Travel preparation

Before departure, you should check whether the quantity of tablets, drops or similar that you still have at home is sufficient for the duration of your trip. If you are unable to take enough medication with you, find out in advance whether you will be able to obtain the medication you are taking at your destination. Medicines are not equally available in every country, as the approval processes are often subject to national regulations. Furthermore, additional costs may be incurred abroad that may be covered by your health insurance at home.

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Medication intake

If medication has to be taken regularly, the question arises as to how it should be taken when traveling, especially in other time zones. Should the “home” cycle be adhered to or can the intake be adjusted? When taking medication, three factors should generally be taken into account, depending on the medication:

• the intake rhythm
• the circadian rhythm (e.g. with glucocorticoids)
• food intake (diabetes medication)

In principle, it can be said that medication intake should be adjusted if there is a time difference of more than two hours.

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Intake rhythm

Some medications should be taken at regular intervals to ensure a certain level of the drug in the body.In this case, traveling may have an impact on the required dose and interval of intake. How the medication intake should be adjusted depends on whether the journey is westbound or eastbound:Traveling east will result in a shortening of the day, whereas traveling west will result in a lengthening of the day.  A westbound trip may therefore require a one-off dose increase, while an eastbound trip may require a dose reduction. Whether and how the dose and interval need to be adjusted should be discussed with the treating physician.

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Circadian rhythm

Not every medication requires a dose adjustment. One example is glucocorticoids or the best-known glucocorticoid, cortisone. Glucocorticoids are often taken according to the circadian rhythm, i.e. the day-night or sleep-wake rhythm. Our body is subject to a new circadian rhythm when there is a time shift, especially during longer stays. The intake should be gradually adjusted to this rhythm until the usual intake time is reached. It is also advisable to adjust accordingly on the return journey. Here, again, it is important to discuss the journey and the corresponding adjustments to the medication intake with the person treating you.

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Dietary intake

If the intake of medication is linked to food intake, the intake of medication should also be adjusted here. Here too, it is advisable to discuss the trip with the person treating you in advance.