Best way to toss needles while traveling?

NolaNana

Active member
What's the safest and easiest way to handle used needles when you're traveling? I'm going to be overseas for a few weeks. Thanks for all the tips on managing Ozempic while traveling, which were very helpful. But I'm still unsure about needle disposal. Should I just pack them to bring home? Or are there options at pharmacies and clinics abroad? I'm flying from the US to Thailand, then to Japan and South Korea, if that makes any difference.
 
I use a small, sturdy box that used to hold vitamins. It fits right in my insulated bag with my meds. I toss the used needles in there and then dispose of them in my sharps container when I get home. You could probably find a similar small box or container that seals well.
 
I keep a small prescription bottle with a child-proof lid. I've written "SHARPS" on it clearly. It stays in the same bag as my pen and extra needles. After each injection, I put the used needle in the bottle. It holds about 8 needles. I'm not sure how that'll work with customs, but they could inspect it. Then, when I'm home, I toss them like normal - in an old gummy vitamin container that I tape up and dispose of according to local guidelines when it's full.
 
You can buy travel-sized sharps containers on the online marketplaces. I used one on a recent trip, and it was also the right size to dispose of the empty pen when it was used up.
 
Thanks everyone for the ideas! I think I'll probably use a few of these suggestions together - a small container inside my cooler bag, and then bring it all home to be safe. Better than trying to figure out the disposal rules everywhere I go.
 
Just a reminder, wherever you inject, rotate injection spots to prevent irritation. Some people find one area works better than another. Some people report feeling less hungry when they inject in their abdomen, but it varies from person to person.
 
Shannon_1995 said:
I keep a small prescription bottle with a child-proof lid. I've written "SHARPS" on it clearly. It stays in the same bag as my pen and extra needles. After each injection, I put the used needle in the bottle. It holds about 8 needles. I'm not sure how that'll work with customs, but they could inspect it. Then, when I'm home, I toss them like normal - in an old gummy vitamin container that I tape up and dispose of according to local guidelines when it's full.

That's a good idea. I've never had an issue with TSA, but it's always a thought in the back of my mind.
 
Yeah, always mark it clearly. You don't want anyone accidentally getting stuck. Even a small container is better than nothing. I've heard stories of people not even realizing they weren't injecting correctly!
 
that's one hell of a story about the wrist. typing with one hand at first then jumped to two hands within a few days. phone, bags, driving were huge triggers before surgery too.
 
Track weekly averages more than daily numbers. Weight varies day to day. Seven-day moving average tells the real story - follow the trend, not single weigh-ins.
 
One of the clearest breakdowns I've seen for this protocol. Used other tools to narrow down protocols and check risk mitigation. If you have similar docs that would be great to share. Thanks either way.
 
Been on Wegovy almost 2 years, lost 115 lbs. on 1.7mg for 1.5 years. thinking about switching to pills to save 50 a month since i buy direct now. anyone made that switch? how was it?
 
Some weeks the hunger comes back and feels almost like it's not working. But then I look at the trend and it's still dropping. Took me forever to realize appetite isn't the real measure of progress.
 
pinned my stomach 6 months between 1-5 times a day mixing a bunch of different things and was totally okay at first. then started getting little rashes and my belly got super tender to needles. switched to glutes and never looked back. just alternate sides every other day. stomach's back to normal now.
 
Planning a trip across Europe soon and want to get some supplies there. Specifically injectable water, which needs a prescription where I'm from. Looking for guidance on best sources in the countries I'll visit. How much they cost, how hard to access, that sort of thing? Appreciate any advice.
 
Back
Top