letter explaining why you are travelling with injection devices and carrying several copies for the countries you plan to visit.

Check the requirements of your airline, departure airport, transit airports and destination country before travelling.

Can frozen gel packs go through airport security?

Frozen gel packs used to regulate the temperature of prescription medication can be carried as medically required items, but you may need supporting evidence.

Before departure:

• Carry your prescription and doctor’s letter;
• Ensure the letter mentions your cooling gel packs;
• Present the medication and cooling equipment openly;
• Allow additional time for inspection;
• Check the rules at every airport on your itinerary.

Overseas airports may apply different procedures from Australian airports.

Can you fly with Trulicity autoinjectors?

Yes, provided the pens are medically required and appropriately documented.

Trulicity is supplied as a single-dose pre-filled autoinjector. Each pen contains one dose and is disposed of after use.

Carry:

• The pens in their original pharmacy-labelled packaging;
• Your prescription and doctor’s letter;
• An appropriate puncture-resistant sharps container or disposal plan.

How to pack Trulicity in an iCool bag

Always follow the instructions supplied with the selected Medactiv product.

General preparation includes:

1. Freeze the Medactiv gel packs at approximately –18°C for at least 14 hours.
2. Position the gel packs as shown in the product instructions.
3. Use the internal protective divider.
4. Never allow the Trulicity pen to directly touch a frozen gel pack.
5. Keep the pens in their original packaging where practical.
6. Protect the autoinjectors from impact and physical damage.
7. Keep the cooler closed as much as possible.
8. Protect the bag from direct sunlight and external heat.

Trulicity must not be frozen or exposed to excessive heat. It should remain in its original packaging to protect it from light.

What if the original Trulicity cartons do not fit?

Keeping Trulicity in its original packaging helps protect it from light and preserves the pharmacy label and medication information.

When possible, choose a medication cooler large enough to accommodate the original cartons.

When space is limited:

• Ask your pharmacist before removing the pens from their cartons;
• Keep the pharmacy label and prescription with the medicine;
• Protect the pens from light;
• Prevent physical damage;
• Ensure the pens cannot touch frozen gel packs.

The MediCube Ultra may be more suitable when several original cartons need to be transported.

Protecting the Trulicity pens from damage

Trulicity pens are single-dose injection devices

During travel:

• Keep the pens in a protective packaging;
• Do not place heavy items on top of it;
• Prevent it from moving freely inside the cooler;
• Keep it in your carry-on luggage;
• Inspect it after any significant impact.

Do not use a pen if the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering, or if the medicine appears cloudy, discoloured or contains particles.

Will airline staff refrigerate Trulicity?

Do not rely on airline staff to refrigerate your medication; they will not.

Aircraft refrigerators are intended for catering supplies and are not available for passenger medication. Their temperatures may also not be monitored within the required 2°C to 8°C range.

Your travel plan should allow you to manage the medication throughout the journey without relying on cabin-crew refrigeration.

Managing stopovers

A stopover can significantly increase the time away from reliable refrigeration.

Before travelling, check:

• The stopover duration;
• Whether you will remain airside;
• Whether an airport hotel is available;
• Whether refrigerator access is available;
• Whether freezer access is available for the gel packs;
• Whether the selected cooler covers the complete journey.

Do not assume that airport restaurants, lounges or airline staff will store medication or refreeze gel packs.

For an overnight stopover, contact the hotel before arrival and ask separately about:

• refrigerator access for the medication;
• freezer access for the gel packs.

Using a hotel refrigerator

Hotel minibars and small refrigerators may have inconsistent temperatures.

Medication placed against the back wall or cooling plate may freeze. A frequently opened or heavily stocked refrigerator may not remain cold enough.

When using hotel refrigeration:

• Ask whether the refrigerator maintains 2°C to 8°C;
• Keep the medicine away from the back wall and cooling element;
• Leave it in its original packaging;
• Place it where it will not be accidentally removed;
• Advise hotel staff that it is prescribed medication;
• Consider using a suitable thermometer.

Travelling during an Australian summer

Trulicity may be stored below 30°C during its permitted unrefrigerated period, but this temperature can easily be exceeded during Australian summer travel.

To reduce heat exposure:

• Never leave Trulicity or the cooler in a parked vehicle;
• Keep it out of direct sunlight;
• Carry it inside the passenger cabin of the car;
• Do not place it in a bus luggage compartment;
• Minimise time outdoors during transfers;
• Keep the medication with you.

