How to Travel With Ozempic (Wegovy, Zepbound, Mounjaro)
- Jennifer Hardy
- 46 minutes ago
- 6 min read
Several people have messaged the GLP-1 Newsroom recently about planning vacations and asking, "Can I travel with Ozempic/Zepbound?" or another GLP-1. The answer is a resounding, yes.
Whether you’re jetting off for a beach vacation or hitting the road to visit family, traveling with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, or Zepbound requires a little planning—but it’s totally doable.
The key is to treat your meds like the essentials they are: keep them close, keep them cool, and know the laws and guidelines.
How to Fly with GLP-1s
One of the biggest concerns I've heard is how to get through airport security with GLP-1 injector pens or vials. It's not nearly as worrisome as you might think.
Getting Through Airport Security with GLP-1s
The first thing to know is this: Be transparent as you approach a TSA officer by saying, "Hi, I’m carrying a prescription injectable medication with needles and cold packs." Have the medication in a place where you can easily reach it and provide it to the officer.
TSA allows injectable medications, needles, and even ice packs as long as they’re medically necessary. Read the section "Traveling with Diabetes" to get the planning guidance you would apply to GLP-1s for other health indications.
A pre-printed prescription label or a note from your doctor isn’t required, but can smooth the process. You don’t need to put your pens in a clear bag, but keeping them accessible in your carry-on (not checked luggage) is essential.
What About Airport Security Scanners?
Airport X-ray machines or security scanners do not harm GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro. It’s totally safe for them to go through both carry-on and body scanners. You can also request a manual screening if you'd prefer.
If you're still worried (I know I have anxiety about literally everything, so no judgment), reach out to the TSA Cares program by calling (855)787-2227.
What About the Needles for Semaglutide and Trizepatide When Traveling?
Whether you're using Ozempic, Wegovy (semaglutide), Mounjaro, or Zepbound (tirzepatide), needles or pre-filled pens are allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage under TSA guidelines.
It’s best to keep them in your carry-on with the medication and leave them in their original packaging if possible. I keep a couple of extra "travel sharp containers" to dispose of my Zepbound syringes after I'm done.
What About Ice Packs or Frozen Gel Packs?
If you're flying with GLP-1s and using ice packs or gel packs, make sure they're completely frozen when you go through security. If they’re even a little slushy, TSA might treat them like liquids—unless you clearly explain they’re keeping medication cold.
That usually works, but to avoid the extra screening, it’s easier to just freeze them solid before you head to the airport. Keep them with your meds in an insulated case, and let the agent know what they’re for if asked.
If you're flying home and you’ve used all your pens or syringes, but you're still traveling with ice packs or gel packs that are no longer fully frozen, TSA will treat them like any other liquid. They’ll need to follow the 3.4 oz liquid rule, or TSA may toss them.
Freeze your gel packs solid again before the return flight.
Traveling by Car with GLP-1s
Flying isn’t the only scenario that takes a little planning—road trips come with their own challenges, especially when it comes to temperature control and timing.
Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a cross-country holiday drive, it’s important to think through how you’ll store, transport, and dose your medication along the way.
Do GLP-1s Have to Stay Cold on Road Trips?
If your medication is unopened, yes—it needs to stay refrigerated until you use it. That applies whether you're using a pen or a vial.
Ozempic and Wegovy can last longer out of the fridge—up to 56 days for Ozempic and 28 days for Wegovy. Mounjaro and Zepbound, on the other hand, are only good for 21 days at room temperature. Once a pen has been out that long, it should be tossed—even if it looks fine.
That said, “room temp” doesn’t mean the inside of your car in July. GLP-1s break down when exposed to heat, and freezing ruins them too. Don’t leave them in the glove box, the back seat, trunk, or anywhere they can overheat or freeze.
Use the same type of insulated case you’d bring on a plane, with frozen gel packs, and keep it out of direct sun.
Temperature Requirements for Traveling with Ozempic (Zepbound, etc.)
Whether you’re flying with Ozempic, road-tripping with Zepbound, or packing Mounjaro in your carry-on, it’s smart to know how temperature affects these medications.
Manufacturers provide clear storage guidelines for a reason, but that doesn’t mean your trip will be ruined if your pen sits slightly outside the range for a short time. I've summarized those guidelines below with a link to the warning labels.
That said, there are temperature extremes that can degrade the drug’s effectiveness, especially if it freezes. Once that happens, it’s no longer safe to use. So while you don’t need to obsess over every degree, you do need to be aware of what counts as a real risk.
Also, always carry your GLP-1 medication as a carry-on when traveling. This keeps your meds from being exposed to extreme temperatures in the cargo hold.
Medication | Refrigerated Storage | Room Temp Storage | Max Room Temp | Duration at Room Temp | Notes |
36–46°F (2–8°C) | 59–86°F (15–30°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 56 days (after first use) | Discard after 56 days opened | |
36–46°F (2–8°C) | Up to 86°F (30°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 28 days | Discard if frozen or >86°F | |
36–46°F (2–8°C) | Up to 86°F (30°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 21 days (unopened), up to 30 days (in-use pen) | Discard if frozen or >86°F | |
36–46°F (2–8°C) | Up to 86°F (30°C) | 86°F (30°C) | 21 days | Do not return to fridge after room temp |
Travel Coolers for Injectables or Vials of GLP-1s
I've put a trio of travel coolers that I've tried for my Zepbound vials. Your needs might be different if you use the injectable pen, so I covered all of those bases. I might earn a commission from your purchase of these products, at no extra cost to you.
Check the label (see example below) to see how many vials or injectable pens fit in each container. Some of the round versions will only fit one Zepbound or Mounjaro, due to the broad base. Most will also allow room for two Ozempic pens.
ONLYCARE Insulin Cooler Travel Case
The ONLYCARE Insulin Cooler Travel Case is a TSA-approved, compact solution for traveling with Ozempic or other GLP-1 medications. It keeps meds safe and cool for up to 60 hours, fits multiple pens, and includes anti-shock protection. Ideal for flights, road trips, or daily commutes—no refrigeration stress required.
Cruxer Insulin Vial Cooler Travel Case
Given the supplies that come with my Zepbound vials from LillyDirect, I prefer this compact travel case with a size for vials and a larger size for pens. The Cruxer Insulin Vial Cooler Travel Case offers up to 12 hours of cooling with a durable, insulated design.
The HDPE ice brick cushions meds during transit, while a mesh pocket holds pens, wipes, or syringes. It’s portable, TSA-friendly, and ideal for trips or daily use.
YOUSHARES Insulin Cooler Travel Case with Temperature Display
What Happens if You Forget GLP-1 Meds When Traveling?
If you forget your GLP-1 medication while traveling, don’t panic. Missing one dose—especially if you’re taking it weekly—isn’t usually dangerous.
You might notice increased hunger or cravings, and some people experience mild digestive changes. Just resume your dose as soon as you can, following your regular schedule.
Don’t double up to make up for a missed dose. If you’re gone for an extended time without it, talk to your doctor about how to restart safely, especially if you were still ramping up.
Stopping your GLP-1 just to enjoy vacation food isn’t usually dangerous, but it can lead to stronger cravings, less control around eating, and side effects when you restart. It’s typically better to stay on track and simply allow yourself to enjoy the food, even if it's in smaller portions.
