Androgel at the Airport?

[GirlyMan]

So I have to go away on business for a month or so which will require air travel. I will need 3 bottles of Androgel (4 to be safe) at my current dosage for that duration. That exceeds the TSA limits for carry-on of liquids and gels. The fact that testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance only adds to my concern. Sent an email to the TSA and received a completely uninformative, form-letter response.

What is the SOP for you hypogonadal, transdermal-using jet-setters? Do I just check my bags with the Androgel in it? Do I need to inform anyone when I'm checking my bags. I know enough to put the original box with my name and scrip # in my bags, but is there anything else I need to do?

Many Thanks,
George (aka Robert) Jetson

[joe143]

Never done it, but read many guys have flown with their prescription without trouble. As long as they can see the prescription on it, I wouldnt think there would be any cause for trouble. I would just put it in one of the luggage bags.

[dot1]

The liquid limit is only for carry on . If you check it in with your regular luggage you will be OK.

[anyman]

Might give you a back up as well. More is better.

[GirlyMan]

The liquid limit is only for carry on . If you check it in with your regular luggage you will be OK.

Yeah, but I've never lost carry-on before (that's why I carry it on). But I have lost (or rather the airlines have lost) my checked baggage. I would not be in very good shape if I lost my meds for a month.

[GottaGetIt]

Can you ship it to yourself?

[chilln]

So I have to go away on business for a month or so which will require air travel. I will need 3 bottles of Androgel (4 to be safe) at my current dosage for that duration. That exceeds the TSA limits for carry-on of liquids and gels. The fact that testosterone is a Schedule III controlled substance only adds to my concern. Sent an email to the TSA and received a completely uninformative, form-letter response.

What is the SOP for you hypogonadal, transdermal-using jet-setters? Do I just check my bags with the Androgel in it? Do I need to inform anyone when I'm checking my bags. I know enough to put the original box with my name and scrip # in my bags, but is there anything else I need to do?

Many Thanks,
George (aka Robert) Jetson

If they pull you up (and they will not) then they will accept everything as you have explained it as above.

Customs / security will only pull you up when you have seriously self evidently large quantities. No-one I know has ever been pulled up for self use, physiologic doses, even up to 6 months supply.

I don't know of anyone who has had to take more than 6 months supply of physiologic doses, on an airplane.

The law is designed to nail dopers. Not you. The customs and security agents know this, and they interpret the law accordingly.

[BigJimcalhoun]

Inside the US, I have never had a problem with liquid T or needles in carry-on. The 10ml bottle is far below 3 ounces. I have never been approached regarding it. I just put it in a baggie and go.

I also travelled outside the US and did not have an issue either, but I was on a cruise.

[Drew]

I think the biggest issue here is the amount of liquid you are taking in your carry-on. Doesn't matter what kind of liquid it is. How many ounces are in your androgel bottle? After reading further, I don't think you'll be able to carry those on. The TSA says you can only have 3 ounces per bottle, and all liquid must fit in a 1 quart plastic bag. Maybe 1 bottle would fit.

[may19th2001]

I think the biggest issue here is the amount of liquid you are taking in your carry-on. Doesn't matter what kind of liquid it is. How many ounces are in your androgel bottle? After reading further, I don't think you'll be able to carry those on. The TSA says you can only have 3 ounces per bottle, and all liquid must fit in a 1 quart plastic bag. Maybe 1 bottle would fit.

I have seen them confinscate guys body sprays or other items due to having too much, it is taking a rish the law is the law, it is quite a chance i would pack the excess liquids or gels you have into your package and hope it doesnot get lost.

That would be very difficult to be without your medication for over a month.

[JackBauer]

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

[Drew]

http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/specialneeds/editorial_1059.shtm

Nice find. Here is what's interesting from the above link:

"You are not limited in the amount or volume of these items you may bring in your carry-on baggage. BUT if the medically necessary items exceed 3 ounces or are not contained in a one-quart, zip-top plastic bag, you MUST declare to one of our Security Officers at the checkpoint for further inspection."

That makes me feel better, although i suppose in the end it's still up to the TSA. That makes me a bit nervous.

One way that I can see getting around it is getting a compounded test cream instead of androgel. At 10%, you'll be using 1/10th of the volume, which might get all of it to under 3 ounces.

[GirlyMan]

That is a nice find, JackBauer. After re-reading the email I received from TSA they indicated the same but it was hidden amidst a bunch of other blather. I will be carrying my meds on and reporting them prior to security. Thanks! Here is a copy of my email and their response just for the hell of it (with the names changed to protect the hypogonadal, of course).

My email:

"Dear TSA,

I am a hypogonadal male using physician-prescribed Androgel (testosterone gel) for testosterone replacement. I will need to travel by air (CONUS only) in the next few months. Could you please advise me on the proper procedure for declaring the Androgel so that I may bring it through airport security in my carry-on baggage.

Thanks,
GirlyMan"

Their response:

"Thank you for your e-mail message.

On August 10, 2006, British authorities arrested a number of extremists engaged in a plot to destroy multiple passenger aircraft flying from the United Kingdom to the United States. Currently, there is no indication of plotting within the United States. We believe that these arrests have significantly disrupted the threat, but we cannot be sure that the threat has been entirely eliminated or the plot completely thwarted.

For that reason, the United States Government has raised the Nation's threat level to High, or Orange, for all commercial aviation operating in or destined for the United States.

TSA encourages passengers to ensure medications are in their original packaging, with professionally printed labels or pharmaceutical labels. This is a recommendation to assist travelers with the screening process; however, this is not a requirement.

Medications (prescription medicines, diabetic glucose treatments and over-the-counter medicinal products, i.e. Tylenol®, Pepto-Bismol®, ointments, etc.) that come in liquid, gel, and/or aerosol form in containers greater than 3 ounce must be declared at the checkpoint for additional screening. If the passenger fails to make this declaration, the item will likely be removed barring extenuating circumstances. Passengers should only carry-on medications that are required to be available during their itinerary. This includes items like gel filled freezer packs or non-prescription liquid or gel medications, such as saline solution or KY-Jelly, required for medical necessity.It is unlikely that additional changes in the liquid, aerosol and gel policy will be made in the near future.

This security regime will apply to all domestic and international flights departing U.S. airports. Travelers should, however, check with transportation security authorities in their country-of-origin for information about security regimes at non-U.S. airports.

TSA will also be enhancing security measures throughout the airport environment - more random screening of employees, additional canine patrols, stronger air cargo security measures, more rigorous identity verification, deploying more trained security officers in bomb appraisal, and screening by observation technique.

With that said, every flying passenger has the responsibility to be alert and report suspicious activity to authorities. TSA employees at airports across the Nation are dedicated to the mission of protecting aviation security - one of the fundamental freedoms in our Nation. The American public should have confidence in, and patience with, our highly trained security staff during this time of elevated threat.

We encourage you to visit our website at www.tsa.govfor additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.

Sincerely,


TSA Contact Center"

[AnotherOldGuy]

I remember having a prescription cough med bottle that went thru OK. Already been said, if it is a scrip, i believe you can take it.

[foobar16]

I took a fairly large amount of Xyrem(double scheduled as schedule 1 and schedule 3 depending on circumstances) in a carry on. I placed it in a plastic bag with the prescription labels clearly visable, and then placed it in a tray separately and informed the TSA personnel. They gave me less hassle with that stuff than I've got for toothpaste. So no big deal if you're up front about it.