Higher ambient temperatures may reduce the stated performance duration of a medication cooler.

What should you do if Trulicity becomes too warm?

Do not use Trulicity if you believe it has been exposed to excessive heat.

Record:

• The highest likely temperature;
• How long the exposure lasted;
• Whether the pen remained in its original packaging;
• Whether it was exposed to direct sunlight;
• How much of the permitted 14-day unrefrigerated period had already been used.

Contact your pharmacist, prescribing doctor or the manufacturer for medicine-specific advice.

What should you do if Trulicity freezes?

The Australian CMI states that Trulicity must not be frozen and must not be used if it has been frozen.

If you believe it has frozen:

• Do not use it;
• Do not thaw it and continue using it;
• Keep it separate from unaffected medication;
• Contact your pharmacist;
• Arrange safe disposal if advised.

When should a Trulicity pen be discarded?

Each Trulicity pen contains one dose and is intended for single use.

The Australian CMI advises placing empty pens in a sharps container or a similar puncture-resistant container made from hard plastic or glass. Ask your pharmacist, doctor or diabetes nurse educator where the full container should be taken for disposal.

Carry a suitable sharps container or disposal plan when travelling.

Frequently asked questions

What temperature should Trulicity be stored at?

Trulicty pens should normally be refrigerated between 2°C and 8°C.

How long can Trulicity remain outside the refrigerator?

When refrigeration is unavailable, a Trulicity pen may be kept below 30°C for up to a total of 14 days

Can the EasyBag Classic be used for Trulicity?

The EasyBag Classic may be considered when Trulicity is being carried within its permitted unrefrigerated storage period.

It is designed to help maintain medication between approximately 16°C and 25°C for up to five days. It does not provide refrigerated transport between 2°C and 8°C.

Confirm your storage plan with your pharmacist

Can Trulicity be carried in hand luggage?

Temperature-sensitive medication should generally remain in your carry-on luggage so that it stays accessible and avoids the uncontrolled conditions that can occur in checked baggage.

Can Trulicity touch a frozen gel pack?

No. Use the protective divider supplied with the medication cooler. Direct contact with a frozen gel pack may cause the medication to freeze.

Which Medactiv cooler may suit travel to Europe?

For long-haul travel from Australia, the iCool MediCube Compact may suit a small-to-medium quantity requiring up to 36 hours of refrigerated transport.

The iCool MediCube Ultra provides additional capacity for several cartons or other refrigerated medication.

Can Trulicity be used after excessive heat exposure?

The Australian CMI advises not to use Trulicity if you believe it has been exposed to excessive heat. Contact your pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice.

Can an ordinary insulated lunch bag be used?

An ordinary insulated bag may offer temporary protection from direct heat, but it is not necessarily designed or tested to maintain medication within a defined temperature range.

Trulicity travel checklist

Before leaving Australia:

• Read the current Consumer Medicine Information;
• Confirm your storage plan with your pharmacist;
• Determine whether you require refrigeration or protection from heat;
• Record all time spent outside refrigeration
• Calculate the complete door-to-door journey;
• Check expected temperatures;
• Measure the pens and original carton;
• Choose a cooling product with sufficient duration and capacity;
• Include additional time for delays;
• Correctly prepare the EasyBag or freeze the iCool gel packs;
• Obtain your prescription and doctor’s letter;
• Check airline and airport-security requirements;
• Keep Trulicity in your carry-on luggage;
• Protect the pens from freezing, excessive heat, light and impact;
• Organise suitable refrigeration at the destination;
• Arrange freezer access if the gel packs need to be reused;
• Carry a suitable sharps container.

Need help selecting a medication cooler?

Medactiv Australia can help you compare product capacity and cooling duration based on your complete travel time and medication quantity.

View the Medactiv medication cooling range or contact Medactiv Australia on 0410 022 777.

Important information

This article is intended for people who have already been prescribed Mounjaro. It provides general information about published storage and transport requirements.

Medactiv does not prescribe or supply Trulicity. Medactiv products provide storage and transport support for prescribed temperature-sensitive medication.

Always refer to the current Australian Consumer Medicine Information and speak with your doctor or pharmacist before changing how your medication is stored or transported.

Medactiv Australia provides a range of iCool bags to help patients transport temperature-sensitive medication with confidence, whether it is for a short day trip, overnight stay, or longer journey.

Contact www.medactiv.com.au or use our online email form to travel with confidence.