DVT prevention and carriage of clexane needles in carry on luggage.

[Quickstatus]

I decided to get a prescription of clexane (injectable blood thinner) for my last trip to the US.

I gave myself the clexane at the airport prior to customs and security and carried the needles through security. Carried same to security for connecting flight to Denver. Another dose on the evening in Denver. Did the same for the return

i fully expected to be asked about the needles but was never questioned by any security officer.

I carried a copy of the prescription in case.

There are needle disposable receptacles at the airports i visited though i felt a bit of a drug addict using one.

 

[kelvedon]

That seems rather more serious than the Asprin I usually take.

 

[Quickstatus]

Aspirin has a lingering effect which i did not want as i was going skiing. So did not want a brain bleed if i crashed ( helmet on).

Clexane for me is better in that once i was acclimatised the effect subsides.

i was surprised though i was not asked about the needles at security

 

[robd]

I decided to get a prescription of clexane (injectable blood thinner) for my last trip to the US.

I gave myself the clexane at the airport prior to customs and security and carried the needles through security. Carried same to security for connecting flight to Denver. Another dose on the evening in Denver. Did the same for the return

i fully expected to be asked about the needles but was never questioned by any security officer.

I carried a copy of the prescription in case.

There are needle disposable receptacles at the airports i visited though i felt a bit of a drug addict using one.

Have you had DVT before, or are you just trying to prevent getting it?

 

[Quickstatus]

Prevention better than cure and Im not getting younger and i was travelling to high altitude ski resort via DEN.

Also travelled in QF J (this in of itself would obviously help).

 

[robd]

I must say I'm a bit gob smacked. You said "I decided to get a prescription for Clexane". I don't know any doctor that I could dictate to and get them to give me a prescription without having a medical reason to justify it. You didn't actually pose a question in your OP. What is the point of your post?

 

[Cynicor]

I must say I'm a bit gob smacked. You said "I decided to get a prescription for Clexane". I don't know any doctor that I could dictate to and get them to give me a prescription without having a medical reason to justify it. You didn't actually pose a question in your OP. What is the point of your post?

There's probably a lot more medical history to the story, and I'd give it with the right reasons, but I think the point was mainly about security and the needles?

 

[Cynicor]

Prevention better than cure and Im not getting younger and i was travelling to high altitude ski resort via DEN.

Also travelled in QF J (this in of itself would obviously help).

I think some studies show more DVT from J and F- likely less getting up as people are more comfortable and more/better alcohol so higher rates of dehydration.

 

[Jack_OC]

There's probably a lot more medical history to the story, and I'd give it with the right reasons, but I think the point was mainly about security and the needles?

The American College of Chest Physicians guidelines recommend that neither aspirin nor anticoagulants should be used to prevent DVT in long haul travellers - even those with previous venous thromboembolism and/or other risk factors. In those at risk, they recommend the use of graduated compression stockings and other measures such as frequent exercise.

By the way, there is a significantly greater risk of bleeding with Clexane than with low dose aspirin.

 

[Quickstatus]

There was no question. Thats why i put it as a open discussion thread.

The point was about security and the carriage of needles.

(The DVT issue is a real one too but its an issue best discussed with your medical professional)

 

[robd]

There's probably a lot more medical history to the story, and I'd give it with the right reasons, but I think the point was mainly about security and the needles?

Oh, ok. I was a bit confused. I am sure there are thousands of travellers every day travelling with Clexane or Insulin and other medications requiring needles and I expect it is not unusual to see it. My daughter was diagnosed with CVST in May last year and my sister was diagnosed with breast cancer a couple of years ago, both requiring Clexane.

 

[Quickstatus]

I wonder if diabetics with their insulin pens and clexane users have ever been stopped so security can confirm their injection gear?

 

[Jack_OC]

There was no question. Thats why i put it as a open discussion thread.

The point was about security and the carriage of needles. (The DVT issue is a real one too but its an issue best discussed with your medical professional rather than Dr Google or any guidelines issues by whatever organisation)

I'm certainly not relying on Dr Google. But it sounds like you might be well served googling the American College of Chest Physicians and educating yourself about the credibility of their guidelines.

 

[Cynicor]

The American College of Chest Physicians guidelines recommend that neither aspirin nor anticoagulants should be used to prevent DVT in long haul travellers - even those with previous venous thromboembolism and/or other risk factors. In those at risk, they recommend the use of graduated compression stockings and other measures such as frequent exercise.

By the way, there is a significantly greater risk of bleeding with Clexane than with low dose aspirin.

Sure. But NICE guidelines suggest there is no good evidence for graduated compression stockings (thought they do recommend them), and that there may be a role for LMWH in consultation with a haematologist.

We all know medicine is rarely one size fits all.

 

[Quickstatus]

Im sure the organisation you mention carries significant credibility in that it represents a consensus opinion, but as I said my medical practitioner is my go to person for all things medical.

I will google it though.

 

[under the radar]

QANTAS.com > Fly > Specific Needs > Medical Assistance > Hypodermic Needles

 

[Jack_OC]

Sure. But NICE guidelines suggest there is no good evidence for graduated compression stockings (thought they do recommend them), and that there may be a role for LMWH in consultation with a haematologist.

We all know medicine is rarely one size fits all.

Agree there is no one size fits all. However, as you said, the NICE guidelines also recommend GCS as the main preventative measure. In people at high risk of DVT, they actually recommend avoiding long haul travel altogether unless it's "unavoidable". Even then, they recommend the use of GCS and other measures in addition to consulting a haematologist to get advice on prescribing LMWH. I don't think those guidelines are consistent with prescribing Clexane to someone so they can go skiing.

 

[k_sheep]

That seems rather more serious than the Asprin I usually take.

Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent - good for preventing arterial clots, but no good for venous.

 

[kelvedon]

Aspirin is an antiplatelet agent - good for preventing arterial clots, but no good for venous.

So is asprin of no help in preventing DVT?. I ask that as a laymans question, and not to contest your comment

 

[janelarm]

My family has a history of blood clots and so I have been traveling with injectable fragmin for the last 12 years and never had any issues in the US. Qantas club also makes disposal before flight really easy.