Going on holiday
 
Getting away from the stresses and worries of everyday life – and going somewhere you can relax and have fun – can help you feel a whole lot better. The good news is that, in most cases, a health concern shouldn't prevent you from taking a well-earned break. 
 
Simple steps to take before you go 
A little preparation will help you to travel with peace of mind: 
 

• Make sure you have enough medication and take your prescription along just in case. 
   
  
• Organise vaccinations and any other destination-specific medication at least 16 weeks before you go. See the travel section of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website here for further information. 
   
  
• Avoid problems when passing through customs. Visit the Home Office Drugs Branch website at www.drugs.gov.uk/publication-search/drug-licences/travellers-list to ensure there are no restrictions on taking your medicines into the country you're going to.  
   
  
• Get a written statement from your GP to confirm your need for medications and/or syringes and carry this with you at all times.  
   
  
• Pack your medication in your cabin baggage in case your other luggage goes missing.  
  

 
Taking medication while you're away 
If you're going to spend three days or more in a different time zone, you might want to discuss changing your normal medication regime with your doctor. But, as a guide:  
 

• Antibiotics that need to be taken every 6 or 12 hours should continue to be taken at regular intervals. It is important to keep the dosages spaced out properly, so make sure you have your tablets handy, especially if you are on a long-haul flight.  
   
  
• Spread out your doses at regular intervals to accommodate time gained (for example, when flying from London to New York you gain five hours). 
   
  
• While you are on the plane stay on 'UK time' until landing so you will have taken all your pills at the correct intervals. Then when you change your watch write down a reminder of when you need to take your pills.